Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
LAUNCH matters most to credit unions that need practical answers within a single budget cycle: two days, one fee and a floor of vendors focused on core systems, compliance, lending and member experience.
Event overview
Overview
LAUNCH 2027 is the Carolinas Credit Union League's annual trade show and conference, returning to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in Concord, North Carolina, on February 9-10.
Now in its 11th year, LAUNCH brings credit union specialists, managers and executives together with the solution providers and advisors who serve the movement.
One $150 pass covers two days of breakout and sprint sessions, roundtables, an emerging-leaders workshop, the CUxEL Protege finals and an active exhibit floor, with the Foundation Awards Gala as a separately ticketed evening event.
TL;DR
- 1Two-day credit union trade show and conference in Concord, North Carolina.
- 2February 9-10, 2027, at the Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa.
- 3One $150 pass covers sessions, the exhibit floor and the Protege finals.
- 4Built for credit union operations, compliance, IT, lending and marketing teams.
- 5Foundation Awards Gala is a separately ticketed companion event.
Why visit
LAUNCH compresses two days of credit union education, peer roundtables and supplier discovery into one $150 pass, so a small team can compare vendors, sit in breakout and sprint sessions and still meet counterparts from across the Carolinas.
Why exhibit
The exhibit floor is open both days and draws decision-makers from operations, IT, compliance, lending and marketing, giving solution providers repeated, high-quality conversations with credit unions that are actively evaluating partners.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Credit union executives, managers and directors responsible for operations, compliance, IT or lending
Emerging leaders aged 40 and under building peer networks across the Carolinas
Marketing, communications and member-experience specialists looking for new tools
Small-asset credit unions seeking practical, affordable solutions and peer advice
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Core processing, digital banking and lending technology providers
Compliance, security, fraud and audit solution vendors
Member-experience, marketing and communications platforms
Professional services, advisory and credit union support organisations
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Core processing and digital banking
Lending and loan origination technology
Compliance, risk and fraud management
Cybersecurity and IT infrastructure
Member experience and marketing technology
Professional advisory and credit union services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa
5400 John Q. Hammons Dr. NW, Concord, NC 28027, United States
Facilities
Parking
Self-parking is listed at $8 per day at the host hotel; pay at the hotel and keep the ticket for re-entry.
$8.00/day
Food options
Embassy Suites on-site breakfast and restaurant
On-site diningParking: Self-parking at the host hotel is listed at $8 per day; confirm current parking arrangements with the hotel at check-in.
Gate: Use the main hotel entrance on John Q. Hammons Drive; LAUNCH registration and the ballroom/exhibit areas are signposted inside the lobby.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Trade-only
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Tuesday, February 9:10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday, February 10:8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Conference pass
One pass covers educational sessions, trade show floor, roundtables, Emerging Leaders Workshop and networking activities.
$150.00Awards Gala ticket
Separately ticketed Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Awards Gala on the evening of February 10.
$215.00
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring your registration confirmation and photo ID to the LAUNCH registration desk in the hotel lobby; collect your badge before the first session on February 9.
Ticket notes
One $150 conference pass covers the full two-day programme. The Awards Gala is not included and must be purchased separately.
Registration deadline
2027-01-25
What's on
Programme
Topic tracks
Operations and Member ExperienceCompliance, Risk and SecurityLeadership and Emerging Talent
Co-located events
Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Awards Gala
Separate ticket
Awards dinner celebrating credit unions and professionals across the Carolinas, with proceeds supporting the Foundation.
Evening of February 10 at the host hotel; separately ticketed at $215.
WebsiteCo-located seminars
Credit Union Roundtable
Free
Peer discussion including a track for credit unions with less than $400 million in assets.
1 tracksFebruary 9, 10:30 AM-2:30 PM; included with the conference pass.
Emerging Leaders Workshop
Free
Education and networking for credit union professionals aged 40 and younger.
1 tracksFebruary 9, 10:30 AM-2:30 PM; included with the conference pass.
Awards
Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Awards
Annual
Awards presented at the Foundation Gala honouring credit unions and professionals making a difference across the Carolinas.
sourceHow the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2026
Completed
Visitors: 400Verify before booking
Exhibitors: 80
Edition #: 10
This edition
2027
Forecast — not final
Visitors: 450
Exhibitors: 85
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
LAUNCH marked its 10th anniversary in 2026 with more than 400 people in attendance, leaders from 47 credit unions and over 80 service providers and advisors. The 2027 edition moves to a single $150 pass and a streamlined Protege finals format.
New this edition
- 1
One ticket, one price
A single $150 conference pass replaces separate selections and includes RSVP options for roundtables, workshops and other experiences.
Source - 2
Streamlined Protege finals
Virtual interviews replace the on-site written exam so finalist presentations and the winner announcement happen on the same evening.
Source
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The audience is narrow but senior enough to act: department heads and executives from Carolinas credit unions, plus emerging leaders who influence future purchasing. Attendance is regional rather than national, so exhibitors should expect concentrated Carolinas account potential.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
ROI depends on follow-up discipline rather than floor traffic alone. With roughly 400 attendees and 80-plus providers in 2026, the show favours exhibitors that pre-book meetings, use the receptions and return with a 48-hour follow-up sequence.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Southeast United States / Carolinas
Why it matters
Carolinas credit unions are working through core modernisation, tighter compliance and member-experience upgrades while competing with digital-first financial brands. LAUNCH concentrates that buying conversation into two days and a single fee, which lowers the cost of comparing vendors for smaller institutions.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Core and digital banking replacement cycles
Credit unions are reassessing core platforms and digital banking layers as member expectations rise and legacy contracts expire.
What it changes: Vendors with migration experience and clear integration stories will get attention from operations and IT leaders.
Compliance and fraud pressure
Expanding regulatory expectations and fraud losses are pushing compliance, risk and security spending higher.
What it changes: Practical compliance tooling and managed services are easier to justify than broad platforms at smaller asset sizes.
Member experience as a differentiator
Credit unions are investing in digital onboarding, personalisation and communication tools to retain members against fintech competitors.
What it changes: Marketing and member-experience buyers at LAUNCH are looking for measurable, quick-to-deploy improvements.
Credit union event circuit
Plan LAUNCH around the February budget and vendor-review cycle, then use spring and summer events for follow-on diligence.
LAUNCH sits in a regional and national credit union calendar; buyers often pair it with a policy conference and a larger industry gathering.
28 Feb – 4 Mar 2027
CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC)
Washington, United States
Dates are circuit knowledge and should be confirmed against the 2027 agenda.
website14–17 Jun 2027
Southeast Credit Union Conference & Expo
Orlando, United States
Dates are circuit knowledge and should be verified with the League.
website1–4 Aug 2027
AACUC Annual Conference
TBD, United States
City and dates are circuit knowledge; confirm with AACUC.
websiteWinter policy season
LAUNCHCUNA GAC
February combines regional buying with national policy attention.
Summer regional season
Southeast Credit Union Conference & ExpoAACUC Annual Conference
Use summer events for broader vendor benchmarking.
Circuit dates outside LAUNCH are planning approximations, not confirmed 2027 calendars.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
The main international gateway with the widest choice of flights and rental cars.
About 25 miles
to venue
30-40 minutes
by car
Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
Smaller regional airport closer to Concord; limited carriers and flight times.
About 10 miles
to venue
15-20 minutes
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
budget
Concord Mills / GatewayUSD 110–150 / night
Limited-service hotels within a short drive of the venue; book early because the LAUNCH room block fills.
mid
John Q. Hammons Drive / Concord MillsUSD 170–230 / night
The host hotel lists $204 per night plus $8 per day self-parking for the gala block; walking distance to all LAUNCH activity.
sourcepremium
University City / North CharlotteUSD 240–340 / night
Full-service and resort-style options 20-30 minutes away; best for teams combining the show with a longer stay.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare or taxi
Estimated costUSD 45-70 one way
Best forCLT airport to the Concord venue
Use the designated rideshare pickup at CLT; allow extra time in the afternoon peak.
Rental car
Estimated costUSD 40-75 per day
Best forCLT airport to Concord and local meetings
Useful for hotel-to-venue hops and side trips; check hotel parking charges before booking.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa required
ATA Carnet: accepted
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors from countries without a US visa-waiver arrangement | $185.00 | Weeks to months; apply well before travel | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries | $21.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for short business visits but must carry a valid passport and supporting documents.
ATA Carnets are commonly used for temporary exhibition goods in the United States; confirm the procedure with your freight forwarder and US Customs.
Official visa pageWeather
February in Concord is cool and changeable: daytime highs near 13 C (55 F), overnight lows near 1 C (34 F), with a realistic chance of rain and occasional winter precipitation.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The host hotel provides Wi-Fi for guests; exhibitors should order dedicated internet from the venue if they need reliable live demos. Mobile coverage is strong across the Charlotte metro.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and service
Plan for 18-20% tips at restaurants and a small tip for hotel housekeeping; tax is added separately at checkout.
Local pace and dress
Business casual is the norm at Carolinas credit union events. February weather calls for a warm layer and a waterproof jacket for the walk between the hotel and parking.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: CLT
Book flights into CLT and allow 60-90 minutes for the drive to Concord during peak traffic. Confirm the hotel cancellation policy before buying a non-refundable fare.
Book flightsVisa
Most international business visitors need a B-1 visa or ESTA authorisation; Canadian citizens generally travel visa-exempt for short business visits.
Estimated cost: USD 21 (ESTA) or USD 185 (B-1 visa fee)
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 visa interviews can take weeks or months
Apply early and carry the LAUNCH invitation, hotel confirmation and return ticket. Admission is decided at the border, not by the visa alone.
OfficialPartnerTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Rideshare or taxi from CLT takes 30-40 minutes and costs about USD 45-70; a rental car gives more flexibility for the Concord area.
Hotel → venue: The host hotel is the venue. Nearby Concord Mills hotels are a 5-10 minute rideshare or drive away.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve the Charlotte metro and Concord; expect surge pricing after the gala and during the Tuesday evening reception.
Public transit: CATS bus service exists in the Charlotte area but is not practical for most visitors to Concord; plan on rideshare, taxi or a rental car.
Parking: Self-parking at the host hotel is listed at $8 per day; confirm current rates and lot access at check-in.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: About 1-13 C (34-55 F)
Seasonality: Cool and changeable with rain at times; snow is possible but uncommon
Packing: Pack a warm jacket, layers, a waterproof outer layer and comfortable shoes for the exhibit floor and hotel walks.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 1 (Tuesday, February 9)
Day one combines the roundtable and emerging-leaders workshop with the exhibit floor opening, the first sprint sessions and the opening reception, so a one-day visitor gets education and supplier access before the busier second day.
T-14
Book the $150 pass and confirm the hotel room — Registration closes January 25, 2027; choose the host hotel for the shortest walk to sessions.
T-10
Block the two conference days and book travel into CLT — Allow 30-40 minutes from the airport to Concord and check the hotel cancellation policy.
T-7
Choose sessions and RSVP for roundtables or the workshop — The programme includes concurrent sessions, sprint sessions and the Protege finals; decide on the gala separately.
T-3
Download the schedule, badge confirmation and venue map — Check the hotel Wi-Fi and parking details, and pack a warm layer for February.
T-1
Confirm meetings and set a follow-up note template — List the vendors and peers you want to meet, and leave space for notes on the floor.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
08:30
Registration and badge collection
Hotel lobby registration desk10:30
Credit Union Roundtable or Emerging Leaders Workshop
Meeting rooms, host hotel14:30
Exhibit floor walk and supplier meetings
Trade show floor17:30
Opening reception and peer networking
Exhibit hall / reception areaSide trips
2Concord Mills
Shopping and Dining
About 10 minutes from the venue
A large outlet and entertainment complex for an evening away from the hotel.
Uptown Charlotte
City and Culture
About 25-30 minutes by car
NASCAR Hall of Fame, museums and restaurants for a pre- or post-show day.
Networking spots
2Opening Reception in the exhibit hall
Evening reception
The Tuesday 4:30-5:30 PM cocktail reception is the best icebreaker before the Protege finals.
AACUC SRC Chapter Meet & Greet
Affinity networking
Tuesday 5:30-6:30 PM; RSVP with AACUC and bring your LAUNCH ticket.
First-timer guide
Follow-up playbook
- Send a personalised note within 48 hours referencing the specific conversation or session.
- Log every contact and consent status in the CRM before the show closes.
- Route hot vendor or partner leads to the budget owner with a one-page summary.
- Book a follow-up call or demo within two weeks while the buying cycle is active.
- Review what worked, update the target list and reserve a pass for the next LAUNCH.
LAUNCH compresses a regional buying audience into two days. The value fades quickly without a disciplined 48-hour follow-up and a clear owner for each conversation.
Budget
Costs & budget
Shell scheme
USD 45–70 / m²
Raw space
USD 35–55 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 exhibitor tariff was published on the pages reviewed. Bands are planning estimates for a regional US credit union show.
sourceBuild your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Booth 9 m² × $57.50/m²$517.50
- Hotel × 3 nights$390.00
- Per diem × 3$195.00
- Visa$185.00
- Insurance$150.00
- Flight — Domestic Southeast$220.00
Estimated total$1,657.50
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Conference pass
visitor · standard
USD 150 / per person
officialAs of 2026-10-31
Awards Gala ticket
visitor · optional
USD 215 / per person
officialAs of 2026-10-31
Hotel room
both · mid
USD 170–230 / per night
estimateAs of 2026-10-31
Shell scheme booth
exhibitor · standard
USD 4000–6300 / 9 sqm
estimateAs of 2026-10-31
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conference pass | visitor | standard | USD 150 / per person | official | 2026-10-31 |
| Awards Gala ticket | visitor | optional | USD 215 / per person | official | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel room | both | mid | USD 170–230 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Shell scheme booth | exhibitor | standard | USD 4000–6300 / 9 sqm | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Six quick questions to decide whether LAUNCH 2027 is a visit, an exhibit or a skip for your team.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your main reason for considering LAUNCH?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have active projects and can send one or more decision-makers.
Best for
Credit union teams evaluating vendors and comparing notes with peers
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
2-4 weeks
Risks
Hotel rooms sell out close to the deadline
A single day may not cover both sessions and the floor
exhibit
You have a relevant product and can pre-book meetings.
Best for
Solution providers selling into Carolinas credit unions
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
8-12 weeks
Risks
Floor traffic is regional and finite
Follow-up discipline separates ROI from attendance
skip
Budget, relevance or timing is clearly absent; revisit for 2028.
Best for
Teams with no credit union relevance or no capacity this cycle
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing peer intelligence and competitive positioning
Book with
Partners
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa
Venue
Host hotel and conference venue with the exhibit floor, sessions and gala under one roof.
Visit partner Confidence: estimated
Venue named on the official event and gala pages.
American Airlines
Airline
Largest carrier at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the main gateway for LAUNCH.
Visit partner Confidence: estimated
Airline hub resource, not a named event sponsor.
Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of commerce
Local business chamber for Concord and Cabarrus County, useful for regional contacts and visitor information.
Visit partner Confidence: estimated
Public body resource, not a named event partner.
Carolinas Credit Union League
Industry association
The trade association that owns LAUNCH and represents credit unions across North and South Carolina.
Visit partner Confidence: estimated
Organiser named on the official event page.
Recommended providers
Visa
Use the official B-1 guidance and apply well before the show.
Hotels
Book the host hotel early; the gala block lists $204 per night plus $8 per day self-parking.
Flights
CLT is an American Airlines hub; compare fares before booking the conference hotel.
Freight & shipping
Use a freight forwarder with exhibition experience; confirm the venue receiving window before shipping.
Insurance
Compare medical, cancellation and baggage cover; exhibitors should also carry general liability insurance.
Side trips
Plan an Uptown Charlotte or Concord Mills evening around the conference schedule.
Lead capture
Arrange a scanner or manual capture process before arrival; no official vendor was named.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is LAUNCH 2027?
LAUNCH 2027 runs February 9-10, 2027, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa, 5400 John Q. Hammons Dr. NW, Concord, North Carolina.
How much does a LAUNCH 2027 pass cost?
A single conference pass is $150 and covers educational breakout sessions, the trade show floor, roundtables, the Emerging Leaders Workshop and most networking activities. The Awards Gala is ticketed separately at $215.
Who should attend LAUNCH?
LAUNCH is designed for credit union professionals at most levels and in most departments, including specialists, managers and executives in operations, compliance, security, IT, communications, lending and marketing.
Is the Awards Gala included in the conference pass?
No. The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Awards Gala is a separately ticketed companion event on the evening of February 10; individual gala tickets are $215.
When does registration close?
Online registration is available through January 25, 2027. Attendees should also book accommodation early because the hotel block fills quickly.
Glossary
- CUxEL
- The Carolinas Credit Union League initiative for emerging leaders; its Protege Competition finals take place at LAUNCH.
- Protege Competition
- A development competition in which emerging leaders from North and South Carolina chapters present to judges, with winners receiving League scholarships.
- Credit Union Roundtable
- A facilitated peer discussion for credit unions, including a dedicated track for institutions with less than $400 million in assets.
- Emerging Leaders Workshop
- A day of education and networking for credit union professionals aged 40 and younger.
- Sprint Session
- A short, focused presentation held on the exhibit floor during trade show hours.
- Carolinas Credit Union League
- The trade association that owns and produces LAUNCH for credit unions across North and South Carolina.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- LAUNCH 2027
- Carolinas Credit Union League LAUNCH
- credit union conference Carolinas
- credit union trade show Concord NC
- CUxEL Protege Competition
- Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Awards Gala
- credit union vendor expo
- credit union technology event
- credit union compliance conference
- Concord North Carolina conference February 2027
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
3
References
2
Publishers
3
Date checked
1
C Suite Events
- Carolinas LAUNCH HomeLang: ENFetched Oct 31, 2026official_event_page
- Carolinas Attend - Registration OptionsLang: ENFetched Oct 31, 2026official_registration_page
2
Carolinas Credit Union Foundation
- 2026 Awards GalaLang: ENFetched Oct 31, 2026official_companion_event_page
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.