Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) is the credit union industry's largest and most impactful advocacy event. Each year, credit union leaders from across the country come together in Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers, explore key policy issues, and amplify the credit union voice.
Through high-level keynotes, targeted policy sessions, and in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, GAC prepares attendees to take action and influence change. The experience fosters stronger relationships, deeper understanding of advocacy priorities, and momentum that carries forward throughout the year. Whether you are new to advocacy or a returning leader, GAC offers essential access, insight, and connection.
At GAC 2026 expect: Packed general sessions with voices that move policy and headlines; Unmatched face time with lawmakers and decision makers; Real conversations that amplify the impact of your members’ stories; and Thousands of advocates advancing the credit union movement with purpose!
Through high-level keynotes, targeted policy sessions, and in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, GAC prepares attendees to take action and influence change. The experience fosters stronger relationships, deeper understanding of advocacy priorities, and momentum that carries forward throughout the year. Whether you are new to advocacy or a returning leader, GAC offers essential access, insight, and connection.
At GAC 2026 expect: Packed general sessions with voices that move policy and headlines; Unmatched face time with lawmakers and decision makers; Real conversations that amplify the impact of your members’ stories; and Thousands of advocates advancing the credit union movement with purpose!
ROGER HEACOCK GAC-HTH SCHOLARSHIP
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This Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) scholarship was created to honor Roger Heacock’s servant leadership and longtime commitment to credit union advocacy and grassroots engagement by providing financial assistance to credit union professionals who are members of DakCU and wish to attend the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) or the DakCU Legislative/Regulatory Hike the Hill (HTH). Assistance varies each year and is based on the number of qualified applicants and funds available. This year, we are excited to be offering scholarships to attend the 2026 GAC for a stipend between $2,500 and $3,500/each.
Scholarship monies allocated to applicants may reach, but not exceed, the cost of attending the conference or event. Deadline to apply is Friday, December 5, 2025. |
GAC CRASHERS
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Crashing the GAC is celebrating 17 years of connecting emerging leaders (age 40 or younger) to our industry's brightest minds, deepening their connection to the credit union mission! And once again, Filene and The Cooperative Trust are hoping to get 50 Crashers - one from each state - to attend the GAC in Washington, DC. Crashers receive free conference registration; meals; and unique experiences! Travel expenses and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the Crasher and their credit union. DakCU is offering a scholarship for each of our Dakota crashers. The first step is to be selected. If you are building a career in the industry, we strongly encourage you to apply for this opportunity!
Deadline to apply is Monday, December 1, 2025. |
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ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DAKCU MEMBERS
2026
GAC Housing information is open! See the "Accommodations" button above, or the hyperlink below, for the hotels available for Dakota credit unions. Remember, after clicking the link, you will need the league name as well as a case sensitive password to make your reservations:
To make a reservation:
The onPeak booking process remains the same as previous years for those of you that were part of the process. Here is a webinar from our 2019 GAC to walk-thru the process. Disregard all dates mentioned in this webinar as it is from 2019 GAC. If you need any additional assistance or have additional questions, we are happy to set up a one-on-one call.
Reservations, Cancellations and Changes—Key Dates
If you have any questions, please contact John Alexander at [email protected] or Kenley Lamberty at [email protected].
GAC Housing information is open! See the "Accommodations" button above, or the hyperlink below, for the hotels available for Dakota credit unions. Remember, after clicking the link, you will need the league name as well as a case sensitive password to make your reservations:
- League: Dakota Credit Union Association
- Unique Link: https://compass.onpeak.com/e/42ACU26/in/category/41658
- Password: Purple2026 (Password is case sensitive)
- This specific room block is full. See the link below for additional hotel blocks:
- Secondary Hotel Availability
- This specific room block is full. See the link below for additional hotel blocks:
To make a reservation:
- Click on the unique link for your league and enter password.
- Select the hotel you would like (if your block has more than one).
- Create a password for each reservation they are placing, to secure credit card information.
- Select the arrival/departure dates you would like.
- Enter payment information. A major credit card is required for ALL reservations at the time of booking. Credit cards will not be charged at the time of the reservation.
The onPeak booking process remains the same as previous years for those of you that were part of the process. Here is a webinar from our 2019 GAC to walk-thru the process. Disregard all dates mentioned in this webinar as it is from 2019 GAC. If you need any additional assistance or have additional questions, we are happy to set up a one-on-one call.
Reservations, Cancellations and Changes—Key Dates
- Friday, December 19, 2025: Reservations cancelled on or before this date will not be charged a cancellation fee of one night’s room and tax.
- Saturday, December 20, 2025: Reservations cancelled after this date will be subject to a one night’s room and tax cancellation fee per room.
- Friday, January 16, 2026: All league housing must be entered into the housing system.
- Keep in mind: you can release rooms back into general inventory at any time if you find you are not going to need all of your rooms. Releasing rooms prior to the cutoff date helps others obtain the GAC group rate for their reservations.
- Thursday, February 12, 2026: All reservations, changes and cancellations must be made with the Housing Bureau by this date, by 4:30 p.m. (EST).
- February 13- 17, 2026: During this timeframe the Housing Bureau will transfer reservation information to hotels. No changes can be made during this time.
- February 18, 2026: As of this date, all changes and cancellations must be made directly with the hotel. In addition, all cancellations are subject to a fee equal to one night’s room and tax paid to the hotel.
If you have any questions, please contact John Alexander at [email protected] or Kenley Lamberty at [email protected].
