APEX 2025 Inspires Collaboration, Innovation, and Leadership Among Credit Union Leaders
The CULCT and CCUA experience record attendance, dynamic speakers, and shared purpose during this year’s convention at Mohegan Sun
The Credit Union League of Connecticut (CULCT) and the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) are proud to announce the resounding success of APEX 2025, held at Mohegan Sun. Gathering 1,000 participants, including credit union leaders, industry experts, partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers, the three-day convention offered an engaging program of education, collaboration, and inspiration for the credit union community across the Northeast.
The event’s title sponsor, TruStage, played a key role in shaping an experience that celebrated the strength and unity of the credit union movement. TruStage was joined by event sponsors MemberClose, and SRM whose support helped deliver a convention that reflected the collaborative spirit and innovation that define the APEX experience.
Christine Cashen opened the convention with humor and insight, offering strategies for stronger communication and leadership. Allison Cerra of Alkami shared forward-thinking perspectives on digital transformation and the evolving member experience. Former New England Patriots quarterback and entrepreneur Drew Bledsoe captivated attendees with his stories of perseverance and reinvention. The event concluded with a thought-provoking keynote from TruStage’s Linda Nedelcoff, emphasizing purpose-driven leadership in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
In addition to these remarkable speakers, APEX 2025 introduced an exciting new feature—the Solutions Stage. Located in the exhibit hall, the stage offered attendees a chance to explore innovative technologies through fintech pitch sessions, learn from compliance experts in the Stage Learning Lab, see emerging solutions come to life in live demos, hear real-world insights on AI underwriting through a case study, and gain valuable updates on the real estate lending market.
APEX 2025 also featured a record-breaking exhibit hall with more than 120 exhibitors—the largest in the convention’s history. Business partners, service providers, and pioneering fintechs showcased products and services designed to help credit unions enhance member experiences and improve operational efficiency. Attendees engaged directly with industry leaders, discovering new tools and collaborations to strengthen their organizations.
“APEX 2025 showed what’s possible when credit unions come together with a shared purpose,” said Bruce Adams, President and CEO of CULCT. “By co-hosting this convention, our leagues amplify our impact—it creates a space where ideas, tools, and relationships turn into measurable value for our members and our movement.”
“The spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the credit union industry was on full display at APEX,” said Ron McLean, President and CEO of CCUA. “Through inspiring speakers, impactful conversations, and a dynamic exhibit hall, the event advanced learning and forged connections that strengthen the entire credit union community.”
With record attendance and a growing roster of exhibitors and fintech partners, APEX continues to evolve as the premier gathering for credit union professionals across the Northeast—driving progress through connection, collaboration, and collective purpose.
Looking ahead, registration for APEX 2026 is now open, offering attendees the chance to lock in 2025 rates. APEX 2026 will return to Mohegan Sun from October 13 to 16, 2026, promising another exceptional lineup of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities. For more information or to register for APEX 2026 at this year’s rates, contact Chris Whalen at cwhalen@culct.coop.
About the Credit Union League of Connecticut: The Credit Union League of Connecticut is the state trade association serving and representing Connecticut’s Credit Unions. The League provides advocacy, compliance support, education, and business solutions that help credit unions grow and better serve their members. Through collaboration and innovation, the League advances the collective strength of credit unions as a movement that empowers people, strengthens communities, and builds financial well-being for all.
About the Cooperative Credit Union Association: The Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) is the leading regional trade organization, acting as the advocate for nearly 200 credit unions spanning Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. These member credit unions collectively manage assets exceeding $75 billion, serving a combined membership of over 5 million consumers. Visit www.ccua.org for more information.
