Final Thoughts on the 2009 ICUL Convention

The Illinois Credit Union League hosted another successful convention in Chicago this weekend. This was the second convention for me and the first where I stayed for most of the weekend. All-in-all I’d give the event an “A.”

Highlights

As conventions go, there was a great celebratory atmosphere throughout the event. Illinois credit unions have managed through a very tough economic year, which is cause enough to celebrate.

I was really impressed with the camaraderie and welcoming atmosphere of the convention-goers.

The educational sessions were good. I especially enjoyed the Legislative Update and the session on Succession Planning. I also appreciated the down time rather than schedule things back-to-back.

Recommendations

The sessions on the Role of the Board was a bit too elementary for most in attendance. I believe a session on strategic planning would have been more interesting, but that is my focus as I chair such a committee.

Another recommendation concerns the Chicago Hilton and Towers. For the cost of the convention, hotel room, and other direct expenses, was it really necessary to pay $43 to self-park? I also thought the $14.99 per day charge for basic WiFi access was a bit excessive (but that is a hotel issue, not one for ICUL).

If you went to the convection, please take a moment to jot your ideas down as a comment.

See you next year!

Here are other articles I have written on this topic:

• Argonne Credit Union Board Passes Merger Resolution
• Credit Union Board of Advisors
• ACU in Black for Second Year
• The Best ICUL Session: Succession Planning
• ICUL Legisltative Update
• Three Must Sees at the ICUL Convention
• The Future of Corporate Credit Unions
• Keeping Increased Member Savings at Your Credit Union
• Previewing the Illinois Credit Union League Convention
• March’s 5 Most Read Stories