Where the credit union movement stops presenting and Starts having the conversations that activate.
What The Underground Is
For more than a decade, the Underground has brought together credit union leaders, entrepreneurs, regulators, and industry innovators for candid conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing cooperative finance.
We Go Where Others Won't (But Should)
It is NOT a traditional conference.
The Underground is a fast-paced collision of perspectives designed to spark dialogue, challenge assumptions, and inspire new collaboration across the credit union ecosystem.
Who Goes?
Participants include CEOs, emerging leaders, fintech entrepreneurs, regulators, and strategic partners who share a commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement.
Why the Underground Exists
The Underground is a fast-paced collision of perspectives designed to spark dialogue, challenge assumptions, and inspire new collaboration across the credit union ecosystem. Our Core Tenets include:
- Refuge from Bureaucracy
- Unfiltered Voice
- Passionate and Informed
- Get Over It
- It’s Not Personal and Not a Bitch Session
- Thought Leadership that Requires Action
The Underground Experience
Underground sessions move quickly and focus on real conversations rather than presentations. Panels bring together diverse perspectives across the industry. Audience participation is encouraged, creating a collaborative environment where ideas can be explored from multiple angles.
The goal is not simply to discuss trends, but to examine what they mean for the future of the cooperative movement.
Get In
The Room
The Underground moves fast and pulls no punches. Show up ready to think, not just listen.
Back the Conversation
Underground partners aren't sponsors in the traditional sense they're champions of authentic industry dialogue who believe the movement is worth the friction.
Speak Up & Speak Out
If you're sitting on a hard truth or an uncomfortable idea the movement needs to hear, the Underground is where it belongs.
No scripts. No sales pitches. Just real dialogue among leaders who care deeply about the future of the credit union movement.
A Word from Our Chief Executive Officer, Susan Mitchell
Made Possible by Our Strategic Partners & Champions
The Underground is made possible through collaboration with organizations across the credit union ecosystem. Our strategic partners bring long-term alignment and thought leadership, while our champions enable the specific events and moments that make candid dialogue and real industry progress possible.
Strategic Partners
Organizations that share our deep commitment to the credit union movement and bring thought leadership, expertise, and a passion for real dialogue.
- Deep credit union expertise & thought leadership
- Long-standing champions of the cooperative model
- Dedicated to authentic, unfiltered conversation
Champions
Generous supporters who help create the intimate, high-impact event environment the Underground is known for.
- Enable candid industry dialogue at our events
- Fuel meaningful collaboration and progress during key convenings
- Help shape the future of the cooperative movement through targeted event support
