Branded under its new moniker, America’s Credit Unions (following the recent merger of CUNA and NAFCU), the 2024 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) was a successful one, bringing together credit unions from across the U.S. and the service providers and technology partners that are helping them better serve their members.

By now you’re almost certainly familiar with the concept of generative AI and more specifically, OpenAI’s ChatGPT – what it is, what it isn’t, what it can (and can’t) do…..yet. From its formal introduction late last year to now the release of the next generation, ChatGPT 4, generative AI and its potential impact on our society has consumed the attention of the media, the investment community, the business community, our political leaders, you name it.

Much has changed in the world of business over the past 18 months and perhaps no particular sector of American business has been impacted as much as conferences and special events. What once were mainstays upon which budgets were set and the annual corporate calendar revolved, the financial services industry – like most others – saw an almost exclusive shift to virtual hosting of conferences, user group meetings, association events, etc. And while conference committees have been pushed to be creative in finding ways to still host events in a virtual environment (Zoom break-out sessions, anyone?), the reality is that most attendees and sponsors found something lacking.

With more than 70 percent of all transactions going through Georgia fintech companies, it’s no surprise that the Technology Association of Georgia’s (TAG) annual FinTech South event continues to grow in size and influence, but seeing Georgia Governor Brian Kemp address more than 1500 attendees in the building that just recently hosted global, high profile events like the MLS Cup, NCAA Football National Championship and the Super Bowl illustrates just how far it’s come.