Anaheim Marriott
October 15–17, 2026
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The 39th annual California Credit Union Collections & Lending Conference continues to build momentum heading into this year’s event, with a highly anticipated Saturday morning General Session featuring longtime credit union strategist and lending consultant Don Arkell. And with only days left in the month to receive two entries into our Early Conference Raffle Drive for two $200 American Express Gift Cards, Signing up right away is strongly encouraged!
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Out of State Collectors are Always Welcome!
Early registration is strongly encouraged, as attendance demand is trending ahead of prior years and capacity is expected to fill quickly.
Register Early and Win!
Remember, those who register early will have additional chances to win during the conference’s “Early Conference Drive.” Credit union attendees registering in May registrations receive two entries, and June registrations receive one entry for prize drawings that will award two lucky credit union winners a $200 American Express Giftcard!
With exhibit space already more than 70% sold and hotel demand rising, we encourage attendees to secure their registration as early as possible to maximize both savings and prize opportunities.
Featured Saturday Morning Keynote Speaker: Don Arkell
Saturday morning’s General Session will feature Don Arkell, Owner of CU Lending Advice, presenting a candid and experience-driven session focused on lending leadership, operational strategy, and organizational growth.
The session title: “Lessons You Wish Your VP of Lending/CLO Learned” signals what many attendees expect to be a direct and highly actionable discussion for executives, lending managers, collections professionals, and operational leaders.
Industry Experience Rooted in Credit Union Operations
Arkell first worked alongside Brett Christensen at Clark County Credit Union as one of Christensen’s original hires and members of the institution’s first sales team. During his time there, he advanced through multiple sales and lending leadership positions before founding a credit union-owned CUSO, Members Auto Brokerage Service, Inc.
He later served as COO at Red Rocks Credit Union in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where he helped reshape the organization’s operational model and sales culture. His efforts focused on modernizing delivery channels while improving operational performance and loan growth.
Since joining CU Lending Advice in 2015, Arkell has worked with credit unions ranging from $10 million to $18 billion in assets across the country. Spending more than 100 days per year onsite with clients, he has gained broad exposure to the operational and lending challenges facing institutions today.
Arkell has become a sought-after speaker, trainer, and strategist known for his practical, real-world consulting style. His work commonly focuses on:
- Loan growth strategies
- Organizational design
- Lending technology implementation
- Strategic planning
- Leadership and sales culture development
See Our Agenda Here!
Registration & Hotel Demand Continue to Climb
There continues to be strong early demand for this year’s conference, with more than 70% of exhibit space already sold and attendee registrations trending ahead of prior years.
The event’s host property, the Anaheim Marriott, is also expected to fill quickly as conference activity increases. Attendees are strongly encouraged to reserve accommodations early while conference room block availability remains open.
With a growing speaker lineup, expanding exhibitor participation, and nearly four decades of industry history behind it, the 2026 conference is shaping up to be one of the strongest CCUCC events to date.
Host Hotel & Accommodations
This year’s conference will be hosted at the Anaheim Marriott, offering attendees a centralized and convenient experience in the heart of the convention district.
The property provides:
- Full-service accommodations designed for business and conference travel
- On-site meeting and ballroom space for sessions and networking
- Immediate proximity to dining, entertainment, and major Anaheim attractions
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A dedicated conference room block is available for attendees, making it easy to stay connected to all event activities while maximizing networking opportunities throughout the event.
Booking early is highly recommended, as room blocks tend to fill quickly alongside rising registration demand.
Why This Conference Matters Now
From rising delinquencies to increasing regulatory scrutiny, the collections and recovery sector is under pressure to evolve. This conference provides a focused environment to tackle those challenges head-on, with discussions centered around:
- Operational efficiency in a tightening margin environment
- Vendor relationships and accountability
- Technology’s growing role in recovery workflows
- Human factors—training, retention, and field decision-making
Just as important, it creates space for the candid, off-the-record conversations that often drive real change.
Final Takeaway: Don’t Wait
With 39 years of industry impact, a fast-selling exhibit hall, strong early registration trends, and a keynote lineup led by Don Arkell, this year’s conference is shaping up to be one of the most consequential yet.
Early registration isn’t just recommended—it may be necessary.
Between limited exhibit space, accelerating attendee demand, and a filling hotel block, those planning to attend should secure their spot—and their room—now.
About the CCUCC
The California Credit Union Collectors Council (CCUCC) is dedicated to advancing the credit union industry through education, collaboration, and innovation. For 39 years, its Annual Collections and Lending Conference has been the go-to event for professionals seeking to sharpen their skills and connect with peers.
The CCUCC reserves the right to disallow the Guest rate.
For Additional Attendees or any Questions – Please Contact:
Joel Bowen
AVP Loan Resolution
Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union
P: (818) 949-5656
Don Arkell Headlines Saturday General Session as CCUCC 2026 Nears Capacity Pace – Don Arkell Headlines Saturday General Session as CCUCC 2026 Nears Capacity Pace – Don Arkell Headlines Saturday General Session as CCUCC 2026 Nears Capacity Pace
Don Arkell Headlines Saturday General Session as CCUCC 2026 Nears Capacity Pace – Credit Union Collections – California Credit Unions Collectors Council – CCUCC
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