Credit Union Conference: Making Collaboration Work

The Swoboda Research Centre welcomes its members and anyone interested in the future of credit unions to participate in Making Collaboration Work, our conference in Dublin on 24th May 2024

Agenda now available here.

"Collaboration" is now a buzzword for credit unions, who see the value – potentially even necessity – in working together. There are high profile examples of failure in Ireland and Great Britain, notably on technology initiatives, but now credit unions are regaining confidence, with successful initiatives such as projects, such as current accounts (Payac) and mortgage CUSOs (Credit Union Service Organisation) in Ireland, the Greater Manchester consortium in England, a joint advocacy and marketing initiative, and the newly incorporated CUShare Ltd CUSO in Scotland that is looking at back office opportunities.

How do we make these and other such projects successful and sustainable? Where should collaborative energies focus next? This conference will seek to address these questions through a mix of presentation and participation, so delegates can listen, learn and debate.

We have an amazing line-up of speakers and panellists from the US, Poland, Ireland, England and Scotland. The conference will be opened by Neale Richmond Minister of State, and we will also hear from:

• Ronaldo Hardy, CEO of the National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations in the US (NACUSO), who will share the considerable US experience of building organisations to serve the movement
• Professor Dominik Bierecki, an academic and lawyer from Poland and a specialist in co-operation, who has served on the national board of credit unions in Poland (SKOK) and has worked with WOCCU. Poland has a very different approach to the diverse CUSO model in the US or as emerging in Ireland and Britain
• Professor Tina Harrison, chair of Capital Credit Union in Edinburgh and director of a new CUSO, CU Share Limited, set up by three large Scottish credit unions. Tina’s academic specialism is marketing financial services.
• Paul O’Donovan, CEO at ODA Consulting, who will be well-known to many Irish attendees for his decades of experience advising credit unions and steering major initiatives such as the current account business that is now Payac and the current mortgage CUSO project.
• Dr Peter Davis, from the University of Leicester School of Management in Britain and Adjunct Professor at St Mary’s University in Canada, will present his initial findings on research into the opportunity for a central finance facility for credit unions in Ireland, a project he is working on with Swoboda.
• Finbarr O’Shea, CEO of Bantry Credit Union and a board member of Cultivate, the credit-union-owned, not-for-profit vehicle that provides the Cultivate (farm) and Greenify loan offerings to over 50 credit unions in Ireland.
• Todd Proulx, adviser to a US CUSO and credit union consultant, who will talk about using a CUSO to work with IT providers.

And more! See the full agenda here (subject to change). And there will be time for plenary and group discussion and networking.

Swoboda is grateful to its corporate members for their support for this conference: AsOne, Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland (also the event sponsor - see below), CUFA Ltd, ECCU Assurance DAC, OCWM Law, Progress Systems, Singlify and Solution Centre.

Who should attend?

Anyone involved in the strategic leadership and management of credit unions - chairs, directors, CEOs / executives. Stakeholders with an interest in sustaining the critical role that credit unions play in the financial service ecosystem in Britain, Ireland and elsewhere.

How much does it cost?

This event is free for Swoboda members, according to subscription package, with additional member tickets at €75 including VAT. We welcome other interested attendees with standard tickets €350* including VAT. Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided (please advise the organiser of any dietary requirements).

*Any delegates who cannot easily make euro payments please contact Rachel Farrell to arrange an alternative currency invoice (rachel.farrell@swobodacentre.org).

Conference sponsor

Swoboda is grateful to its corporate member, Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland, for their support of this conference.

Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland has a long established successful relationship with the Irish credit union sector having provided financial services since 2000. The company currently has active business relationships with over 140 leading credit unions, through a dedicated and experienced Credit Union team. Their credit union clients benefit from full access to the in depth financial and investment resources available within the global Cantor Fitzgerald group.

https://cantorfitzgerald.ie/institutions/credit-unions/

FAQs

Where is the conference?

Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown, an IHG Hotel. Here.

Can I attend online?

No, this is not a hybrid event. If we are able, we will record the event and make this available to our members. There will definitely be a report on proceedings.

Is there parking at the venue?

Yes, parking is available at the hotel and also the shopping centre near the hotel.

Is there accommodation at the venue?

Yes. Contact Rachel Farrell (rachel.farrell@swobodacentre.org) to book a room at the hotel of the conference at a discounted rate. Only limited number of rooms available and we are aware that the city will be busy due to a big sports event earlier int he week, so let Rachel know ASAP! There are alternative hotels in the vicinity, but it is busy.

Is the conference CPD accredited?

LIA accreditation (Ireland) is being pursued. Contact Rachel for an update rachel.farrell@swobodacentre.org.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No - we will have a registration list.

Is it OK if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Yes, but if you can let us know in advance that would be helpful.

Can I buy a ticket if I am not a member of Swoboda?

Yes, we have a number of spaces for non-members, so hurry and book your place!

Can I buy tickets on the door?

No - in order to organise the event properly, tickets are only available online. Contact the organiser if any problems.

Do I need to advise dietary requirements in advance?

Yes please, to avoid possible disappointment. Contact Rachel rachel.farrell@swobodacentre.org.

What is the dress code for the conference?

There is no dress code.

How can I contact the organiser?

Contact Rachel rachel.farrell@swobodacentre.org or Nick Money nick.money@swobodacentre.org +44 7540 259053.