NEW YORK -- Despite a weak economy and soaring transportation costs, the New York glitz seems to have high appeal this weekend in attracting a throng of 1,670 credit union executives and guests for one of CUNA's big annual meetings, America's Credit Union Conference & Expo at the Hilton New York.

"This is the highest level of attendance for this conference since 1997 and up 8% from last year's turnout plus our exhibit hall has sold out all its space," said Mark Wolff, senior vice president-communications.

Wolff attributed the good turnout in spite of $4+ gas and skyrocketing airline fares to a packed agenda with such topics as mergers, viral marketing, Zopa networking and CEO evaluations plus a list of popular authors and speakers.

Among the headliners is retired New York City Fire Chief Richard Picciotto, author of "Last Man Down: A Firefighter's Story" discussing his 9/11 experience. Also on tap is Susan Packard, co-founder of Home & Garden Television, a multimedia enterprise who will relate new business models and branding to the CU experience.

In addition, other author/speakers include Steve Farber, of "The Radical Leap: A Personal Lesson in Extreme Leadership" and education consultant Dan Heath on "Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die." The conference kicks off on Sunday with CUNA Chairman Tom Dorety giving formal opening day remarks on Monday. The big social highlight and "nostalgic event" for attendees next Tuesday will be a New York Yankees night baseball game in Yankee Stadium, to be torn down for a new stadium under construction and set to open in 2009.