The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) wrapped up its second annual Commercial Financing Expo on Sept. 20at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. The event saw a 25 percent increase in attendance over its inaugural expo last year and a 17 percent increase in exhibitors. Especially of note were the number of new faces at the event.

The Gaylord Palms’ expansive atrium, filled with waterfalls, koi ponds, lush greenery and even a few alligators, hosted the Women in Finance Luncheon, which kicked off the two-days of networking and education with over 30 women in attendance. On Thursday afternoon the exhibit hall was packed with brokers connecting and getting deals done at the 60+ exhibitor booths.

Educational seminars focused on a diverse range of topics including:

• advice from industry veterans
• small business market trends
• using tech to grow business
• leveraging Facebook
• funding challenged credit
• attracting and retaining great talent
• upselling & cross-selling
• invoice factoring
• experience with the California Lenders License

The two-day line-up of education was topped off with two in-depth boot camps; one focusing on marketing and the other on packaging, write-ups and underwriting. Friday morning the exhibit hall was still active as attendees tried to make connections with as many exhibitors as possible.

At the close of the exhibits was a luncheon that included a moment of silence for Kurt Horn, a member who was recently killed in a tragic accident.

The final panel discussion focused on a very popular topic, “What Funders Want Brokers to Know.” Former AACFB President Pete Sawyer presented Julian Sirull of Global Financial & Leasing Services, LLC with a plaque acknowledging his newly attained CLFP status.

The luncheon concluded with door prizes and rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung by the crowd in honor of AACFB Executive Director Monica Harper’s birthday, which happened to fall on that day.

“I have just returned from the 2019 AACFB conference in Orlando and I wanted to thank the association for a great event. We love to attend these conferences as they are always a great opportunity to network with colleagues as well as make new friends and contacts. It was great to see all the attendees. This conference was a great success for The Hamilton Group. Tim Donaghue and I met many new brokers and lenders and we have returned to our offices with a handful of new deals that we are now working on funding,” said Robert Kort, CMO of The Hamilton Group.