Full Agenda

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

 

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Set-Up

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

Charity Boat Cruise 

Sponsored by LCD Commercial Lending

Join us for lively cruise on the Steamboat Natchez. CLICK HERE for full details.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

 

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Registration Desk Open

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Women in Finance Breakfast






Sponsored by American Capital Group  & Financial Pacific Leasing

The women of leasing and commercial finance are invited to attend a special breakfast to enjoy good food and fellowship to kick off the fun and networking.

Cost: $50
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Coffee Break
Sponsored by Channel | Your Partner in Funding
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Exhibits & Educational Sessions
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Brokering Essentials

Presented By: Scott Wheeler, CLFP, Wheeler Business Consulting

The class is designed for new entries into the commercial finance and leasing industry and will cover the essentials for establishing a successful brokerage operation based upon industry best practices and the need to expedite personal success. CLICK HERE to read the full description.

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Session 1: Interim Rent

Presented By: Liana Kies, American Bank Equipment Finance | Laura Simpson, Preferred Capital Funding 

Interim Rent can be an often misunderstood component of finance agreements. Understanding how it is calculated, when and why it is applied, and the implications for both the lessor and the lessee is essential for structuring the deal effectively. Gain the understanding needed to negotiate and manage interim rent confidently to optimize your financing strategies.

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Session 2: New & Seasoned Broker Panel





Presented By: Bradon Marshall, Marshall Capital Group, LLC | Kortney Murray, Coastal Capital | Donna Stanley,  Preferred Capital Funding | Cheryl Tibbs, Equipment LeaseCo, Inc. 

The evolving landscape of the Commercial Financing Industry has challenged new and seasoned brokers alike. This engaging panel discussion will provide strategies for navigating market shifts, the impact of new technology and regulations, building client relationships, and lessons learned. Panelists will share their approaches to the current industry climate.

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. Session 3: The Human Side of Equipment Finance






Presented By: Kip Amstutz, CLFP, 360 Equipment Finance | Kristi Schon, Channel | Linda Tiers, Baystone Government Finance | Christine Vaughn, CLFP, Financial Pacific Leasing | Moderated By Jesse Johnson, Equipment Finance Cares

While equipment finance is often driven by numbers and contracts, the human element is at the heart of every successful transaction. Financial success is important, but it is critical not to lose sight of the value of the people who contribute to that success. 

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Lunch & Presentation on Best Practices

Sponsored by Y.E.S. Leasing

Moderated By: Kortney Murray, Coastal Kapital |Laura Simpson, Preferred Capital Funding | Kalah Sprabeary, CLFP, HUB Funding Solutions

Having a frank conversation about hot topics in our industry is well overdue. Join us for a hearty lunch and then gather around for conversations on everything from broker compensation to where to send your deals.

3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Session 4: Navigating the Credit Landscape

Presented By: Alex Erickson, Navitas Credit Corp. | Dana Freeman, Maxim Commercial Capital | Stephanie Hall, Quality Equipment Finance 

In the ever-changing world of commercial finance, understanding and navigating the credit landscape is essential for securing funding and managing risk. This session provides a comprehensive overview of the current credit environment, offering strategies to optimize financing options for your clients.

3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Ice Cream Break 

3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Exhibits & Educational Sessions

3:45 pm. - 4:30 p.m.

Session 5 - Roundtables - Mastering Deal Placement

 

Moderated By: Ayan Mohamed, SB Lending Solutions | Kalah Sprabeary, CLFP, HUB Funding Solutions

Deal placement is both an art and a science, requiring a deep understanding of market dynamics, lender relationships, and client needs. This roundtable offers a collaborative environment for finance professionals to share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for successfully placing deals in today’s competitive landscape.

5:00 pm. - 5:30 p.m.

Session 6: Building Broker/Funder Relationships
Presented By: Neil Clark, CLFP, Koala Capital Group | Vickie Rocco, Entegra Capital | Vickie Shimkus, CLFP, Balboa Capital a Division of Ameris Bank

In the world of commercial finance, the relationships between brokers and funders are critical to successful deal-making. This session focuses on the strategies and best practices for building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships with funding partners.

Participants will learn about:

  • The importance of trust, communication, and transparency in broker/funder relationships.
  • How to identify and approach potential funding partners that align with your business goals.
  • Strategies for nurturing long-term relationships that withstand market changes.
  • Tips for resolving conflicts and managing expectations on both sides.
  • The role of ongoing collaboration in enhancing deal flow and client satisfaction. 

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Reception
Sponsored by Navitas Credit Corp. - Partner Funding

Join us in the Starboard Room at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel as we mix and mingle with the commercial financing industry's finest! Eat, drink, and take in the relaxing river views in vibrant New Orleans.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

 

7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Open

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 

Breakfast

Sponsored by Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc. 

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
Exhibits & Education Sessions

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

Coffee Break

Sponsored by Channel | Your Partner in Funding

9:00 am. - 12:00 p.m.

Brokering Essentials

Presented By: Roderick Knoll, CLFP, Marathon Commercial Capital | Kortney Murray, Coastal Kapital | Kalah Sprabeary, CLFP, HUB Funding Solutions | Scott Wheeler, CLFP, Wheeler Business Consulting

The class is designed for new entries into the commercial finance and leasing industry and will cover the essentials for establishing a successful brokerage operation based upon industry best practices and the need to expedite personal success. CLICK HERE to read the full description.

9:00 am. - 9:30 a.m.

Session 7: Case Studies of Success

 

Presented By: Kortney Murray, Coastal Capital | Pete Sawyer, CLFP,  Sun South Equipment Leasing, Inc. | Kalah Sprabeary, CLFP, HUB Funding Solutions

Success in equipment finance comes from a blend of strategic thinking, innovative solutions, and effective execution. This session will dive into real-world case studies that highlight how seasoned industry professionals have navigated complex challenges to achieve outstanding results.

During this session, you will explore:

  • Detailed case studies showcasing successful equipment finance transactions across various industries.
  • The strategies and decision-making processes that led to these successes.
  • How professionals overcame obstacles such as credit challenges, regulatory issues, and market volatility.
  • Lessons learned and best practices that can be applied to your own deals.
  • The role of creativity and collaboration in crafting tailored financing solutions.

10:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.

Session 8: Discounter Versus Broker Agreements




Presented By: Dennis Dressler, Dressler Peters, LLC | Julie Ellis, Dressler Peters, LLC

When structuring deals in commercial finance, knowing the differences and similarities between a discounter agreement and a broker agreement can have significant implications for your business model, compensation, and client relationships. This session will provide a comprehensive comparison of these two types of agreements, helping you understand their key differences and guiding you toward the best choice for your specific needs.

Key discussion points will include:

  • The fundamentals of discounter agreements and broker agreements: how they work and what they entail.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of each agreement type for brokers and funders.
  • How each agreement affects control over the deal, risk management, and revenue sharing.
  • Scenarios where one agreement might be more beneficial than the other.
  • Legal and compliance considerations for each type of agreement.

11:00 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.

Session 9: Fintech: Making the Most of Artificial Intelligence

 

Presented By: Jeffrey Bilbrey, Leasepath 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the fintech landscape, offering innovative solutions to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive efficiency. This session will delve into the growing role of AI in financial services, exploring how it is reshaping everything from risk management to customer engagement.

 

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch on Your Own

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Post Expo Boot Camp - Building Your Own Portfolio
Presented By: Sarah Kelly, CLFP, KSK Consulting

Expanding beyond originating financial transactions to building and holding your own portfolio brings more opportunity to your business for steady income growth. To do so takes funding, capital, and operational support for managing the portfolio. Discover the benefits and key elements involved in building a portfolio.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Post Expo Boot Camp - Creating Value Through Sales & Marketing







Presented By: Robyn Beltrand, Channel | Kristi Schon, Channel

Get your brand in gear by attending the marketing boot camp. This session will provide you with the tools to make sure your brand and messaging strategies break through! Join marketing experts Robyn Beltrand and Kristi Schon as they dive into an approach to branding and strategies that will help you stand out from the pack and guide more impactful messaging that resonates with your target audiences. Go home with tips to avoid the pitfalls of sameness!