Velera Announces Initial Main Stage Speakers for VeleraLIVE 2026
St. Petersburg, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2026) – Velera, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, has announced its first confirmed keynote speakers for VeleraLIVE 2026, taking place April 13-15 in Orlando, Fla., at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
VeleraLIVE 2026 will bring together credit union professionals, industry partners and key stakeholders from across the financial services industry to advance credit union growth now and into the future. Programming will feature dynamic keynotes, breakout sessions, the Solution Showcase, networking and more.
“VeleraLIVE is about creating extraordinary moments that fuel real, lasting momentum for credit unions,” said Dean Young, EVP and chief service officer at Velera. “The conversations and connections made at this event are designed to shape how the industry thinks about growth, innovation and long-term impact. We look forward to welcoming attendees in Orlando – a city known for making ‘magic’ happen – this spring.”
This year’s event is scheduled to include:
- CEO Keynote: President and CEO Chuck Fagan will kick off the event, offering a look at Velera’s recent momentum and a forward-looking view of what’s next as the company continues to evolve.
- Keynote – Erica Dhawan: An internationally recognized authority on 21st-century teamwork and author of two bestselling books, Erica Dhawan will deliver “Master Change: Strategies for Success in a Dynamic World.” Drawing from her research on connectional intelligence, Dhawan unpacks how leading organizations navigate transformational change, combat complacency and resistance, and apply clear, actionable strategies to accelerate momentum and drive lasting results.
- Keynote – Mike Walsh: A futurist known for challenging audiences to rethink technology and its impact on work and life, Mike Walsh – founder and CEO of Tomorrow, a global innovation consultancy – will explore why now is the time for radical reinvention in his keynote, “The AI-Powered Organization.” Walsh will outline how leaders can transform data into value, reshaping decision-making, automation and consumer engagement in an increasingly AI-driven world.
- CEO Fireside Chat: Fagan will sit down for a fireside chat with Scott Simpson, president and CEO of America’s Credit Unions, a national trade organization representing the unified voice of the credit union movement and the more than 144 million members it serves. With more than 22 years of experience in the credit union system, Simpson is passionate about the transformative power of credit unions to change people’s lives. Fagan and Simpson will discuss the state of the industry, the evolving regulatory environment and the importance of advocacy.
- Breakout Sessions: Attendees will gain insights from Velera thought leaders and industry experts addressing timely topics such as AI, digital assets and stablecoins, small business, innovative data strategies, card portfolio growth, fraud and more.
- The Solution Showcase: Participants can explore Velera’s innovative product and solution portfolio through interactive, hands-on demonstrations.
Additional keynote speakers and content will be announced soon.
Registration for VeleraLIVE 2026 is now open. “Early bird” registration is available through Feb. 13, and general registration is available through March 13. For more details or to register, visit the VeleraLIVE 2026 event page.
About Velera
Velera is the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider. With over four decades of industry experience and a commitment to service excellence and innovation, the company serves more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America, operating with velocity to help its clients keep pace with the rapid momentum of change and fuel growth in the new era of financial services. Velera leverages its expertise and resources on behalf of credit unions and their members, offering an end-to-end product portfolio that includes payment processing, fraud and risk management, data and analytics, digital banking, instant payments, strategic consulting, collections, ATM and POS networks, shared branching and 24/7/365 member support via its contact centers. For more information, visit velera.com.