Crash^®the GAC 2027 Application

February 26 - March 4, 2027 | Washington, DC

CRASH^® THE GAC is the Cooperative Trust's flagship Crash^® opportunity! 2027 marks the 17th year of this annual tradition where we bring emerging credit union leaders from all over the country to crash the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in partnership with America's Credit Unions. The GAC is our chance to spotlight the work credit unions do to improve the financial well-being of their members and communities.

What to expect:

Hear from world-class keynote speakers
Join the Leagues for Hill Hikes, meeting with lawmakers to show them the credit union difference
Explore the latest industry offerings in the largest exhibit hall in the credit union space
Network with peers and thought leaders across credit unions, politics, and business
Experience Washington, D.C. through standout receptions, meals, and accommodations

Application tips — read carefully:

Part of the application includes submitting a 60-second video explaining why you should represent your credit union and state at the GAC.
Use YouTube, Vimeo, or any platform that lets you share a reviewable link. Do not submit a file link (it won't work).
Applications without a working, reviewable video will be disqualified.
Your why matters more than production quality, so be yourself!
At least one Crasher is selected per state, based on your credit union's headquarters location (not your personal address).

Selected Crashers will be asked to:

Arrive by Friday, February 26, 2026, at any time
Depart anytime after 3:00 PM, Thursday, March 4, 2027

Conference registration will be covered for selected Crashers. Hotel, travel, and additional food/entertainment outside of provided programming are the responsibility of the Crasher and/or their organization.

Apply by November 30, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

Any questions before applying? Please email Kaeshier Fernandez, Filene's Community Manager --> kaeshierf@filene.org

WHAT'S A CRASHER? Crashers are rising stars (40 and under, occasionally "40-at-heart") within the credit union industry who are selected to attend with complimentary conference registration and exclusive programming designed to accelerate your leadership and spark your next big idea.

WHAT IS THE COOPERATIVE TRUST? The Cooperative Trust, a community by Filene Research Institute, is built for ambitious credit union professionals who are ready to grow. Crash events are high-energy, career-defining experiences that mix peer connection with real professional development, including "Crash sessions" where industry mentors lead candid conversations on leadership, innovation, social responsibility, and what's next for the movement.

Programming brought to you by and in partnership with: