The CCUA Conference in Calgary was a whirlwind of excitement, bringing together trailblazers, thought leaders and industry giants from May 6th to May 8th, 2024. This year’s conference, themed “Transform,” did not disappoint, delivering inspiring sessions, powerful keynotes, and engaging panels. Aequilibrium (AEQ) was honored to sponsor the panel on AI and cybersecurity, which emerged as one of the event’s standout moments. In this article you will find the highlights of the conference.
Table of Contents
- Welcome to Calgary!
- Opening Keynote: Dan Pontefract
- AEQ’s AI and Cybersecurity Panel: Securing the Future
- Breakout Session: Advancing Digital Payments
- The Future of Credit Union Growth and Consolidation
- Credit Unions as Venture Capitalists
- Open Banking and Regulatory Evolution
- Economic Insights from Desjardins
- Celebrating the Future: Young Leader Presentations
- AEQ’s Showroom: VR and AI Transforming Onboarding
- Network and Entertainment
- Conclusion: AEQ’s Commitment to Transformation and Innovation
1. Welcome to Calgary!
The conference opened with heartfelt welcome remarks by Ian Burns, CEO of Connect First and Servus Credit Unions. “Calgary is my hometown, a place of resilience and hard work,” he said, capturing the essence of the city’s spirit and setting the tone for the transformative discussions that followed.
2. Opening Keynote: Dan Pontefract
Dan Pontefract’s keynote was a call to arms for the credit union industry. “Innovation is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. Disrupt, or be disrupted,” he declared. His address underscored the urgency of embracing change and harnessing innovative strategies to stay ahead in the fast-evolving financial landscape.
3. AEQ’s AI and Cybersecurity Panel: Securing the Future
AEQ’s session started with our founder and CEO Adrian Moise showcasing the new Apple Vision Pro as a representation of the technology advancements in VR technology and training. Adrian highlighted the benefits of VR training before introducing the panel and the topic of the session. Featuring industry experts, Cameron Yardy from First West Credit Union, Diane Dou from BlueShore Financial, Jacqueline Shinfield from Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, and Jag Bhogal from Coast Capital Savings, the session delved into the future of AI and cybersecurity in the financial sector.
“AI isn’t just a tool; it’s our new ally in the battle against cyber threats,” Cameron Yardy emphasized. The panelists discussed how AI-driven tools revolutionize cybersecurity, enabling real-time threat detection and mitigation. Diane Dou highlighted the delicate balance between innovation and security, stating, “Balancing innovation with robust security protocols is like walking a tightrope, but it’s one we must navigate to protect our members.”
4. Breakout Session: Advancing Digital Payments
In an era of rapid digital transformation, the “Credit Unions and Interac: Advancing Digital Payments Together” session was a must-attend. Andrew Wilczynski (CUCC), Atul Varde (Connect First and Servus Credit Union), Daniel Tran (Interac), and Ramanathan Narayanan (Vancity) explored the intersection of credit unions and innovative payment solutions.
Attendees gained valuable insights into Interac products and their pivotal role within the credit union ecosystem, learning how these advancements shape digital payment’s future. The session emphasized fostering collaboration, enhancing operational efficiencies, and driving growth through cutting-edge payment technologies.
5. The Future of Credit Union Growth and Consolidation
Blair Keefe from Torys LLP and Dan Johnson from Innovation Federal Credit Union led a riveting session on the future of credit unions, discussing the sector’s growth and the trends driving consolidation. “There’s no magic size that guarantees success, but smart scaling can be a catalyst for growth,” Keefe noted. Their insights provided a roadmap for credit unions navigating the complexities of growth and mergers.
6. Credit Unions as Venture Capitalists
A dynamic panel featuring Shawn from Libro, Larry from Access, and Jordan from Conexus explored the transformative role of credit unions in venture capital. “Credit unions are the original venture capitalists. We believed in people when others wouldn’t,”
Shawn passionately stated. The discussion emphasized the importance of supporting local startups and fostering innovation through strategic partnerships, showcasing how credit unions can drive community growth and economic development.
7. Open Banking and Regulatory Evolution
David Hooper from CGI and Mike Elchuk from Affinity Credit Union led an eye-opening session on open banking, discussing its potential to democratize financial data and empower consumers. “Open banking is about giving power back to the consumer,” Hooper emphasized, highlighting the regulatory challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for credit unions.
8. Economic Insights from Desjardins
Marc Desormeaux from Desjardins provided a thought-provoking economic outlook, focusing on sustainable growth and the challenges of shifting demographic trends. “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a business imperative that will define the future of financial services,” he remarked, urging credit unions to align their strategies with broader economic and environmental goals.
9. Celebrating the Future: Young Leader Presentations
A highlight of the CCUA Conference was the Young Leader Presentations, which showcased the brightest talents in the Canadian credit union industry. The Canadian Credit Union Young Leader Award identifies and celebrates exceptional young employees who motivate others through their accomplishments.
Five award winners and scholarship finalists took the stage to share their insights and impact, with one being selected for a $10,000 (CAD) scholarship. Their presentations, evaluated by a panel of judges and a live audience, demonstrated innovative thinking and leadership.
The celebration continued during the National Awards Gala Dinner, where the winners of both the Young Leaders and Distinguished Credit Union Leader awards were honored. These emerging leaders’ achievements promise a bright future for the Canadian credit union industry.
10. AEQ’s Showroom: VR and AI Transforming Onboarding
One of the most exciting parts of the conference exhibit hall was the AEQ’s booth, where our very own Henry Morato, Growth and Partnerships Manager, ensured our booth was buzzing with activity. Attendees were treated to live demos showcasing how AEQ leverages VR and AI to revolutionize employee onboarding and training. The demos highlighted the benefits of our innovative approach, which reduces time and cost while dramatically increasing engagement and retention.
“Using VR and AI, we’ve created an immersive onboarding experience that not only educates but also engages new employees from day one,” Henry explained during a demo. Attendees experienced firsthand how this technology can simulate real-world scenarios, providing a hands-on learning environment that traditional methods simply can’t match. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors expressing interest in adopting the cutting-edge solutions within their organizations.
11. Networking and Entertainment
The CCUA Conference was packed with great networking and fun moments. Starting off on Sunday at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, this reception set the tone for the event with live music, great Albertan food and wine. The Gala’s line dancing and live music were a hit, getting everyone moving and laughing together. From the Networking Breakfasts to Coffee Breaks and Networking lunches, every moment was a chance to meet new people and build connections. These events turned the conference into a memorable experience where professional relationships and authentic connections flourished.
12. Conclusion: AEQ’s Commitment to Transformation and Innovation
AEQ’s sponsorship of the AI and cybersecurity panel showcased our dedication to secure, innovative solutions for the financial sector. The insights from our panel and the enthusiastic response to our showroom demos are already influencing our strategies as we continue to enhance our offerings.
The CCUA Conference in Calgary was more than just an event; it catalyzed change, sparking new ideas and collaborations. As we move forward, AEQ is excited to integrate the insights gained and continue leading in digital transformation and innovation. Together, we can shape a secure and innovative future for the credit union industry.
