CCUA 2026 National Conference - Request for Speakers

CCUA’s 2026 National Conference will take place May 10–13, 2026, in Ottawa, ON, delivering engaging, high-value learning experiences for all attendees. To achieve this, the conference team and CCUA’s internal working group will curate programming with care and intention. We are sharing the four proposed breakout session streams and suggested focus areas and invite your input to ensure the program reflects the priorities of our members.

At this stage, we are primarily seeking subject matter experts interested in contributing to sessions on these themes. A full session proposal is not required—our priority is to identify strong speakers whose expertise can bring the content to life. However, full proposals are welcome. We also encourage new topic suggestions beyond those listed.

Please note: space is limited, the process is competitive, and preference will be given to Canadian credit unions. Full session proposals may be adapted during curation, and sales-focused submissions will not be considered. We can offer a special conference discount for our speakers, with more details to be shared once final confirmations are sent.

All submissions will be reviewed with care, and selections will be confirmed by the end of January 2026.

Proposals will be accepted until November 28, 2025.

Breakout Streams 2026

Conference Theme: Driven by Purpose: The Next Chapter

1. Leading Through Transformation
Leading change, strategy, growth, sustainable transformation, governance

Thriving as a small and mid-sized CU
Sustainable transformation
Merger and consolidation strategies: Best practices & pitfalls
Maintaining identity (social purpose) and agency through growth

2. Innovation, Modernization & Digital Strategy
Practical tech leadership, fintech partnerships, and cyber readiness

Innovation and modernization
Working with fintech
Digital strategy
Cybersecurity readiness

3. Social Purpose, People & Community Impact
Mission-aligned growth, member connection/engagement, and inclusive leadership

Serving diverse & cultural communities
Community partnerships
Indigenous economic reconciliation (member stories)
Member connection (social, marketing, etc.)

4. The Future of Work
Future-ready teams and human-centred leadership

HR strategies, attracting and retaining Next-Gen talent
Building resilient, engaged teams & creating innovation cultures
Leading through change (constant change at different levels)

Speaker Information:

Question Title

* 1. Please provide your contact information below:

Full name:

Email:

Organization name:

Job Title:

Question Title

* 2. Please select your preferred stream(s). (Choose ‘Other’ if your idea does not fit into the listed options):

Leading Through Transformation

Innovation, Modernization & Digital Strategy

Social Purpose, People & Community Impact

The Future of Work

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. Please select your preferred session format (up to three):

Lightning Sessions: This is a fast-paced, focused breakout where speakers share key insights, ideas, or updates in a brief, engaging format. Each presentation is short, allowing attendees to hear multiple perspectives and spark new discussions in a condensed timeframe.

Ask Me Anything (AMA): This is a session where attendees can ask questions directly to experts, speakers, or leaders in an open and informal setting, fostering candid insights and interactive discussion.

Tabletop Crisis Simulations / Scenario Planning: This is a hands-on session where participants work through realistic crisis scenarios or strategic challenges, discussing responses and decision-making in a collaborative, low-risk environment to build preparedness and problem-solving skills.

Solution Sprints: This is a fast-paced, collaborative session where participants work in teams to develop innovative solutions to specific challenges, quickly testing ideas and refining approaches in a focused, time-bound format.

Formal Debates: This is a structured session where participants present and defend opposing viewpoints on a specific topic, encouraging critical thinking, persuasive communication, and active engagement from both speakers and the audience.

Roundtable Conversation: This is an interactive session where participants engage in open discussion around a specific topic, sharing perspectives, experiences, and ideas in a collaborative and inclusive setting

Panel Presentation: This is a session where multiple experts or speakers discuss a topic together, offering diverse perspectives and insights while engaging with questions from the audience.

Question Title

* 4. In 200–300 words, please explain how your professional experience uniquely positions you to speak on this topic. Your response should demonstrate:

• Depth of expertise: Describe relevant roles, accomplishments, or research/presentations.

• Practical application: Include examples, case studies, or measurable outcomes that highlight how you’ve applied this knowledge in real-world settings.

• Value to attendees: Explain what actionable insights, strategies, or perspectives participants will gain from your expertise.

If you plan to submit a session proposal, please provide the following information. This section is optional, and you may submit your proposal by completing questions 1 to 4 only.

CCUA 2026 National Conference - Request for Speakers

Question Title

* 1. Please provide your contact information below:

Question Title

* 2. Please select your preferred stream(s). (Choose ‘Other’ if your idea does not fit into the listed options):

Question Title

* 3. Please select your preferred session format (up to three):

Question Title

Question Title

* 5. Proposed submission title:

Question Title

* 6. Submission description (max. 100 words):

Question Title

* 7. What are three insights you wish to share with attendees, or what do you want attendees to take away from your submission?

Question Title

* 8. Who would be the best audience for your submission?