Field Report: Venture Tech – Where Credit Unions Meet Fintech

We have a passion for facilitating connections here at William Mills Agency, and that’s part of what makes Venture Tech an appealing event. Now in its 8^th year, co-founders CUNA Strategic Services and Curql have fostered open, honest and deeply engaging conversations about progress in credit union technology. It’s marketed as an intimate event, and I agree; Venture Tech felt like a family reunion, especially after coming from Money20/20. The credit union and fintech representatives attending were relationship driven above all else. This is how you facilitate change.

If you haven’t been, and want to build relationships in the credit union industry, this is an event to consider. The show consists of:

• Educational presentations;
• 12 launch party pitches: 8-minute pitches plus a Q&A for each group of earlier-stage fintechs;
• 12 fintech pitches: 10-minute pitches followed by a Q&A for each presenter of proven fintechs;
• New, curated meeting times for fintech, credit union “match-making” conversations;
• An exhibition hall for sponsoring fintechs, including many show alumni; and
• One main evening reception each day -I found it especially helpful to have these collaborative times with the whole group.

If this all sounds a little familiar, you may be right. It has echos of other events, but with Venture Tech’s own badge of community and authenticity that makes a difference. Unlike some other familiar demo pitches, these are not required to be full demos. Fintechs may choose their preferred pitch method, and they were very well done – kudos to the coaches. Word of warning here: do not try to be anything but authentic. Founders were praised for being real about their stages of adoption and integration levels, while those who were more marketing-heavy were met with skepticism.

It was also great to see several of our media friends reporting from the show. Finopotamus’ John San Filippo was live posting and reporting, CU Broadcast’s Mike Lawson’s diary was full, recording updates, use cases and breaking news from the fintech and credit union leaders, Greg Michlig was there for CUInsight its podcast The CU Insight Trendline, and Glen Sarvady was brought the deep diving questions he’s know for and recording for The BIGCast.

Next year the show is moving to the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. Fintechs that want to be involved can sponsor or apply to pitch and the application process starts around April. Special thanks to Nick Evens, Jenny Jackson, and Barb Lowman for all they poured into this event.

Want more intel on 2026 events like this? Download the new WMA Trade Show Guide here: info.williammills.com/financial-trade-show-conference-directory-2026.