Rooms starting at $169/night: Click here for the Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City room block.
If the Courtyard is full, additional rooms are available at the nearby Residence Inn (starting at $149/night) using the same booking link above.
If the Courtyard is full, additional rooms are available at the nearby Residence Inn (starting at $149/night) using the same booking link above.
2026 Annual Summit Crashers
April Ales, Crasher Facilitator and Mentor
Exciting Opportunity for Young Professionals: Become a 2026 DakCU Summit Crasher
Are you 35 or younger (give or take… we won’t card you*) and ready to elevate your career? The DakCU Summit is returning with its exclusive "Crasher" program, offering an incredible opportunity for young professionals from the Dakotas to grow, connect, and lead.
Thanks to the support of Millennium Corporate Credit Union, selected Crashers will receive free registration for the DakCU Summit. This unique experience is tailored to help you advance your career, featuring a specialized track led by an experienced credit union industry leader. While registration fees are covered, Crashers and their credit unions are responsible for hotel and travel expenses.
We are thrilled to welcome back this year’s Crasher Facilitator and Mentor, April Ales! April is a leader, speaker, and champion for growth who believes you do not have to have it all figured out to move forward. With more than 20 years of experience in the credit union movement, she has built her career leading relationships, developing people, and driving engagement across the industry. She brings a national perspective shaped by years of working alongside credit unions, state leagues, and system partners. Her journey in the movement has come full circle.
April recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida State University College of Law with a focus on financial regulation and compliance. She is passionate about helping others grow, lead with confidence, and take the next step in their journey. April holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminology from Florida State University and is a proud graduate of the 2014 Credit Union Development Educator (DE) program. She also holds designations in Certified Bank Secrecy Act Professional and Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor.
Don’t miss this chance to build your professional network and gain valuable insights that will help shape your future. Apply today!
Applications are due by March 20, 2026, and the chosen participants will be announced in early April in the Memo.
*Geared toward professionals 35 and under, with flexibility for those who are newer to the industry.
*DakCU reserves the right to close applications early depending on the number of responses. *Applicant must not be a previous Summit Crasher for chance to be selected.
Are you 35 or younger (give or take… we won’t card you*) and ready to elevate your career? The DakCU Summit is returning with its exclusive "Crasher" program, offering an incredible opportunity for young professionals from the Dakotas to grow, connect, and lead.
Thanks to the support of Millennium Corporate Credit Union, selected Crashers will receive free registration for the DakCU Summit. This unique experience is tailored to help you advance your career, featuring a specialized track led by an experienced credit union industry leader. While registration fees are covered, Crashers and their credit unions are responsible for hotel and travel expenses.
We are thrilled to welcome back this year’s Crasher Facilitator and Mentor, April Ales! April is a leader, speaker, and champion for growth who believes you do not have to have it all figured out to move forward. With more than 20 years of experience in the credit union movement, she has built her career leading relationships, developing people, and driving engagement across the industry. She brings a national perspective shaped by years of working alongside credit unions, state leagues, and system partners. Her journey in the movement has come full circle.
April recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida State University College of Law with a focus on financial regulation and compliance. She is passionate about helping others grow, lead with confidence, and take the next step in their journey. April holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminology from Florida State University and is a proud graduate of the 2014 Credit Union Development Educator (DE) program. She also holds designations in Certified Bank Secrecy Act Professional and Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor.
Don’t miss this chance to build your professional network and gain valuable insights that will help shape your future. Apply today!
Applications are due by March 20, 2026, and the chosen participants will be announced in early April in the Memo.
*Geared toward professionals 35 and under, with flexibility for those who are newer to the industry.
*DakCU reserves the right to close applications early depending on the number of responses. *Applicant must not be a previous Summit Crasher for chance to be selected.
A special thank you to our Crasher sponsor, Millennium Corporate Credit Union!
