Join Nick Darvill, CEO of Lucro, for an update on the state of the organization and its vision for the future. Hear firsthand about partner growth, volumes, technology initiatives, strategic priorities, and the trends shaping Lucro's evolution. This candid session will provide insight into where Lucro has been, where it is today, and what's next as the organization continues to support and strengthen commercial lending for credit unions nationwide.
The Deposit Opportunity: Turning Commercial Loans into Long-Term Relationships
A commercial loan should be the beginning of the relationship, not the end goal. Join John Ballantyne, Founder & CEO of Tru Treasury, to discuss how successful credit unions are leveraging treasury management and deposit strategies to strengthen business relationships, increase profitability, and drive long-term growth.
Learn practical approaches for capturing operating deposits, expanding wallet share, and delivering treasury solutions that keep business members engaged long after the loan closes. If you're looking to grow deposits, enhance commercial relationships, and maximize the value of your lending program.
Commercial Construction Lending: Market Trends, Risk Management, and Best Practices
Commercial construction loans can generate strong growth opportunities, but they also carry unique risks that require specialized oversight. Join Stephanie Goins of CMR Partners as she shares her perspective on current market conditions, industry trends, and what lenders should be watching in the commercial construction space. In addition to a market update, Stephanie will provide real-world insights into construction lending, project monitoring, draw management, and risk mitigation. Learn how successful institutions navigate challenges, identify potential issues before they escalate, and build stronger construction lending programs.
Navigating the Economic Crossroads: What Credit Unions Need to Know Next
Economic headlines tell one story. What credit unions are actually experiencing tells another. Join JD Pisula, President & CEO of Accolade Advisory, as he shares real-world insights from institutions across the country and explores how economic trends, interest rates, liquidity pressures, and market shifts are impacting strategy and performance. Walk away with practical perspectives and actionable ideas to help your organization navigate what's next.
Covenants That Matter: Strengthening Credit Quality and Managing Risk
Are your loan covenants truly protecting the credit union, or simply filling space in the loan agreement? Join commercial credit expert Dev Strischek as he shares practical strategies for designing, monitoring, and enforcing covenants that provide meaningful risk mitigation and early warning indicators. Learn how effective covenant management can improve credit quality, strengthen loan structures, and help identify potential problems before they become losses. This session is packed with real-world insights every commercial lender and underwriter can immediately apply.
What Examiners Are Talking About: NCUA Priorities, Regulatory Trends, and Emerging Risks
What issues are keeping regulators focused in today's environment? Join Dave Wallace of Steve H. Powell & Company for a timely discussion of the latest NCUA priorities, examination hot buttons, and regulatory developments affecting credit unions. Gain valuable insight into emerging risks, evolving expectations, and practical steps your institution can take to stay prepared.
Understanding Credit Pulls, Scoring Models, and What They Mean for Lending Decisions
Credit reports and scores remain a cornerstone of the underwriting process, but not all credit inquiries and scoring models are created equal. In this session, Equifax experts will explain the differences between soft and hard credit pulls, when each is appropriate, and how they can impact both the borrower and the lender. The presentation will also explore current credit scoring models, emerging alternatives, and how changes in scoring methodology may influence risk assessment, credit decisions, and portfolio performance. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to leverage credit data effectively while staying informed about developments shaping the future of lending.
The Conversations You Can't Have Anywhere Else
Step away from the presentations and join your peers for one of the most valuable parts of the conference. These interactive roundtables provide a forum for commercial lending professionals to discuss real-world challenges, share best practices, and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the industry.
Topics will include rates, business development, loan participations, underwriting, annual review standards, portfolio management, and more, but the discussion doesn't stop there. Attendees will have the opportunity to suggest topics before the conference and bring new ideas to the table during the sessions. If it's commercial lending, it's fair game.
No scripts. No sales pitches. Just candid conversations, practical insights, and valuable networking with professionals who understand the challenges you face every day.
A Unique Local Perspective
Take a break from commercial lending and join us for a special presentation from a local guest speaker. Whether inspiring, entertaining, or thought-provoking, this session will offer a fresh perspective and a memorable experience that celebrates the unique character of our host city. You never know, this may end up being one of the most talked-about sessions of the conference.
The wait is over! Reconnect with familiar faces, make a few new friends, and help us kick off the conference at our Opening Reception. Great conversations, great company, and a great start to an unforgettable event—we can't wait to welcome you!
Start the conference by connecting with fellow commercial lending professionals from across the country over breakfast. Whether you're renewing existing relationships or making new connections, this informal networking opportunity is a great way to exchange ideas, discuss industry trends, and learn from the experiences of your peers. Grab a cup of coffee, join the conversation, and set the stage for a productive and engaging conference.
Dev Strischek - Principal, Devon Risk Advisory GroupLearn how effective covenant management can improve credit quality, strengthen loan structures, and help identify potential problems before they become losses. This session is packed with real-world insights every commercial lender and underwriter can immediately apply.
Take a break to recharge and connect with fellow attendees. Enjoy light refreshments while continuing conversations and building new relationships.
Stephanie Goins - Senior Vice President, CMR PartnersJoin Stephanie Goins of CMR Partners as she shares her perspective on current market conditions, industry trends, and what lenders should be watching in the commercial construction space. In addition to a market update, Stephanie will provide real-world insights into construction lending, project monitoring, draw management, and risk mitigation. Learn how successful institutions navigate challenges, identify potential issues before they escalate, and build stronger construction lending programs.
Take a break, recharge, and connect with fellow attendees during our Networking Lunch. This dedicated time provides an opportunity to share ideas, discuss industry trends, and build valuable relationships with commercial lending professionals from credit unions across the country.
Continue the conversation during our popular roundtable sessions, where peers can openly share experiences, discuss challenges and identify practical solutions. This interactive format brings together expert education and valuable peer-to-peer learning.
Step away from the sessions to refresh and network with colleagues. Use this time to exchange ideas, make new connections and catch up with familiar faces.
John Ballantyne - Founder & CEO, Tru TreasuryLearn practical approaches for capturing operating deposits, expanding wallet share, and delivering treasury solutions that keep business members engaged long after the loan closes. If you're looking to grow deposits, enhance commercial relationships, and maximize the value of your lending program.
Join us for an engaging conversation exploring the rich history of the Chicago Athletic Association, from its founding in 1890 to its transformation into one of Chicago’s most distinctive hotels. Discover the stories, architecture and traditions that have shaped this iconic landmark.
Transportation departs promptly at 6:00 pm and boat boarding begins at 6:30 pm
Experience Chicago like never before aboard the Odyssey Chicago River. Join fellow attendees for an evening of networking, dining, and entertainment while cruising through the heart of the city and taking in spectacular views of Chicago's world-renowned architecture.
Start your morning with a convenient grab-and-go breakfast featuring a selection of handheld breakfast sandwiches. Pick up your meal, coffee and other morning refreshments before heading to the day’s sessions.
Dave Wallace - COO and Shareholder, Steve H Powell & CompanyJoin Dave Wallace of Steve H. Powell & Company for a timely discussion of the latest NCUA priorities, examination hot buttons, and regulatory developments affecting credit unions. Gain valuable insight into emerging risks, evolving expectations, and practical steps your institution can take to stay prepared.
Recharge between sessions while connecting with fellow attendees. This informal break is a great opportunity to continue conversations and build meaningful relationships.
Take part in the next round of interactive discussions focused on the issues most relevant to your institution. Through candid conversation, shared best practices and collaborative problem-solving, these roundtables connect expert guidance with practical experience.
The Networking Lunch offers a relaxed setting to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and continue discussions sparked during the educational sessions. It's an opportunity to learn from fellow commercial lending professionals, share experiences, and build relationships that extend well beyond the conference. The conversations around the table often lead to new perspectives, practical solutions, and lasting industry connections.
JD Pisula - CEO, Accolade Investment AdvisoryJoin JD Pisula, President & CEO of Accolade Advisory, as he shares real-world insights from institutions across the country and explores how economic trends, interest rates, liquidity pressures, and market shifts are impacting strategy and performance. Walk away with practical perspectives and actionable ideas to help your organization navigate what's next.
Barret Crawford - Vice President of SalesAdam White - Director, Commercial Risk SolutionsIn this session, Equifax experts will explain the differences between soft and hard credit pulls, when each is appropriate, and how they can impact both the borrower and the lender. The presentation will also explore current credit scoring models, emerging alternatives, and how changes in scoring methodology may influence risk assessment, credit decisions, and portfolio performance. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to leverage credit data effectively while staying informed about developments shaping the future of lending.
Enjoy a brief pause in the program with refreshments and conversation. Connect with peers, share insights and expand your professional network.
Don’t miss the final roundtable session—your last opportunity to connect with peers, share best practices and discuss the challenges impacting your institution. Join the conversation and leave with practical insights and fresh ideas.
As the conference comes to a close, join us for a final look back at the key insights, ideas, and connections made throughout the event. We'll reflect on the conversations that shaped the program, celebrate the value of our commercial lending community, and share a look ahead at opportunities for continued collaboration and growth.
Choose this option if you are a partner of ours. This does not include the optional Tuesday night event. Don't forget to click the button to register for the optional Tuesday night event!
Don't have a contract with Lucro yet? No problem! We welcome all who are interested in upping their commercial lending game. This does not include the optional Tuesday night event. Don't forget to click the button to register for the optional Tuesday night event!
Bringing someone special along? Perfect! Choose this option to register your guest for the welcome reception on Monday evening.
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