2024 Synergent Connect Conference Agenda
Monday, August 26
12:00 pm-1:00 pm:
Lunch
1:00 pm-1:15 pm:
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Randy Stolp, President/CEO – Synergent
1:15 pm-2:15 pm:
Next-Generation Digital Banking and its Impact on Credit Unions
Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer, Cornerstone Advisors
Cornerstone Advisors’ recent Digital Banking Metrics study revealed some interesting (and some not so positive) trends, suggesting that credit unions’ digital transformation efforts still have a long way to go. The study confirmed that the top performing financial institutions share at least one common trait: They excel at digitally engaging their members. Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors, will share some of the key metrics from the study and his perspectives on the direction that digital—not just the digital channel—is taking in banking.
2:15 pm-2:30 pm:
Break
2:30 pm-3:30 pm:
What’s the Future… of Financial Services?
Ben Metz – Chief Technology Officer and Chief Digital Officer, Jack Henry
This talk will combine the convergent future of technology and self-service demand via the internet as a lens for financial services. We will look at the developing technology landscape and fintech ecosystems, as well as the disruption and begin to define the massive opportunity community financial institutions have over the next 5-10 years.
3:30 pm-4:30 pm:
Break
4:30 pm-5:00 pm:
Shuttle Transportation to Thompson’s Point for Evening Social
5:00 pm-8:00 pm:
Evening Social at Thompson’s Point
Join us at Thompson’s Point for an evening of networking and connecting. We will have food catered from Bite into Maine, Lady Shuckers Oysters, Charcutemarie, and Eighty 8 Donuts. Enjoy a true taste of Maine! Our social will also include a DJ, hosted bar, and Maine style photo booth. Shuttles will begin transporting guests from the Westin at 4:30 pm. Thompson’s point does have reserved parking spaces, but we encourage you to use the shuttle, Uber, or Lyft.
7:30 pm-8:00 pm:
Shuttle Transport Back to Westin
Tuesday, August 27
7:30 am-8:30 am:
Breakfast
8:30 am-8:45 am:
Opening Remarks
8:45 am-9:45 am:
The Future of Credit Unions in a Digital Age
David Allison, Founder of The Valuegraphics Project and Author of The Death of Demographics
Connecting Heart, Not Just Accounts: In an era increasingly dominated by digital banking and online financial options, credit unions face a unique challenge: how to compete effectively while staying true to their core principles of community and member-centric service. David Allison, the world-renowned human values expert and founder of The Valuegraphics Project, brings groundbreaking insights to the Synergent Connect Conference 2024. Leveraging custom research and insights derived from nearly a million surveys, David will unveil the shared values of individuals contemplating the switch to credit unions: potential members in your communities who just need to hear the right message. This compelling keynote will dissect the psychological barriers and motivations at play, offering credit unions a blueprint for action grounded in deep human values rather than fleeting consumer trends. By understanding and appealing to these shared values, credit unions can forge a competitive edge that digital platforms and national banks can’t replicate: genuine human connection. Join David as he maps out a future where credit unions thrive by doing what they do best: valuing people over profits. This isn’t just about competing with digital giants; it’s about leading with what makes credit unions uniquely indispensable—shared human values.
9:45 am-10:00 am:
Break
10:00 am-11:00 am:
How AI, Deepfakes, Voice Cloning and ChatGPT Are Transforming Cybercrime – And How to Future-Proof Yourself and Your Business Now
Theresa Payton, President/CEO, Fortalice Solutions
With the ability to access potent AI algorithms, voice-cloning and other deepfake capabilities, and the widespread availability of ChatGPT, cybercriminals now possess formidable tools at their disposal. These AI advancements have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of criminal operations, offering novel challenges and prospects for the cybersecurity realm. But Theresa Payton shows that it’s possible to turn the tables on cybercriminals. In this keynote, she takes a deep dive into real-world cases along with live AI demonstrations that show how criminals attack you but more importantly, how to future-proof yourself and your company from their attacks. Attendees walk away empowered by clear strategies to future-proof their businesses and thrive in today’s digital landscape.
11:00 am-11:15 am:
Break
Break Out Sessions: Superior IRA and equipifi:
11:15 am-12:15 pm: Two breakout sessions will take place from 11:15 am-12:15 pm. You will have the option to select one to attend.
equipifi: Supercharging Your Banking Experience with Buy Now, Pay Later
Bryce Deeney | CEO & Co-Founder, Equipfi
Why are 20% of credit unions launching Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) in 2024? Consumers are looking for timely access to purchase financing to stretch their budget, and today most are getting this from 3rd-party BNPL providers. However, 70% of BNPL users prefer the service from their financial institution who can provide a safer, easier, and more personalized solution. Join Bryce Deeney, CEO and cofounder of equipifi, to learn:
- How consumer expectations have changed for digital payments and banking
- What CU BNPL looks like and how it elevates member experience
- Who are the greatest threats to the CU wallet share and member relationship
Superior IRA & HSA Company Overview
Kevin Boyles | President and Managing Partner, Superior IRA & HSA
Ryan Shearer | SVP Sales and Managing Partner, Superior IRA & HSA
The future of IRA and HSA services is here. Superior has revolutionized the way that IRAs and HSAs are supported by developing a cutting-edge, fintech platform paired with an outstanding and reimagined service model to better support credit unions. We are staffed by industry veterans with an average IRA/HSA experience of over 18 years, providing exceptional support to credit unions. Other IRA solutions in the marketplace are leveraging processes and technology that is over 20 years old. Superior is bringing the IRA and HSA world into the 21st Century. Learn more about the marketplace and Superior’s solutions in this informative session.
12:15 pm-1:30 pm:
Lunch
Break Out Sessions: TruStage and Fiserv
1:30 pm-2:30 pm: Two breakout sessions will take place from 1:30 – 2:30 pm. You will have the option to select one to attend.
Industry Challenges and Opportunities in an Evolving Economy
Bill Handel | Chief Economist & General Manager Raddon, a Fiserv Company
Dramatic change is the hallmark of the financial services industry in the wake of COVID, emerging new competition, the renaissance of the large banks, and new technologies. Rising interest rates have undeniably altered the market for loans and deposits, and shifting demography have created significant opportunities as well as challenges. The largest banks are more effective in the consumer marketplace than they have ever been. Credit unions can survive and thrive in this evolving environment, but the industry needs to focus on the key things that make it unique in the financial services space. Join Bill Handel. Chief Economist at Raddon, as he discusses the state of the economy as well as other industry developments, details the implications for the credit union industry, and lays out a roadmap for success for the credit union industry.
Credit Union Roadmap to Successful Fintech Partnerships
Brian Bodell | Managing Director, Fintech Solutions, TruStage
Strategic fintech partnerships can open the door for credit union growth like increased loan volume, accelerated time to market, enhanced member experience, improved productivity, and more. However, finding and vetting the right partner for your credit union requires significant effort and diligence. Join this session to gain tips for building and maintaining successful fintech partnerships.
2:30 pm-4:00 pm:
Symitar User Group
This session is open to all Synergent credit unions on or considering a move to Symitar
4:00 pm:
Adjourn
2023 Connect Conference Recap
Were you unable to attend the 2023 Connect Conference? Not to worry! We have compiled all the key highlights, detailed information, and a list of speakers for you to peruse at your convenience. Simply click on the link provided below to access this valuable content.