We were pleased to host our inaugural client conference — VeleraLIVE 2025 — from April 14-16 in Denver, Colo. This conference represented a major milestone in our company’s journey, merging our two legacy flagship events (Member Forum and THINK) into one powerhouse conference. VeleraLIVE 2025 brought together more than 2,000 attendees, including Velera client credit unions, industry partners, Velera team members and members of the media.

The dynamic three-day event was set against the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains at the beautiful Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. VeleraLIVE 2025 delivered outstanding content and wonderful opportunities for collaboration, along with some standout keynote speakers and great live entertainment. Our entire Velera team is very thankful to our attendees, sponsors and speakers for their enthusiastic participation and contributions to the event’s success.

Here are some of the key highlights and takeaways from VeleraLIVE 2025.

Velocity for a New Era

Velera President and CEO Chuck Fagan kicked off the official programming with his keynote presentation, touching on how the conference theme of “Velocity for a New Era” spoke to the momentum we are building — not just as a company, but as an industry. Other key topics from Chuck’s keynote included:

Velera – and our industry – will continue to move forward with velocity by embracing the power of collaboration.
Chief Administrative Officer Brian Caldarelli, the leader of our Integration Management Office (IMO), provided an update on the integration of our company, sharing that Velera is right on track for what is expected to be a two- to three-year process.
Chuck introduced Velera’s new purpose statement: “We accelerate partners’ success through innovative financial technology solutions and inspired service.” He also outlined how Velera’s purpose is rooted in service, innovation, data and consulting, and technology.
Chuck provided an update on Velera’s Product Journey, which was launched last year to modernize our product offerings and meet the rapidly evolving needs of credit unions and their members.
Chief Operations Officer Dean Michaels provided updates on fraud and disputes, sharing that over the past year, Velera stopped almost $3 billion in fraud from occurring at credit unions. Dean also shared an update on Velera’s dispute operations, reporting that Velera made significant strides to enhance dispute processes, drive efficiency and deliver a better overall experience for credit union partners and their members.
Chuck concluded his presentation by reminding attendees that even though Velera has more than 45 years of history in the industry, “We’re just getting started.”

Inspiring Keynotes from Star-Studded Speakers

Following Chuck’s address, AI expert and futurist Steve Brown took to the stage. A leading authority on generative AI, autonomous agents and digital transformation, Steve shared the capabilities and future potential of AI – providing a bit of a scare for attendees! He also emphasized the importance of staying ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

Next up was the PYMNTS Roadmap to 2030 Panel. Hosted by Velera Chief Growth Officer Brian Scott, the panel featured Karen Webster, Founder and CEO of PYMNTS; Ricky Otey, President and CEO of Partners Federal Credit Union (Burbank, Calif.); Bob McKay, President and CEO of Together Credit Union in (St. Louis, Mo.), and Denise Stevens, Velera Chief Product Officer. The group discussed insights from the recently released Roadmap to 2030, a collaboration between Velera and PYMNTS.com. Their insights focused on the strategic planks for credit unions which highlight what’s top of mind with members and prospective members.

Valuable Insights from Panel of Credit Union Executives

On day three, industry veteran Mark Sievewright moderated our Credit Union Executive Panel, which provided firsthand insights focused on the latest industry trends. Panelists included Patty Corkery, President and CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League; Chris Harlan, President and CEO of University of Illinois Community Credit Union; Jenny Vipperman, President and CEO of ORNL Federal Credit Union (Oak Ridge, Tenn.); and Jim Hayes, President and CEO of State Department Federal Credit Union (Alexandria, Va.).

Following the panel, Erik Weihenmayer, a world-class blind adventurer who has summitted Mt. Everest, gave an inspiring, emotional presentation. He shared his incredible journey and reminded attendees of the goals that we can achieve when we embrace difficulty, support each other and live with “no barriers.”

In our closing keynote, Dean Young, Velera Chief Service Officer and emcee of VeleraLIVE 2025, had an entertaining and candid conversation with legendary NFL Hall of Fame teammates Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. Their discussion was filled with many interesting insights.

Action-Packed Content for All

VeleraLIVE also featured breakout sessions led by industry experts, credit union leaders and Velera subject matter experts, covering a wide range of topics including AI, fraud, data strategy, instant payments and emerging innovations.

In the VeleraLIVE Solution Showcase, attendees were able to connect to a world of inspired outcomes through interactive presentations and demonstrations of current and new products and solutions. Additionally, many of our attendees were able to take advantage of free 1:1 Advisors Plus sessions, in which they received expert guidance from Advisors Plus consultants about their credit union’s unique challenges.

On the evening of our second day, attendees experienced a taste of Colorado without having to leave the gorgeous grounds of the Gaylord during our Mile High Beats and Brews event. Attendees enjoyed local craft beer tasting and favorite pub eats, while listening to tunes from dueling DJs and participating in the thrill of axe throwing. And we were all wowed by the aerial prowess of the trampoline skiers!

Our closing party was hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated OneRepublic, who were formed in Colorado Springs. The band performed many of their hits, including “Apologize,” “Good Life,” “Counting Stars,” and “I Ain’t Worried,” as well as a medley of hit songs that OneRepublic singer/songwriter and lead vocalist Ryan Tedder wrote and/or produced for other artists. Their high-energy performance was a perfect close to an outstanding event.

Save the Date

We can’t wait to come together again for VeleraLIVE 2026, scheduled for the week of April 13 in Orlando, Fla. Save that week in your calendar and stay tuned for more information, as well as for upcoming VeleraNOW events throughout the country later this year. We look forward to seeing you there!

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