Opening ceremony, Solution Center reception highlight day one of WCUC 2024

More than 2,500 credit union professionals from 57 countries packed into the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center Sunday afternoon to kick off the first World Credit Union Conference held in the United States since 2015.

Co-hosted by World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and America’s Credit Unions, the 2024 World Credit Union Conference opening ceremony featured the annual parade of nations and a greeting from WOCCU Board Vice-Chair and Secretary Michael Lawrence (Australia).

Lawrence spoke on behalf of WOCCU Board Chair Diana Dykstra (USA), who was unable to attend. He welcomed attendees and told them that even with all the technological changes in the world and the financial industry, one thing remains the same—credit unions change lives.

“Saving money and accessing credit are universal themes allowing people everywhere to graduate to the next chapter, to grow, to prosper, to make positive change,” said Lawrence. “Diana also wanted to welcome all first-time attendees today. You will meet colleagues and new friends from every corner of the globe. Immerse yourself in the experience, learn and, importantly, please come back.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WOCCU was forced to cancel the 2020 World Credit Union Conference scheduled for Los Angeles. That makes WCUC 2024 not only the first conference held in the United States in nine years, but also the first to be hosted by America's Credit Unions, which was formed on January 1, 2024, after a merger between Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU).

"Our partnership with World Council of Credit Unions is invaluable at what is an exciting time for America's Credit Unions to co-host this incredible event, just six-and-a-half months into our transformation. Thank you for your support, thank you for being here and thank you for being part of the international credit union movement," said Brian Schools, America's Credit Unions' Board Chair.

Solution Center opens with welcome reception

After the opening ceremony, attendees flocked to the Solution Center for a welcome reception with more than 90 exhibitors on hand to showcase their products and services.

“Once again, we have a large number of organizations offering a variety of solutions to the shared challenges our attendees are facing,” said Christi Swoboda, WOCCU Director of International Meetings and Events. “So, along with all the great educational and networking opportunities we’re offering over the next three days, the conference also gives our credit union professionals an excellent opportunity to explore vendor products and services that can help them solve or expedite any number of operational issues.”

WOCCU and Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) are also operating a joint booth in the Solution Center where attendees can learn more about the work we do with and on behalf of credit unions worldwide, and where they can donate to WFCU in exchange for the first annual International Credit Union Day Pin, emblazoned with #ICUDay2024.

Still to come

The 2024 World Credit Union Conference continues Monday morning with the first general session, featuring a keynote address by Shawn Kanungo. WOCCU President and CEO Elissa McCarter LaBorde will also deliver her annual State of the Movement address.

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