Credit Unions from coast to coast took over Hollywood for the annual MAC Conference. During this three-day event, attendees immersed themselves in dynamic general sessions, breakout workshops, and exhibitor showcases, with ample networking opportunities. Thought leaders shared member-centric strategies, encouraging credit unions to rethink their marketing, operations, business development, community engagement, and more. Let’s dive into our time in Hollywood!
The Art of AI
As AI continues to reshape credit union marketing, mastering these tools is crucial for developing more effective and personalized strategies. Andrew Davis, bestselling author and TV producer known for his dynamic marketing approach, opened the event with an electrifying session on leveraging AI. Drawing on his extensive experience in digital marketing and media, Davis demonstrated how AI can enhance existing skills rather than replace them. He offered guidance on avoiding common pitfalls with generative AI, showcasing how savvy marketers can use AI to enrich content and streamline workflows. His valuable insights set the tone for the rest of the conference.
Using Effective Storytelling
The MAC Conference highlighted the transformative power of storytelling. Renee Edwards, Global Director of Social Media at IBM, shared how storytelling is essential for social-first content creation. Her session focused on crafting compelling and relatable narratives tailored to the strengths of each social media platform. Edwards stressed that effective storytelling should engage, educate, and entertain and the importance of quality over quantity.
Other speakers further explored the connection between storytelling and brand, hitting on how authentic and consistent storytelling bridges the gap between credit union values and member expectations. Key components of good storytelling include authenticity, consistency, and engagement.
Indeed, storytelling is not merely a marketing tool but a strategic approach to building meaningful connections with members. By integrating storytelling into content marketing and cross-channel strategies, credit unions can increase engagement, differentiate from competitors, and generate some seriously measurable results.
Engaging Millennial and Gen Z Members
There was much discussion around what Gen Z and Millennials need from their credit unions. These two generations, while often grouped together, have distinct preferences that credit unions must foster and leverage in order to attract new members and grow member value across existing members.
For gen Z, who grew up fully immersed in the digital world, social media is their go-to for financial advice and community interaction. With only eight seconds before gen-Zers move onto something else, brands have a short window. Credit unions must share their impact and focus on authenticity in a quick, engaging way. They are also looking for simple, efficient mobile banking experiences that include features like early access to deposits, P2P transfers, and digital wallet services. This generation is also wary of discussing their finances, allowing credit unions to offer approachable financial education tailored to their short-term goals, like budgeting and savings strategies.
Meanwhile, millennials—who grew up with the internet rather than in it—take a more research-heavy approach to financial decisions, often relying on reviews and third-party opinions. They value connection and trust, so credit unions must demonstrate transparency in fees and services while offering personalized member experiences. Millennials prioritize ease of use in mobile banking and expect customer service to be prompt and reliable.
Wren’s session made it clear: understanding and catering to the unique needs of these tech-savvy, research-driven generations is key for credit unions to remain competitive
A Conference to Remember
This year’s MAC Conference was one for the books! We had an incredible time reconnecting with friends and clients in the heart of Hollywood. Credit unions walked away with valuable insights on how to better showcase the positive impact they’re making in their communities. From AI-driven strategies to the power of storytelling, the event sparked fresh ideas and meaningful conversations. See you at #MAC2025!
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