The Underground is an initiative Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates (MSA) created to bring together strategic influencers in the credit union industry to share authentic discussions, discuss state-of-the-art innovation, and network with peers. One of the primary ways the Underground Community can discuss critical issues is through Underground Collisions.
Let’s look closer at Underground Collisions and why they matter to our Underground Community.
Where do we collide?
Underground Collisions are events MSA hosts that “collide” with specific conferences based on the different needs of our Underground Community and the credit union industry at large.
For instance, we collide with CUNA’s GAC, focusing on modernizing the credit union mission and industrywide issues. On the other hand, when we collide with the National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations (NACUSO), we select speakers who are leaders of for-profit CUSOs and challenge them to debate different issues. Sometimes we collide with the World Council of Credit Unions and bring speakers worldwide to dive into how they do business in a different tax and regulatory structure. And we usually collide with Money 20/20 to help increase credit union visibility at the largest gathering of financial experts in the U.S.
What happens at a Collision?
Each Collision is unique, with speakers that bring a diversity of thought. First, MSA looks at current events to assess the impact on credit unions and future implications. We then reach out to subject matter experts to participate in a non-scripted panel to have a real conversation about a chosen topic. It’s a fast-paced, controversial approach that engages the audience for about 30 minutes per segment.
For example, at our last Underground Collision (Member Mayhem) in Las Vegas with NACUSO, 200 CUSO executives debated about profit, reinvestment into technology, consolidation of CUSOs, and much more.
After each event, we share the attendee list and publish a white paper to help you put Ideas into Action at your credit union. You may also participate in our virtual “Watch Parties,” where we pull out specific topics and ask one or more subject matter experts to delve further into the conversation.
Who can attend a Collision?
If you’re looking for a way to expand your mind and learn from strategic thought leaders in the industry, this is the place for you. But you need to be ready to experience something unique. This is unlike a regular credit union conference where you sit and take notes. Instead, the Underground Community engages and challenges each other to get real answers and solutions. You will be part of the process when you attend.
If you plan to attend a conference we’re colliding with, we’d love to see you at our Underground Collision. So, for example, on October 21, 2023, we’ll be “colliding”with the Money 20/20 Conference with the theme “MyMoney 20/20.”
We will examine how competition drives the strategy to catch up or go your own way. So sign up today to get your spot and get ready to engage.
Anything else I need to know?
The Underground Collision is an excellent way to move thoughts into action. In fact, we want to hear from our community about how the Underground affected real change at their credit union or in your professional life. We’re a community. We care about helping each other. Once you enter the Underground fold, you become part of building and strengthening the credit union industry.
Find out more about The Underground here.
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In the photo above: Becky Reed, Chad Ritchie, George Estrada and Edward Chuang discuss emotional intelligence and digital intelligence coming together to cause a TIA decision. What will take back market share, grow the impact and bring members to your CUSO?