WOCCU Opens Online Registration for 2008 World CU Conference

Madison, Wis. — World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) has opened online registration for the 2008 World Credit Union Conference scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from July 13-16. Participants can register online and reserve hotel accommodations at: www.woccu.org/hongkong08.

The conference, co-hosted by the Credit Union League of Hong Kong and in cooperation with the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions, marks the first time that WOCCU has brought the World Credit Union Conference to Asia. Given Hong Kong’s proximity to mainland China, where steps are underway to help reignite China’s cooperative movement, a large mainland contingent is expected, prompting conference coordinators to offer sessions in Mandarin for the first time. With more than 25,000 rural credit cooperatives that function similarly to credit unions, China’s blossoming movement has the potential to more than double the number of credit unions worldwide, adding a potentially historic component to this year’s event.

The World Credit Union Conference will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, a premier location overlooking Victoria Harbor. Participants will have the unique opportunity to network with their credit union peers from around the world and hear from world-class keynote speakers.

Educational breakout sessions will follow four professional tracks: strategy and leadership, technology issues, developing credit union movements and marketing and business development. Several of this year’s sessions will feature a new interactive format, promoting participant discussions that allow a wider perspective on issues facing credit unions globally.

As in years past, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in local credit union visits and see first-hand how credit unions in Hong Kong operate. The conference will also include WOCCU’s Young Credit Union People (WYCUP) Program which offers select events, including a networking session, for attendees under the age of 35.

Attendees wishing to enhance their Asian experience can participate in the optional pre-conference tour to Beijing, China from July 9-12 and post-conference tour to Bangkok, Thailand from July 17-20. The excursions are in addition to companion tours that will take place during the conference for partners and families of attendees. The companion tours include day trips to nearby Macau and to Shenzhen on mainland China.

Space is limited and the deadline for a discounted early registration rate is May 9. For details on pricing and more information visit: www.woccu.org/events/wcuc/attendees.

World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

World Council has implemented more than 290 technical assistance programs in 71 countries. Worldwide, 51,000 credit unions in 100 countries serve 196 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.