Crash Programming is how The Cooperative Trust empowers the next generation. We identify rising credit union leaders and place them inside some of the industry's most important events. Crashers will learn from movement veterans, build real relationships, and find their place in a network that will carry them throughout their careers. Every experience is designed to stretch each participant personally and professionally, because the next generation of leaders deserves more than a seat at the table. They deserve to own it.
Browse this year's full lineup of Crash events below.Â
Check back often as application windows open, and when they do, be ready to jump in.
In partnership with America's Credit Unions, we select rising credit union professionals from across the country — ideally one from every state — to Crash the movement's biggest stage. The General Affairs Conference is the credit union industry's largest advocacy event, and Crashers come ready to engage. Through a jam-packed week of dedicated Crash Sessions, participants are immersed in the conference, the movement, and the moment — culminating in a "Hill Hike" to advocate directly for credit unions with their state's legislators.
Washington DC | February 27 – March 5
Application: Closed
The future of payments is being shaped right now, and Crashers get a seat at that table. In partnership with Visa, we select rising leaders from community financial institutions across the country to Crash the Visa Payments Forum. From visionary keynotes to hands-on technology demos to global networking with innovators from markets large and small, it's an immersive week inside one of the most consequential conversations in financial services. If you want to understand where payments are headed, this is the room to be in.
See the 2026 Visa Payments Forum Conference Page Here
- Conference Location: Moscone West
- 747 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Hotel information will be provided to selected crashers.
- Crashers receive FREE registration to the event and access to exclusive Crash Sessions amongst the general conference agenda.
- Crashers and their organizations will be responsible for all hotel and travel costs.
San Francisco, CA | June 8 – 11
Application: Closed
Credit unions and similar financial systems exist in every corner of the world, and the World Credit Union Conference is where they all come together. In partnership with the World Council of Credit Unions' WYCUP program, we select rising leaders from across the country to Crash the movement's premier international event. Crashers spend the week connecting with thousands of professionals from more than 60 countries, digging into global perspectives on credit union innovation, and exploring a world-class exhibition of solution providers. It's a perspective-shifting experience that reminds you just how far the cooperative spirit reaches.
Learn more about the World Credit Union Conference here.
Crashers will also participate in the WYCUP & COBA Emerging Leaders’ Summit. Check out the Emerging Leaders’ Summit agenda!
📍 ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
- Arrive at SYD no later than Saturday, July 18
- Programming begins: Sunday, July 19
- Depart: Thursday, July 23
Selected Crashers will:
- Receive further hotel information.
- Receive FREE registration to the event and a $1000 scholarship.
- Be responsible for all hotel and travel costs.
Sydney, Australia | July 18 – 22
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT
Any questions before applying? Please email both Kaeshier Fernandez (Filene) and Kassandra Schroeder (WYCUP).
Credit unions serve millions. Defense credit unions serve the millions who serve us all. In partnership with the Defense Credit Union Council, we select rising leaders from across the country to Crash the only conference dedicated entirely to the intersection of military service and credit union advocacy. Crashers will connect with CEOs and executives navigating the unique challenges of serving the military community, explore emerging technologies with corporate sponsors, dig into the most pressing issues facing defense credit unions today, and give back through the conference's annual military-related charity initiative.
See the DCUC 2026 Annual Conference Page here.
📍JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W. Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
- Arrive: Sunday, August 2 (FLL or MIA)
- Conference: August 3–6
- Depart: Thursday, August 6 after 12 PM (FLL or MIA)
Selected Crashers will:
- Receive further hotel information upon announcement.
- Receive FREE registration to the event and access to exclusive Crash Sessions amongst the general conference agenda.
- Be responsible for all hotel and travel costs.
Aventura, FL  | August 2 – 6
Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT
Any questions before applying? Please email both Kaeshier Fernandez (Filene) and Beth Merlo (DCUC).
big.bright.minds. is Filene Research Institute’s biggest annual member event that brings together the most innovative credit unions with the brightest minds in the industry.
More info is coming soon!
- Crashers receive FREE registration to the event and access to exclusive Crash Sessions amongst the general conference agenda.
- Crashers and their organizations will be responsible for all hotel and travel costs.
New Orleans, LA  | Dec 1 – 3
Application: Coming Soon!
Any questions before applying? Please email Kaeshier Fernandez (Filene).
What's a Crasher?
Crashers are rising professionals (40 & under, or "40 at heart") in cooperative and community finance who are sponsored to attend industry events at no cost with additional programming designed specifically for leadership and innovation development. The application is easy. The experience is career changing.
Want Crashers at your event?
If your organization is interested in bringing enthusiastic emerging leaders to crash an event, we’d love to partner with you. Reach out to The Cooperative Trust for more info!
One of the most impactful aspects of this experience was stepping into spaces I never imagined myself in...and discovering just how powerful our collective voice can be. The mentorship and encouragement I received, both from the other Crashers and from the incredible leaders guiding us, left me with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.