Why the Hallway Conversations May Be the Most Valuable Part of UCC 2026

The Conference Where Collections, Lending, Bankruptcy, Recovery, and Technology Finally Meet in One Room

August 10–12, 2026

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

–

Every conference promises education. Most promise networking. Very few create an environment where the people responsible for lending money, collecting it, recovering collateral, managing bankruptcies, navigating regulations, and implementing technology are all sitting at the same table. That is exactly what makes United Creditors Connect (UCC) 2026 different.

Scheduled for August 10-12 at The Venetian in Las Vegas, UCC was built around a simple idea: the challenges facing financial institutions today can no longer be solved within departmental silos.

Collections teams are dealing with problems that originate in underwriting. Recovery departments are feeling the impact of economic conditions, fraud trends, and bankruptcy filings. Technology decisions are changing how members interact with lenders long before accounts become delinquent. And artificial intelligence is beginning to influence nearly every aspect of the credit lifecycle.

That is why UCC brings together professionals from every corner of the credit union and financial services ecosystem.

Attendees will hear from industry leaders covering lending innovation, artificial intelligence, business development, partnerships, collections, recoveries, bankruptcy, risk management, compliance, and operational strategy. The conference is designed to provide practical insights that participants can take back to their organizations immediately.

But ask most conference veterans what they remember a year later, and many will tell you it wasn’t a PowerPoint presentation.

It was a conversation.

The discussion over breakfast that led to a new vendor relationship. The networking reception where someone shared a solution to a problem they had been struggling with for months. The chance encounter with a peer from another credit union who had already solved the exact challenge sitting on your desk.

Those moments happen when the right people gather in the same place.

UCC has become one of the few conferences where executives, collections professionals, recovery managers, lenders, attorneys, technology providers, and service partners can exchange ideas without organizational boundaries getting in the way. The result is an event that delivers value far beyond the scheduled sessions.

For professionals looking to stay ahead of rapidly changing economic conditions, evolving technology, increasing regulatory complexity, and shifting borrower behavior, UCC 2026 offers more than education.

It offers access.

Access to expertise.

Access to solutions.

Access to relationships that may prove valuable long after attendees return home.

If you’re involved in lending, collections, recoveries, bankruptcy, risk management, compliance, or financial services operations, UCC 2026 deserves a place on your calendar.

Sometimes the most valuable takeaway isn’t found on the agenda.

It’s found in the conversation that happens after the session ends.

A Hall of Fame Kickoff with Michael Irvin

The conference will open its featured speaker lineup with Michael Irvin, Pro Football Hall of Famer and legendary Dallas Cowboys wide receiver. Known as “The Playmaker,” Irvin helped lead the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty to three Super Bowl championships and remains a member of the Cowboys Ring of Honor.

At UCC 2026, Irvin will bring a message focused on leadership, accountability, resilience and building high-performance teams — themes designed to resonate with business leaders facing competitive pressure and organizational change.

–

Brian Hamilton on Competing in a Transformational Ecosystem

Brian Hamilton, Head of Embedded Lending at Origence, will present on “How To Compete in a Transformational Eco-System.”

Hamilton brings more than 30 years of experience across financial institutions, contact centers and fintech. His work at Origence has focused on consumer lending, origination platforms and embedded lending solutions, with an emphasis on helping credit unions modernize lending and deliver more seamless financing experiences.

–

Ron L. Brown on Cyber Tracking and Skip Tracing

Ron L. Brown, President and CEO of CSI Group in Oklahoma City, will address “Cyber Tracking and Skip Tracing in the 21st Century.”

Brown is a licensed private investigator with more than 45 years of experience. He is nationally recognized in tracing, recovery and compliance training, and is also an award-winning instructor, published author, expert witness and co-author of the bestseller MANHUNT.

–

Steve Castagna on Growth Strategy and Execution

Steve Castagna, Chief Growth Officer at AKUVO, will speak on driving growth strategy and operational execution in financial technology.

Castagna brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services technology. His background includes leadership roles in professional services, operational execution, revenue strategy, strategic partnerships Castagna brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services technology. His background includes leadership roles in professional services, operational execution, revenue strategy, strategic partnerships and scalable growth initiatives for financial institutions.

–

FINANCE EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

LAS VEGAS | AUGUST 10TH – 12TH, 2026

Beyond the featured speakers, UCC 2026 will include networking breakfasts, vendor showcases, educational sessions and industry discussions focused on lending, recovery, technology, legal strategy, AI, compliance and the changing economic landscape.

For credit union executives, lending leaders, collection professionals, recovery specialists and financial technology providers, United Creditors Connect 2026 offers a timely opportunity to learn, connect and prepare for what comes next.

Las Vegas | 📅 August 10th – 12th, 2026

🔥 Early Bird Hotel Rates End June 1st 2026

Secure exclusive UCC pricing at The Venetian Resort,

Las Vegas. Limited availability.

About United Creditors Connect

To be a premier credit union industry organization providing information on up to date credit union related issues. We will be sharing best practices, facilitating communication and networking nationwide. Expand your credit union collections network to include nationwide peer credit unions.