CUES Symposium

Symposium Registration & Welcome Reception

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Breakfast Buffet

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Welcome to Symposium & Introduction

8:00 – 9:05 a.m.

Facilitated by: Simon T. Bailey, Author, Coach and Conference Emcee; Heather McKissick, CUES CEO

Networking Break

9:05 – 9:25 a.m.

General Session

9:25 – 11:45 a.m.

Becoming the Best: Build a World-Class Organization Through Values-Based Leadership
Harry Kraemer, Kellogg School of Management Professor, former CEO of Baxter, Best-Selling Author

Are you ready to elevate your leadership skills and transform your Credit Union? Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking session on values-based leadership, where we will explore the four foundational principles that empower individuals to lead with authenticity and purpose. This session will provide you with the tools and insights needed to lead with values and inspire others to do the same.

Lunch                
On your own

Optional Events – separate registrations required

Catamaran Whale Watch Sail
12:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Price: $295

The Whale Watch Sails are currently sold out for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To be added to the waitlist, please contact events@cues.org.

Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury sailing catamaran, and prepare yourself for one of the treasures of Hawai‘i – Humpback Whale Season! Each year, between December and March, Humpback whales return to their Hawaiian Islands winter home to give birth. In these warm, sheltered waters, the whales are observed and admired. These playful giants are frequently seen breaching, spy hopping, and fluking, all common marine mammal behaviors, and sometimes swimming nearby to observe the catamaran and passengers up close! As you cruise the calm South Shore waters of Kaua‘i, the catamaran crew will serve delicious appetizers and drinks from an all-inclusive bar. This is truly an extraordinary adventure.
 

Waimea Canyon Tour with Lunch
12:55p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
Price: $295

This event is currently sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please contact events@cues.org.

Discover the serene folds of Hanapepe Valley, Port Allen, and the mysterious remains of a Russian Fort. You’ll visit Spouting Horn for photos of the blowhole in action. Travel through lush fields, miles of sugar-white sandy beaches, through Koloa where the first Hawaii sugar plantation once thrived, and up to historic Waimea Town, the site of Captain Cook’s first landing. Experience grand vistas of the place Mark Twain once called “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” - Waimea Canyon. Numerous rivers and streams fed by Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale (the wettest spot on earth) have carved the living rock of Kaua‘i into an earth-toned wonder. You will be mesmerized by the constantly changing parade of colors on the canyon walls. Weather permitting, you’ll see grand views of the Na Pali cliffs. Lunch will be enjoyed at one of the favorite spots on Kaua‘i “Keoki’s Paradise”. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a light jacket, sunglasses, and a camera. 

Breakfast Buffet

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Navigating Digital Disruption
Saikat Chaudhuri, Professor, University of California at Berkeley 

Today’s organizations need to continuously navigate rapid changes in both technologies and business models. Digital transformation presents opportunities but also challenges across industries, and established companies must understand how to defend themselves as well as adapt in order to flourish. This session will include exercises and discuss strategies to manage digital disruption and ensure greater innovation success rates.

Strategic Agility & Decision Making
Kathy Pearson, President and Founder, Enterprise Learning Solutions

Today’s business environment is no longer described as having an “ebb and flow,” but rather a permanent “whitewater” condition, particularly after the global pandemic. This increased speed of change has caused a movement from discrete-event strategic planning to more dynamic planning – the quarterly strategy “refresh,” for example. However, many organizations struggle with the ability to stay nimble to respond to rapid market changes because of a variety of factors. This session explores the common barriers to agility, provides tools to overcome these barriers, and describes best practices in building adaptability in strategic initiatives. 

An Approach to AI Adoption for Credit Unions
Lamont Black, Professor, DePaul University, Driehaus College of Business

AI is a rapidly growing trend, but it can be hard for credit unions to know where to begin with AI adoption. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the excitement and fear around this technology and then we’ll jump into practical ideas for moving forward with AI at your credit union. Board members play an important role in framing the big picture like AI principles to make sure that this is consistent with the credit union’s values. Executives have the opportunity to develop a strategy around specific tools like generative AI and machine learning to empower their employees and better serve their members. This workshop will provide board members and executives with a framework for developing a solid and mission-centric approach to AI adoption at their credit union. 

Networking Break

9:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Breakout Sessions Continue

9:45 – 11:00 a.m.

Travel Time 

11:00 – 11:05 a.m.  

Bonus Sessions (3)

11:05 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Board Chair Roundtable: Driving Effective Governance and Strategic Oversight
Harry Kraemer, Kellogg School of Management Professor, former CEO of Baxter, Best-Selling Author

Join fellow credit union board chairs for a dynamic and collaborative roundtable discussion tailored to the unique responsibilities of board leadership. This session provides a confidential and engaging environment to explore critical governance challenges, share best practices, and discuss strategies for fostering a high-performing board that aligns with your credit union's mission and vision. This peer-driven dialogue will empower you to strengthen your leadership role and better support your credit union’s long-term success. 

Lunch

On your own

Optional Events – separate registrations required

Golf Tournament
Shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.
Price: $395
Golf Club Rental: $100

Between lush mountains and rugged ocean cliffs on the sunny South Shore of Kauai, Poipu Bay Golf Course boasts 18 championship holes with seashore paspalum greens that are as visually stunning as they are challenging. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Poipu Bay is one of the most highly acclaimed resort courses in the Pacific. Play where the champions play, and join us for our annual golf tournament. The registration fee includes golf, transportation, cart rental, lunch, and prizes. 
 

Catamaran Whale Watch Sail
12:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Price: $295

The Whale Watch Sails are currently sold out for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To be added to the waitlist, please contact events@cues.org.

Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury sailing catamaran, and prepare yourself for one of the treasures of Hawai‘i – Humpback Whale Season! Each year, between December and March, Humpback whales return to their Hawaiian Islands winter home to give birth. In these warm, sheltered waters, the whales are observed and admired. These playful giants are frequently seen breaching, spy hopping, and fluking, all common marine mammal behaviors, and sometimes swimming nearby to observe the catamaran and passengers up close! As you cruise the calm South Shore waters of Kaua‘i, the catamaran crew will serve delicious appetizers and drinks from an all-inclusive bar. This is truly an extraordinary adventure.
 

Economic Resilience Center Tour
12:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Price: $195

Kauai FCU’s decision to create an economic resilience center stemmed from an intentional effort to increase access to critical services that “steward a cooperative economy that honors culture, community, and climate.” Some of their tenant-partners have included the Small Business Administration (due to the Hawaii fires in 2023); Waiwai Collective, a coworking and event rental provider; a non-profit Kauai Makerspace – teaching children 3D printing and other technologies; and, of course, Kauai FCU’s third branch expansion. Along with these partners, Kauai FCU has provided numerous community events, including children and local entrepreneur markets, cultural events, and financial education opportunities.

Click here to read more about Kauai FCU’s progress in their latest Social Impact Report.

This event includes lunch, a tour and presentation of the property, and time to explore a local vendor market. 

Breakfast Buffet

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Navigating Digital Disruption
Saikat Chaudhuri, Professor, University of California at Berkeley 

Strategic Agility & Decision Making
Kathy Pearson, President and Founder, Enterprise Learning Solutions

An Approach to AI Adoption for Credit Unions
Lamont Black, Professor, DePaul University, Driehaus College of Business

Networking Break

9:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Breakout Sessions Continue

9:45 – 11:00 a.m.

Travel Time 

11:00 – 11:05 a.m.  

Bonus Sessions (3)

11:05 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

CEO Roundtable: Leadership in the Evolving Credit Union Landscape
Harry Kraemer, Kellogg School of Management Professor, former CEO of Baxter, Best-Selling Author

Join your fellow credit union CEOs for an engaging and interactive roundtable discussion designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing today’s credit union leaders. This session provides a collaborative space to share insights, explore innovative strategies, and identify solutions to pressing issues, including navigating economic uncertainties, enhancing member experience, and fostering organizational growth. The discussion will emphasize peer-to-peer learning and allow participants to leverage collective expertise. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and strengthened connections to support strategic decision-making in their credit unions.

Lunch

On your own

Optional Event – separate registration required

Catamaran Whale Watch Sail
12:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Price: $295

The Whale Watch Sails are currently sold out for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To be added to the waitlist, please contact events@cues.org.

Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury sailing catamaran, and prepare yourself for one of the treasures of Hawai‘i – Humpback Whale Season! Each year, between December and March, Humpback whales return to their Hawaiian Islands winter home to give birth. In these warm, sheltered waters, the whales are observed and admired. These playful giants are frequently seen breaching, spy hopping, and fluking, all common marine mammal behaviors, and sometimes swimming nearby to observe the catamaran and passengers up close! As you cruise the calm South Shore waters of Kaua‘i, the catamaran crew will serve delicious appetizers and drinks from an all-inclusive bar. This is truly an extraordinary adventure.

Aloha Closing Reception

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Breakfast Buffet

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Navigating Digital Disruption
Saikat Chaudhuri, Professor, University of California at Berkeley 

Strategic Agility & Decision Making
Kathy Pearson, President and Founder, Enterprise Learning Solutions

An Approach to AI Adoption for Credit Unions
Lamont Black, Professor, DePaul University, Driehaus College of Business

Networking Break

9:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Breakout Sessions Continue

9:45 – 11:00 a.m.

General Session: Parting Perspectives

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Harry Kraemer

CUES Symposium Concludes

12:00 p.m.

CUES has negotiated a discount when you book with Enterprise and National for this meeting. You can take advantage of our discounted rates by booking online using the below links. Be sure to reference account number OSMB44A when making all reservations.
 
Enterprise Reservations | National Reservations

We also invite you to enroll in the Emerald Club loyalty program. As an Emerald Club member, you can bypass the counter and choose your own vehicle, earn free rental days, receive arrival & return alerts, receive e-receipts, and maximize benefits while still enjoying our CUES corporate discount. Click here to enroll in Emerald Club (Emerald Club benefits applicable to both Enterprise & National reservations).  

Your companion is welcome to join you at the Welcome Reception and Aloha Closing Reception, as well as register for any of the optional activities. We also offer a companion meal program, which includes breakfast Monday through Thursday for $415. 

Monday, January 27
Price: $295

This event is currently sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please contact events@cues.org.

Discover the serene folds of Hanapepe Valley, Port Allen, and the mysterious remains of a Russian Fort. You’ll visit Spouting Horn for photos of the blowhole in action. Travel through lush fields, miles of sugar-white sandy beaches, through Koloa where the first Hawaii sugar plantation once thrived, and up to historic Waimea Town, the site of Captain Cook’s first landing. Experience grand vistas of the place Mark Twain once called “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” - Waimea Canyon. Numerous rivers and streams fed by Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale (the wettest spot on earth) have carved the living rock of Kaua‘i into an earth-toned wonder. You will be mesmerized by the constantly changing parade of colors on the canyon walls. Weather permitting, you’ll see grand views of the Na Pali cliffs. Lunch will be enjoyed at one of the favorite spots on Kaua‘i “Keoki’s Paradise”. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a light jacket, sunglasses, and a camera. 

Agenda:

Depart Grand Hyatt Kaua’i
12:55 p.m.

Lunch at Keoki’s
1:00–2:30 p.m.

Stops at Spouting Horn, Hanapepe Valley Lookout, and Waimea Canyon Overlook
(order will vary based on bus)
2:40–4:50 p.m.

Return to hotel
6:00 p.m. 

Monday, January 27, Tuesday, January 28, and Wednesday, January 29
Price: $295

The Whale Watch Sails are currently sold out for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To be added to the waitlist, please contact events@cues.org.

Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury sailing catamaran, and prepare yourself for one of the treasures of Hawai‘i – Humpback Whale Season! Each year, between December and March, Humpback whales return to their Hawaiian Islands winter home to give birth. In these warm, sheltered waters, the whales are observed and admired. These playful giants are frequently seen breaching, spy hopping, and fluking, all common marine mammal behaviors, and sometimes swimming nearby to observe the catamaran and passengers up close! As you cruise the calm South Shore waters of Kaua‘i, the catamaran crew will serve delicious appetizers and drinks from an all-inclusive bar. This is truly an extraordinary adventure. Aloha!

Agenda:

Depart Grand Hyatt Kaua’i
12:45 p.m.

Check-in and boarding
1:15 p.m.

Sail
1:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Return to hotel
4:30 p.m. 

Please note: Due to current 2024 US Coast Guard safety guidelines and emergency response procedures, all passengers must be able to board the boat on their own and maneuver around the boat in the event of an emergency.  For safety reasons, all passengers will need to be able to walk up and down the stairs and all areas of the catamaran unassisted, without a walker or a cane, as these items are not safe if the floor is wet from the spray or the boat is rocking due to the waves on the ocean. Everyone is also required to sign a liability waiver stating that they do not have any recent neck and back injuries or recent surgeries.

Passengers can wear water shoes or tennis shoes (with closed toes and closed heels). For safety reasons, flip-flops or open-toed sandals are not allowed. Barefoot is the best traction on our marine decks, but we have options for passengers who are not comfortable with that or have medical reasons to keep shoes on for support.

Tuesday, January 28
Shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.
Price: $395
Golf Club Rental: $100

Between lush mountains and rugged ocean cliffs on the sunny South Shore of Kauai, Poipu Bay Golf Course boasts 18 championship holes with seashore paspalum greens that are as visually stunning as they are challenging. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Poipu Bay is one of the most highly acclaimed resort courses in the Pacific. Play where the champions play, and join us for our annual golf tournament. The registration fee includes golf, transportation, cart rental, lunch, and prizes. 

Shuttles will be available between the hotel and the course between 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m., and again between 5:00-6:15 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28
Price: $195

Please join us in visiting Kauai FCU’s Economic Resilience Center! 

Kauai FCU’s decision to create an economic resilience center stemmed from an intentional effort to increase access to critical services that “steward a cooperative economy that honors culture, community, and climate.” Some of their tenant-partners have included the Small Business Administration (due to the Hawaii fires in 2023); Waiwai Collective, a coworking and event rental provider; a non-profit Kauai Makerspace – teaching children 3D printing and other technologies; and, of course, Kauai FCU’s third branch expansion. Along with these partners, Kauai FCU has provided numerous community events, including children and local entrepreneur markets, cultural events, and financial education opportunities.

Click here to read more about Kauai FCU’s progress in their latest Social Impact Report.

This event includes lunch, a tour and presentation of the property, and time to explore a local vendor market. 

Agenda:

Depart Grand Hyatt Kauai
12:15 p.m.         

Lunch at Economic Resilience Center       
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.    

Walking tour, presentation of the property and local vendor market
1:45 – 3:45 p.m.     

Return to Grand Hyatt Kauai        
4:30 p.m.                         

Your registration includes:

• All educational sessions and all their materials
• A welcome reception on Sunday for attendees and their guest
• Breakfast and refreshment breaks on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

You can find your information sheet here soon! It will contain everything you need to know about attending this event, including:

• Where to stay
• What airport to fly into, and other transportation information
• When to arrive
• What to pack
• Spouse/guest information, if applicable

ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE IN WRITING. (cues@cues.org)

• Prior to 60 days – full refund
• 31-60 days before start of event – 50% refund
• 0-30 days before start of event – no refunds or credits for future events given 

Due to financial obligations incurred by CUES, no refunds or credits will be issued on cancellation requests less than 30 days prior to the start of the event. Substitute attendees are welcome, subject to eligibility. 
 
CUES reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unforeseen circumstances, and will refund fees if the event is rescheduled or location is changed and you are unable to attend.

Yes! This conference meets the following standards:

• CPE credits earned: up to 16
• Program Level: Overview
• Delivery Method: Group-Live
• Advanced Preparation: No advance preparation is required
• Prerequisites: Not required for this program

CUES is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, through its website linked above.

CUES Symposium is for CEO and board chair pairs; your team must attend this event together, so be sure to register them at the same time.

Your vice chair may attend CUES Symposium with the CEO and board chair for succession planning purposes, or if the board chair is unable to attend.

The comfort and well-being of our attendees is of utmost importance to us; we will make every effort to make sure you are comfortable at our events!

Please email events@cues.org as soon as you know you’re attending a CUES event. Be sure to include your name, credit union, the CUES event you are registered for, and everything we need to know to accommodate your request.

We’ll be in touch with any questions we have, and let you know how we can help.

Plan on resort casual attire. We suggest you bring a sweater or jacket along in case you find the meeting room temperature chilly.

Your companion is welcome to join you at the Welcome Reception and Aloha Closing Reception, as well as register for any of the optional activities. We also offer a companion meal program, which includes breakfast Monday through Thursday for $415.