A 2023 GAC preview

·22 min·2 clips

President George W. Bush called him 'dude' and ended their backstage meeting with an unexpected dab.

Host Ron Jost introduces the episode as a preview of the upcoming CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), scheduled for February 26 to March 2 in Washington, D.C. Guest Todd Spazianski, CUNA's Executive Vice President and Chief Products and Services Officer, discusses his long history with the event, having attended about 25 GACs since his first in 1996 or 1997. He recounts early memories of the conference at the Washington Hilton, including logistical challenges and a humorous incident with a snow-damaged tent. A standout anecdote involves Spazianski meeting President George W. Bush backstage, where Bush repeatedly called him 'dude' and ended their interaction with a dab. The conversation shifts to new elements for the 2023 GAC, informed by post-conference surveys. Key additions include a Sunday DEI roundtable, collaboration with the DEI Collective for 'DEI Tuesday,' and a rescheduled Tuesday general session to feature Condoleezza Rice and improve attendee flow. Spazianski explains the conference's advocacy focus, emphasizing 'financial well-being for all' and the 'credit union difference,' with state leagues coordinating 'hike the hill' visits to Congress. He expresses excitement about reuniting the credit union community post-pandemic and highlights the professional development value of keynote speakers like Sekou Andrews, Peter Diamandis, and Karl Rove. Practical advice for attendees includes wearing comfortable shoes and actively networking. The exhibit hall is described as the largest in financial services, featuring educational theaters and vendor activities. The episode concludes with details on 'GAC on Air,' a virtual hybrid option offering general sessions and breakout content for those unable to attend in person.

As heard by us

A useful CUNA GAC preview that ties conference logistics to credit union advocacy.

The CUNA News Podcast frames the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference as a major credit union gathering with advocacy and face-to-face connection at its core.

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Why you'd press play

You want a steady preview of CUNA GAC: why credit union people gather in Washington, D.C., and how the trip is meant to turn into advocacy.

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