From how the economy may impact credit unions this year to newresearch on how members are making their financial decisions, CUDirect Corp.'s annual conference will feature a diverse lineupof keynote speakers.

The CUSO's CU Direct Lending Conference will take place May21-22 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas.

Scheduled to deliver one of the keynote addresses is Todd Buchholz, former director of economic policy at the WhiteHouse, author and economics professor at Harvard, who will providean economic outlook for 2013 and beyond, and its impact on thecredit union industry.

Steve Williams, financial industry speaker, author andco-founder of Cornerstone Advisors, is set to share the latesttrends, industry opportunities and tips on how credit unions canprovide more value to their members, according to CU Direct.

Neil Goldman, industry expert and adviser and senior partnerwith Goldman Consulting & Strategy, will present new researchfindings on how credit union members are shopping, using mobiletechnology, considering lending options, and how credit unions caninfluence the process.

With the theme of “Learn, Connect, Achieve,” CU Direct said theconference will address all areas and aspects of the lending marketplace as well as innovative strategies and bestpractices that can be applied at their credit unions.

Based in Ontario, Calif., CU Direct's offerings include CUDL,Lending Insights, Lending 360, CUDL Retail, Vero, and a suite ofauto buying products.