MAC Turns 40 and Celebrates with Big Ideas, Bold Brands and a Record-Setting Week in Scottsdale

For 40 years, the Marketing Association of Credit Unions has brought credit union marketers together to share ideas, make connections and move the industry forward.

MAC 2026 brought that community to Scottsdale, Arizona, Sept. 15–17 for three days of learning, inspiration, celebration and connection. And fittingly for MAC’s 40th anniversary, it was also the organization’s biggest conference yet.

For Strum, the week was especially meaningful. From getting on stage and sharing insights into branding and data strategies, to unveiling MAC’s new logo and brand identity, to celebrating some of industry's best work at the MAC Awards, we were proud to be part of the conversation throughout the conference.

A new brand identity for MAC’s next 40 years.

The conference began with a milestone we’ve been looking forward to sharing.

On day one, Josh Streufert, Strum Chief Creative Officer and Principal, introduced MAC’s new brand identity to conference attendees.

Strum partnered with the MAC board to create an identity that better reflects what has always made the organization special: the energy created when credit union marketers come together to exchange perspectives, inspire one another and move the industry forward.

The new identity centers around a mark that brings three abstract arrows together in a circular form — representing connection, momentum and the energy of the MAC community. A vivid color palette, distinctive typography and flexible visual system give the organization a brand built to move with it into its next chapter.

Josh Streufert presented the new MAC brand identity on the conference's opening day.

Want to see more of the MAC rebrand? You can check it out here.

Turning brand breakpoints into breakthroughs.

Karen McGaughey, Strum's Chief Experience Officer and Principal, joined Paula O’Rourke, CEO of Corda Credit Union, to share From Breakpoints to Breakthroughs: Building Brands That Inspire.

Their presentation explored the realities of transforming a credit union brand — including the moments when organizations have to challenge assumptions, align leadership and culture, and make decisions that can ultimately unlock something stronger.

Corda’s own transformation provides a powerful example. Its evolution went beyond a new name or visual identity, bringing together naming, brand strategy, culture and marketing around a brand built to create stronger connections with employees, members and the communities it serves.

Karen McGaughey and Paula O'Rourke share how Corda Credit Union turned breakpoints into breakthroughts.

Want to see more of the Corda's rebrand and name change journey? You can find it here.

Making marketing more relevant to Gen Z.

Laurie Flanders, SVP of Client Experience & Growth at Strum Platform, joined James Dawson, Vice President of Brand Services at Alta Vista Credit Union, to present It’s Giving Relevance: Marketing to Get Z That Works.

Their session explored how credit unions can move beyond broad assumptions about Gen Z and use data and consumer insights to better understand what younger consumers actually value, how they behave and what makes marketing relevant to them.

The bigger idea: effective personalization starts with understanding people. Better data helps marketers replace assumptions with insight and create experiences that feel more timely, useful and relevant.

Laurie Flanders and James (JD) Dawson share insights utilizing data to better connect with Gen Z consumers.

Giving back and having fun.

The MAC community also made time to give back — and have a little fun along the way. The Strum team joined fellow attendees to assemble 38 bicycles for Foster Alliance, helping support children and families in foster care.

Later that evening, the celebration continued at the conference reception, where Poncho the Beer Burro made a memorable appearance and quickly became one of the night’s most popular guests.

The Strum team join conference attendees to assemble bicylces for Foster Alliance. Josh wears a funny hat and tuxedo shirt to evening reception.

Strum Platform’s Laurie Flanders joins the MAC board.

As MAC 2026 wrapped its third conference day, it was announced that Laurie Flanders will join the all-volunteer MAC board. Each elected board member serves a three-year term. Congratulations Laurie, we're so proud of you!

Laurie Flanders joins the joins the MAC Board of Directors.

Celebrating the best in credit union marketing.

And then came one of our favorite MAC traditions: the MAC Awards.

The annual awards recognize outstanding work in credit union marketing, branding and advertising, with entries evaluated across areas including results, creativity and strategic planning. The 2026 winners were celebrated during the conference’s final night in Scottsdale.

Congratulations to all of this year’s MAC Award winners. The creativity, strategy and ambition represented across the industry give all of us plenty to celebrate.

We’re especially proud to congratulate the Strum clients recognized among this year’s winners:

Affidian Credit Union, Colorado

• Logo, Silver

• Rebrand, Gold

Ancorum Credit Union, Maine

• Logo, Gold

• Rebrand, Bronze

Capital Credit Union, North Dakota

• Multi-Channel Campaign, Silver

Corda Credit Union, Iowa

• Targeted Marketing, Bronze

OneNevada Credit Union, Nevada

• Email Marketing, Gold

Treadwell Credit Union, Ohio

• Logo, Bronze

TruStone Financial, Minnesota

• Non-Commercial Video, Bronze

We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with organizations doing exceptional work and proud to see that work recognized by their credit union marketing peers.

Kelly Fairfield, VP of Marketing holds Ancorum Credit Union's MAC Gold Award for best logo. Congratulations to all the winners!

Here’s to what comes next.

Forty years is an impressive milestone, but MAC 2026 felt much more focused on what’s ahead than what’s behind.

Across three days, the conversations moved from brand and culture to data, personalization, creativity and the changing expectations of consumers. Different topics, but with a common thread: great marketing starts with understanding people and creating meaningful ways to connect with them.

That’s something we believe deeply at Strum.

Congratulations to MAC on 40 years — and to everyone who helped make MAC 2026 a conference worth remembering. Here’s to the next 40. We'll see you in Boston for MAC 2027!