Three years ago I attended what was then known as the Partnership Symposium (here’s a video of my presentation). It was an outstanding conference on issues affecting credit unions, held at the innovative and welcoming FORUM Credit Union in Fishers, Indiana. For those of us at credit unions who were early adopters of social media, it was a wonderful opportunity for us to meet up in person, sometimes for the first time.

Last year, I was disappointed that I didn’t get to go, (two years ago it was cancelled due to the weak economic climate), but in partnership with the CU Water Cooler, it was renamed the CU Water Cooler Symposium, and each editor of the Water Cooler chose a speaker to present at the Symposium. I chose my colleague in Strategy at Vancity, Bill Corbett, who spoke about how Vancity embraces the co-operative model.

This year’s event is September 29th and 30th, again at FORUM in Fishers, Indiana. I am so pleased to announce my speaker for this year’s event: David Gouthro, President of The Consulting Edge. I have been working with David for a few months now, and know his work with credit unions in Canada as a facilitator and leadership development consultant. I chose David for his good humour, unique perspective, deep experience, commitment to the co-operative model and his facilitation skills.

Listen to the episode of the CU Chat Up radio show with David and me.

Here’s what I hope will come of the session: I go to conferences, meet some amazing people, learn some great stuff, but often am left wondering how I can bring new perspectives to my job once I’m back sitting at my desk. David will be facilitating a 90-minute wrap up at the end of the first day of the CU Water Cooler Symposium amongst all presenters and attendees, to discuss what we’ve learned and how to bring it back to our organizations and keep it active. Should be an amazing session.

I’ll also be speaking to Vancity’s five-year journey engaging members and the community via social media – the same topic I’m speaking to at this year’s World Credit Union Conference.

So, plan on coming to the CU Water Cooler Symposium this year. It’s September 29th and 30th in Fishers, Indiana. It promises to be a great event, and I hope to see you there.