A major member benefit of your credit union trade association is affordable, convenient and relevant educational opportunities. Continuous learning is a necessity in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
We have curated a comprehensive calendar of professional development events. Through these educational opportunities, you can learn the latest industry trends, explore innovative tools and build meaningful connections to help credit unions continue to thrive.
Here are ten must-attend events in 2026.
1. Annual Convention—Biloxi, Miss.
Whether you’re dreaming of the sunny Gulf Coast, the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains or both, we’re excited to host two state conventions in 2026! The first Annual Convention will kick off in Biloxi, Miss., in the spring. It will feature all the content that you have come to love, including the announcement of new inductees into the Mississippi Credit Union Hall of Fame. Join us in Mississippi at the Beau Rivage Casino & Hotel, May 13-15.
2. Annual Convention—Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Transform your professional journey at the Annual Convention in Tennessee. 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. This year’s convention will be hosted in the fall, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
3. LEAD
We are eager to introduce the LEAD Program in Tennessee and revitalize it in Mississippi. LEAD is where leadership, engagement, action and development come together. It is designed for young professionals, aspiring leaders and credit union employees seeking to grow into leadership roles. Participants gain the tools and confidence to advance their careers and strengthen their impact through collaboration, skill-building and professional development. Be on the lookout for a couple of virtual sessions, special sessions at the Annual Conventions and an in-person, two-day conference at Pickwick Landing State Park, Counce, Tenn., in November.
4. Bankruptcy & Collections Conference
Learn the latest insights, tools and strategies to mitigate risk and maximize recovery for members at the Collections & Bankruptcy Conference. The conference brings together credit union professionals, loan officers, attorneys, debt collectors, bankruptcy specialists and compliance officers to delve into the latest industry trends. You can sign up for the entire conference or choose only the Collections or Bankruptcy track. Join us April 15-16 in Nashville or in October in Jackson, Miss.
5. Fraud Prevention Summit
With the increasing prevalence of fraud and cybersecurity risks, it’s vital to understand the trends and take proactive measures to safeguard your members and assets. The Fraud Prevention Summit is the only credit union-focused conference of its kind in the region. The summit focuses on check fraud, anti-human trafficking and actionable steps your credit union can take to identify and combat fraud. It is an excellent opportunity to learn from experts and collaborate with peers to strengthen your credit union’s fraud prevention strategies. Stay tuned for more information about the two-day conference, March 18-19, in Nashville.
6. Charity Fundraiser Boots & Bowties
Exemplify the credit union mission of “people helping people” at the inaugural Boots & Bowties Charity Dinner and Gala, a signature fundraising event to benefit two causes dear to our association, Credit Union for Kids and Inheritance of Hope. Plus, in addition to helping two amazing nonprofits, you can have dinner on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry! Mark your calendar for Monday, April 20. Learn more about this incredible fundraising event!
7. Leadership Summit
While in Nashville for the Boots & Bowties Charity Fundraiser, we invite you to attend a new Leadership Summit on Tuesday, April 21. This event offers an opportunity to hear from top industry leaders on strategic trends that affect your credit union and provides your team with actionable insights.
8. Small Credit Union Roundtable
The power of the credit union movement is in our networks. The association hosts an array of affinity groups to facilitate conversation and collaboration. One that we want to highlight is the quarterly virtual Small Credit Union Roundtable. Each roundtable features an educational topic, followed by time for open discussion. An in-person conference is scheduled for October.
9. Personify Leadership Training
Leadership isn’t just about what you do, but how you show up daily. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Personify Leadership Training, an engaging, hands-on program designed to help leaders embody the skills that truly inspire others. Join us for the first Personify Training in Jackson, Miss., in February, and check the calendar for other Personify Leadership Trainings scheduled for March and June.
10. Board and Committee Leadership Conference
We will close 2026 with one of the most asked about events of the year—the Board and Committee Leadership Conference! We are excited to host an event designed exclusively for credit union volunteers and introduce it to Mississippi credit union volunteers. Save the date for Nov. 5-7.
Check Out the Full Calendar
Get a sneak peek of our full 2026 calendar of events!
