Next week: Explore the intersection of communication and culture at ICCM’s symposium on co-op identity and branding

Join the International Centre for Co-operative Management online via Zoom from May 19-21 for a symposium on cooperative identity and energizing the cooperative brand.

Next week's event creates space for co-op leaders to share insights and best practices, build their networks and inspire collective action.

Building on the momentum of the International Year of Cooperatives, the symposium will focus on bolstering the cooperative sector's connectivity, reputation and engagement. Anchored in alignment with the cooperative identity, attendees will tackle brand image and its intersections with marketing, communications and culture.

NCBA will help kick off the event on Tuesday, May 19 from 9-10:15 a.m. EDT with a panel on communicating the cooperative difference through the framework of access, agility and affordability-a message that resonates deeply in today's economy and anchors our 2026 Policymakers' Guide.

Moderated by NCBA's Director of Government Relations Aaliyah Nedd, this armchair dialogue will include Chelsie Bakken, Communications and Marketing Manager at East River Electric Power Cooperative; Jaimie Miller, Vice President of the Iowa Credit Union League; and Amy Abbott, Co-Executive Director of Community Purchasing Alliance.

Register now See the full agenda

Note: The symposium will be held online via Zoom. There is one registration for all sessions happening May 19-21. To attend, simply join via Zoom at the time of your desired session(s).

Symposium themes

Assessing authenticity - labels and certifications

This theme explores how labels and certifications can demonstrate genuine cooperative values and practices in an increasingly crowded marketplace. It examines how authenticity is assessed, maintained and communicated to avoid greenwashing or value dilution. Participants will discuss best practices for using certification as a tool for trust, transparency, and accountability.

Effective branding - cooperative identity, positioning and messaging

This theme focuses on defining and expressing a clear cooperative brand that reflects shared values and member ownership. It looks at how cooperatives can position themselves distinctively while remaining true to their principles. Sessions will address consistent messaging that resonates with members, customers and broader stakeholders.

Marketing the cooperative advantage

This theme highlights how cooperatives can articulate and promote what makes them different from investor-owned businesses. It explores strategies for translating values such as democratic ownership, community impact and fairness into compelling marketing narratives. The focus is on turning purpose into a competitive advantage.

Communicating cooperative identity and building co-op culture

This theme examines how cooperative identity is lived-not just stated-through everyday communication and practice. It considers how internal culture, member engagement and staff understanding strengthen external credibility. Participants will explore ways to align internal values with external communications to build trust and cohesion.

Resonating in the contemporary digital landscape

This theme addresses how cooperatives can effectively connect with audiences in fast-changing digital environments. It explores the use of digital platforms, storytelling and data to amplify cooperative value and engagement. The focus is on leveraging emerging trends to stay relevant, visible and authentic online.

About the organizers

"Co-operative Identity and Energizing the Co-operative Brand" will feature 40+ speakers from 11 countries. The event is co-organized by the International Centre for Co-operative Management (ICCM) at Saint Mary's University, DotCoop and the Northwest Cooperative Development Center with support from Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada.

The symposium is offered at no cost to participants, thanks to the contributions of ICCM, DotCoop and the Northwest Cooperative Development Center, with in-kind support from Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada. Sessions will be recorded and shared on ICCM's YouTube channel.