The National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) held its 2009 annual meeting, conference and trade show at the recently opened Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland this past week. With 2000 guest rooms and half a million square feet of exhibit space, the upscale Gaylord National is the largest hotel and convention center complex on the East Coast. The event was attended by over 600 directors and executives of federally chartered credit unions from across the United States.

Presentations and educational sessions were dominated by the economic crisis, its impact on credit unions, and how directors and management can deal with the changing credit union landscape it has caused. Practical sessions such as new investment strategies, dealing with increased check fraud, and understanding the health of a credit union by reading its financial statements were common. The serious undertone of the conference was mitigated by a host of fun events including a cruise on the Potomac River and a concert by Kenny Rogers.

Bluepoint enjoyed steady traffic at its booth, from both existing customers and new acquaintances stopping by to connect and see the latest products. NAFCU will hold its 2010 meeting at McCormick Place in Chicago.