Annual Convention & Expo
Gatlinburg Convention Center — September 29 – October 1, 2026
Join Us for the 2026 Annual Convention & Expo
Where Innovation Meets Opportunity in the Heart of the Smokies
September 29 – October 1, 2026 | Gatlinburg Convention Center
Transform your professional journey at this year’s must-attend industry event. Over three dynamic days, connect with fellow leaders, discover cutting-edge solutions, and shape the future of our industry against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Why Attend?
Experience an unmatched blend of professional development and strategic networking designed specifically for Tennessee credit union industry leaders and professionals. From C-suite executives to specialized professionals in technology, lending, and compliance, our annual convention delivers targeted value for every attendee.
What to Expect This Year
- Exclusive keynote from Amy Downs, a survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing
- Dedicated tracks for young professionals ensuring next-generation leadership development
- Interactive exhibit hall featuring industry-leading solutions and innovations
- Strategic networking opportunities, including our signature welcome party and daily connection sessions
- Specialized breakout sessions tailored to your role and interests
Beyond the Convention
Make the most of your experience in beautiful Gatlinburg. After a day of learning and networking, explore the charm of downtown Gatlinburg or unwind in the scenic Smoky Mountains. With convenient accommodation options just steps from the convention center, you’ll be perfectly positioned for both professional growth and mountain leisure.
Don’t Miss Out
Join hundreds of industry professionals for this transformative event. Early registration ensures your place at our most anticipated convention yet.
Highlights from 2025
Schedule – All times ET
Tuesday, Sept 29
8:30 a.m.
Golf Tournament
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Attendee Registration
Optional Session: Leading with Faith
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
State Update
Awards Presentation
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Welcome Party and Dinner in the Exhibit Hall
Under the Big Top!
Wednesday, Sept 30
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Keynote General Sessions
Young Professional Breakout Sessions
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Networking and Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
1:00 – 3:15 p.m.
General Sessions
Young Professional Breakout Sessions
3:15 p.m.
Explore Gatlinburg!
Thursday, October 1
7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Morning Breakfast Mixer
8:45 – 9:30 a.m.
General Session
9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Networking Break
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Closing Session
10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Closing Remarks and Grand Prizes
Speaker Sessions
Chelsea Treboniak, President, Critical Ops
Chelsea is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, a veteran researcher, a published author, and the founder of Critical Ops in 2012 with a vision to lead in the critical infrastructure sectors. Under her leadership, Critical Ops has carved out a niche, offering specialized integration consulting services and products, including remote sensing, blockchain for occupational health, and e-crime intelligence.
Beyond her role at Critical Ops, Chelsea is deeply involved in the industry, serving on Advisory Councils and the Board of Directors for organizations dedicated to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), blockchain implementation, and critical infrastructure security. Her commitment to these fields is matched by her passion for continuous learning, a dedication to fitness, and an unwavering focus on family.
Amy Downs
In 1995, Amy Downs was buried alive.
As one of the last survivors pulled from the rubble of the Oklahoma City bombing, she was given a second chance – one she didn’t plan for, but refused to waste.
At the time, Amy was a 355-pound credit union teller who had failed math and dropped out of college. She lived small, played it safe, and didn’t believe she was capable of much. But surviving the bombing shook her awake. It forced her to face hard questions: If I had died that day, would I have been proud of the life I lived? Had I done what I was put on this earth to do?
The answer was no.
And so began the journey of a woman determined to rewrite her story. One small step at a time.
Traci Brown
IME Magazine has named Traci one of the nation’s top deception detection experts. She’s learned that recognizing secrets hidden in plain sight leads to victory every. single. time. Her customizable keynotes & trainings equip organizations to better inform their most critical decisions to build profits: Sales, Hiring, Negotiations, Investigations, and Fraud Prevention. Plan on fun, high-energy keynotes, trainings, and video courses.
Ms. Brown is a frequent television guest. You’ve seen her on Nancy Grace, CBS, NBC, and more. She is the author of How to Detect Lies, Fraud, and Identity Theft. She’s trained alongside our country’s top law enforcement and is currently ranked the #3 body language expert in the world.
Travis Clark - Visa
Travis is a macroeconomist focused on quantitative research and analysis related to small business, regional economics, real estate, business investment, trade, and international development. He is experienced and excels at conducting research, quantitative analysis, economic forecasting, teaching, political advocacy, and project management.
Coming Soon
We are working hard to confirm schedules for the amazing speakers who will join us. The session description will be coming soon.
Tennessee Credit Union League
CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Tuesday, September 29
Proceeds of the tournament support the
Inheritance of Hope Family Retreat
November 6–8, 2026 Nashville, TN
| LOCATION | 520 Dollywood Lane |
|---|---|
| TIME | Registration/Breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 am ET Shotgun Start 8:30 am |
| FORMAT | 4 Person Scramble with Shotgun Start |
| FEES | $225 per golfer Fee includes: |
Registration is available through the event registration link.
Proceeds from the Tournament benefit Inheritance of Hope
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors
Premier
Cancellation
We hope you can attend, but understand if plans change. If you need to cancel, please let us know at least 30 days before the event start date to receive a full refund. If you cancel within 30 days of the event, a cancellation fee of $100 will be charged. Unfortunately, we cannot refund cancellations within seven days of the event. However, if you cannot attend, you are welcome to send someone else in your place without incurring any additional fees.
Please contact our Events Team at events@yourleague.org with any questions. We look forward to seeing you at the event.
Code of Professional Conduct
At the Tennessee Credit Union League, we’re committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. As a participant related to any of our events, we ask that you conduct yourself in a friendly and considerate manner.
We value everyone’s experience and won’t tolerate disruptions or disrespect towards other participants, League members, speakers, attendees, exhibitors, guests, volunteers, or staff. We will review concerns and take any action we deem necessary. Participants found to have breached this Code of Professional Conduct in any way may be asked to leave without a refund of their registration fees and may be banned from future events. This may include all meetings, offsite activities, and credit union chapter meetings.
Thank you for helping us maintain a positive and professional atmosphere!
Hotel Information
Courtyard Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown
315 Airport Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-2008
Special Conference Rate Starting at: $189 + taxes
Book by: August 29, 2026
Hampton Inn
(865) 436-4933
Special Conference Rate: $139 + taxes
Rate Includes: Breakfast and Wi-Fi
Parking: $15+tax, per vehicle/night
Hotel Amenities: Indoor Pool, Outdoor Hot Tub, Creekside Fire Pit, Business Center, and Fitness Center.
Book by August 27, 2026.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort
(865) 436-2095
Special Conference Rate: $189 + taxes
Rate Includes: Breakfast, Evening Reception, and Wi-Fi
Parking: $15+tax, per vehicle/night
Hotel Amenities: Resort Style Pool with Spiral Slide, Indoor/Outdoor Pool, Lazy River, Outdoor Hot Tub, Multiple Fire Pits, On-Site Restaurant & Bar, and Guide Room.
Book by August 27, 2026.
Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown
(865) 436-2095
Room rates starting at $176++
Book by August 27, 2026.
If your credit union qualifies for the tax exemption, please bring a copy of your federal credit union tax exemption form, and payment must be with a check or credit card in the credit union’s name.
