ACE25 is Almost Here!
This year, we slightly rebranded our biggest event — ACE25, which many of you know as AC&E. It’s still the same great event, just with a fresh name that better reflects what it’s become. While this year will be our 91st annual meeting, due to the pause during COVID, this year will mark the 90th annual convention.
Grand Rapids continues to be a favorite location for this event, and it’s easy to see why. The city is not only beautiful, but its walkability, strong food scene and arts and culture offerings make it a great fit for attendees.
We’re expecting over 1,200 people at ACE25 this year. In total, 104 Michigan credit unions will be represented. What I think is especially great is that we are welcoming 170 first-time attendees! Chapters are showing up strong again, with Metro West bringing 75 people and Mid-Michigan close behind with 69. Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union leads among credit unions with 17 registered attendees, but we have a handful of credit unions with at least ten people coming. We very much appreciate the support.
Our expo hall is sold out this year, with 132 booths filled and 147 different companies participating. That includes a handful of networking vendors who’ll be connecting with attendees outside of a traditional booth setup.
What not to miss….
Keynotes & Featured Sessions
We’ve got two strong keynotes lined up. Shawn Kanungo, innovation strategist and bestselling author, will kick things off with a talk on disruption and strategy and how to stay bold and adaptable in changing times. Kim Lear, an expert researcher and founder of Inlay Insights, will also present a keynote on something we all need to learn more about: generational trends and how leadership is evolving as younger generations come into their own.
Fundraisers & Community Giving
As always, we’re pairing the event with ways to give back. The Miracle Makers Silent and Live Auctions and our Fun Run/Walk will support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. We’ll also be bringing back Corks for a Cause, an attendee favorite that benefits the Michigan Credit Union Foundation.
Education & Innovation
We’ve got breakout sessions on topics like AI, fintech, fraud and renewable energy lending. CU Spark Tank will highlight innovative ideas from emerging young credit union professionals across the state. IGNITE Sessions will offer inspiring quick takes from a variety of team members. We’ll also have a Global Women’s Leadership Network breakfast led by TaRita Johnson, focusing on imposter syndrome and finding your voice as a leader.
Celebration
We’ll close things out with one of my personal favorites, the Honor Awards Gala, where we get to really shine a light on the outstanding work our movement did last year. It’s really special to hear from our incredible professionals and volunteers and celebrate them alongside their team members.
A huge shout out to our amazing MCUL team who makes all of this happen! Thanks also to you, our attendees and partners, who come together to make ACE the best league event in the country! See you there!
Thanks for reading.
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