MADISON, Wis.–The Filene Research Institute has opened registration for its signature big.bright.minds.2025 event.
big.bright.minds, which is presented by Origence, is scheduled for Dec. 2–4 n Nashville and is “designed for credit union CEOs, executives, board members, and innovation and strategy leaders,” Filene said.
Filene members at the Innovator-level and above are invited to register now at filene.org/bbm25.
“This is an exclusive benefit of membership, there is no registration fee for eligible organizations,” Filene said. “Thinker-level members and non-members interested in attending can contact Filene’s membership team at [email protected] to explore options.
Driving Distinction
According to Filene, at big.bright.minds.2025 Filene’s thought leaders and research fellows will explore what credit unions uniquely bring to the financial landscape.
The organization said that the 2025 theme, “Driving Distinction Through Common Threads,” honors the values that set credit unions apart and dives into how they can be leveraged to:
- Attract and engage younger members
- Differentiate in a crowded, digital-first marketplace
- Build relevancy and trust through enhanced member well-being
‘More Than Simple Values’
“Credit unions’ common threads—centering well-being, the people-helping-people philosophy, concern for community, and collaboration—are more than simple values,” Filene said in a statement. “They are the engine of credit union innovation, resilience, and relevance in a rapidly changing world.”
Leveraging this, the organization added, means credit unions can become beacons of trust, stability, and transformation—”desired outcomes that cannot be commoditized.”
“big.bright.minds. is where the credit union industry comes together to reflect, recharge, and reimagine what’s possible,” EVP Christie Kimbell said in a statement. “This year’s theme reminds us that our shared values are not just what make us different—they’re what make us distinct. We’re proud to offer this experience as a benefit to our members and grateful to our sponsors for helping us expand access.”
‘Remarkable Turnout’
According to Filene, its big.bright.minds.2024 saw a remarkable turnout with a total of 359 attendees from 176 unique organizations. Among them were 30 CEOs, representing 17% of the organizations present, and numerous decision-makers from credit unions with over $1 billion in assets.
In its statement, Filene thanked the 2025 sponsors, which include Origence, along with silver sponsor State National Companies and supporting sponsors Abacus and Momentum.
“Origence’s title sponsorship plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and collaboration within the credit union system,” Filene said. “By supporting big.bright.minds.2025, Origence is expanding access to new ideas, creating lasting impact, and driving change for years to come. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with some of the nation’s best academics and researchers, gaining insights that will shape the future of the credit union industry.”
Helping With Navigation
Added Origence CEO Tony Boutelle in a statement, “We are thrilled to be the title sponsor for Filene’s big.bright.minds. in 2025. By supporting this pivotal industry event, we aim to contribute to the growth and success of credit unions, helping them navigate the evolving financial landscape.”
