ELTROPY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2026

Level up Your Leadership Bar

The Eltropy Leadership Summit is an exclusive gathering designed for C-suite and executive leaders in the Credit Union and Community Bank sectors. This premier gathering is a unique opportunity for high-level networking, knowledge exchange, and collaborative learning, all aimed at driving growth and innovation within community financial institutions.

After years of finding inspiration in the mountains, we are heading to the coast. The move to Monterey Bay represents a deliberate shift toward an ‘oceanic perspective’—emphasizing agility, depth, and vast horizons. Held at the edge of the Pacific, this year’s summit combines awe-inspiring views with the grounding energy of the sea, creating a one-of-a-kind setting for leadership development and world-class strategic networking.

Location

Amazing Adventures Awaits at
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

We are pleased to host our upcoming Leadership Summit at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Often referred to as the “Grand Dame of the Bay.”

Overlooking the pristine National Marine Sanctuary, the hotel offers a serene, expansive backdrop for our strategic dialogue. By balancing European elegance with the effortless charm of the California coast, the Plaza provides a refined atmosphere conducive to high-level thinking. From the discretion of its Forbes Four-Star service to the executive wellness offered at the Vista Blue Rooftop Spa, every detail is designed to ensure an exceptional and restorative experience.

Agenda

Elevate
Exchange
Empower

Get an early advantage.

At our exclusive Leadership Summit this August, we’re revealing a first look at The State of AI in Community Financial Institutions—our upcoming industry report exploring how AI is reshaping operational models, workforce readiness, and member impact.

You’ll get a sneak preview of the frameworks, early findings, and emerging themes guiding our Human × AI vision—designed to help leaders understand:

How CFIs are actually driving value from Agentic AI across departments
How the human workforce is evolving with AI colleagues
Where the next wave of competitive differentiation will emerge

This is your head start on the research every institution will be talking about.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Champions Who Backed Our Vision

Plan Your Journey

Travel & Logistics

The Leadership Summit officially commences at 6:15 PM on Monday, August 24, with the Welcome Reception and Dinner. To enrich your time on the coast, we have curated a selection of afternoon experiences beginning at 1:00 PM on Monday.

The Summit will conclude at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26. Following our final session, we invite you to stay and enjoy a final curated experience beginning at 1:00 PM.

Your registration includes a two-night stay with check-in on Monday, August 24, and check-out on Wednesday, August 26. While you are welcome to extend your stay to further enjoy Monterey Bay, please note that any additional nights will be self-billed and required to be settled upon check-in.

For the most convenient arrival, we recommend flying directly into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). Located just 10 minutes from downtown Monterey, this airport offers a seamless, stress-free alternative to larger hubs.

Direct Flights to Monterey (MRY) are available from:

San Francisco (SFO) – United
Los Angeles (LAX) – United
San Diego (SAN) – Alaska
Seattle (SEA) – Alaska
Phoenix (PHX) – American
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – American
Denver (DEN) – United
Las Vegas (LAS) – Allegiant

If you prefer to fly into a larger international hub and drive to the coast, Monterey is easily accessible from the following airports:

San Jose Mineta International (SJC): Approximately 75 miles (1 hour 15 minutes – 3 hours)
San Francisco International (SFO): Approximately 100 miles (1 hour 45 minutes – 3 hours)

If you are driving from SFO or SJC, we recommend allowing extra travel time during Friday afternoon or Monday morning rush hours to ensure a relaxed journey down the coast.

Curated Experiences

Activity Highlights

Immerse yourself in the best of the coast. Choose from our list of hand-picked experiences designed to enhance your time in Monterey Bay.

Be the Vintner: A Custom Blending Session

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a winemaker? Step into the lab at Cannery Row for a hands-on session where you are the expert. Experiment with different varietals to create your perfect signature blend, then cork it and design a custom label to take home. It’s science, art, and a little bit of liquid luck!

The Crown Jewel Coastal Hike

Discover why Point Lobos is hailed as the pinnacle of California’s state parks. On this guided excursion, you’ll traverse dramatic cliffside trails and hidden coves where the Pacific meets ancient Monterey Cypress groves. Experience the raw, breathtaking beauty that has served as a profound source of inspiration for artists and visionaries for generations.

Eye-to-Eye with the Bay: A Guided Marine Adventure

Launch your kayak into the glass-calm waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary for a unique perspective. From the seat of your boat, you’ll paddle through swaying kelp forests as curious sea otters, sunbathing harbor seals, and barking sea lions become your closest companions. It’s an intimate, water-level look at one of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems.

Witness the Giants of the Deep

Get ready for a front-row seat to the greatest show on Earth. August in Monterey is “Peak Feeding Season,” which means the bay is teeming with life. From the thunderous breach of a 40-ton Humpback to the sleek, majestic glide of the elusive Blue Whale—the largest animal to ever live—every moment on the water is an adrenaline-fueled discovery. Feel the salt spray, hear the blow, and keep your eyes peeled for playful pods of dolphins and clever Orcas. This isn’t just a tour; it’s an encounter with the wild you’ll never forget.

Welcome Reception and Dinner

Our summit commences with a transcendent dining experience at the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, a global icon of conservation and innovation. We have chosen this setting to ground our time together in a broader perspective—where the vastness of the Pacific serves as a reminder of the scale and stewardship required of today’s leaders.

Hosted in the Open Sea Wing, this evening offers a rare opportunity to dine alongside a million-gallon deep-sea horizon. Surrounded by the rhythmic silhouettes of sharks and ethereal sea jellies, this world-class setting is designed to inspire the clarity and wonder we aim to bring to our discussions. It is more than a dinner; it is an invitation to envision the future as we begin our summit.