ORLANDO, Fla. – For the first time with credit unions from Virginia as part of its membership, the League of Credit Unions & Affiliates has kicked off its inaugural ENGAGE Conference here.

The meeting was formerly known as the Southeast Credit Union Conference & Expo (SCUCE) and IGNITE when it was hosted by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions. That organization has changed its name to the League of Credit Unions after merging with the Virginia Credit Union League.

The association, which also represents credit unions in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, said it is expecting a record 1,164 attendees this year, including credit unions and vendors.

The event includes more than speakers, 40-plus breakout sessions, and 180 exhibitors.

Day One Focus

The first day of ENGAGE focused on small credit unions, highlighting their unique needs and critical role in the movement, and opening with a networking breakfast and an interactive session on CEO succession planning led by Tracie Kenyon of humanidei. 

“This workshop emphasized the importance of developing internal leadership pipelines and creating sustainable transition strategies,” the League said. “Teri Robinson, CEO of Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union and 2025 Herb Wegner Memorial Award winner, followed with a compelling session on resilience and innovation in leadership.”

Also on Agenda

Also on the day one agenda:

• A compliance and legislative roundtable, led by JT Blau, general counsel for The League, on emerging regulatory risks and best practices for managing compliance challenges. 
• The Small Credit Union Roundtable Lunch offered a collaborative space for leaders to connect and exchange ideas.
• An afternoon focus on both state and federal advocacy from four state advocacy committee meetings. “Committees discussed upcoming legislative priorities, engaged with federal and state regulators, and strategized how to best leverage grassroots engagement and Political Action Committee resources in this critical election year,” the League stated. 
• Individual state receptions that gave attendees the opportunity to build connections within their state delegations.
• An evening of Karaoke for CULAC in support of The League’s Federal Political Action Committee (FedPAC).

‘Pivotal Moment’ 

“ENGAGE 2025 marks a pivotal moment for our movement,” League President Samantha A.M. Beeler said in a statement. “For the first time, credit union leaders from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia are coming together under one roof—not just to share knowledge, but to build a united front in advocacy, elevate the presence of credit unions in the financial ecosystem, and shape the future of our industry. This conference is more than an event—it’s the start of a stronger, more connected regional network striving toward common goals.”