The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) wrapped up its 2023 Annual Conference on May 4 in Irvine, CA. Attendance at the event reached a 14-year high and broke records for the AACFB Women in Finance Luncheon.

The three-day event hosted over 370 attendees who enjoyed a full program of events, including a fun-filled day at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club for the sold-out annual golf tournament. The Women in Finance Luncheon, which took place at the Prego restaurant sold out at over 70 attendees, with several on a waiting list. Day one was capped off with a luau-themed Opening Reception at the hotel. Authentic Polynesian dancers entertained the crowd along with a lively limbo contest.

Conference goers had the opportunity to attend 15 educational sessions, including a high-energy presentation by keynote speaker Nick Arnette, who inspired and energized the audience. The educational line-up had something for everyone, whether new to the industry or a seasoned veteran.

The sold-out exhibit hall was in full swing on Wednesday and Thursday where nearly 70 exhibitors were able to make those all-important face-to-face connections. Attendees were also treated to a deluxe coffee bar, margarita bar, and Bloody Mary bar in the exhibit hall, courtesy of generous sponsors.

Current AACFB President, Teresa Cranney said, “We were extremely pleased with the turnout at this year’s conference. The venue had to be moved from Portland, Oregon to California on short notice due to a double booking by Marriott but our exceptional Conference Planning Committee was able to ‘Ride the Tides,’ and produce a tremendously successful event. Huge thanks go out to all of our sponsors and exhibitors as well as members of the planning committee, including Chair Tina Cawthorn, CLFP with Orange Commercial Credit, Rick Brown with Capital Blue Financial Group, Dave Cary with McKenzie Credit Group, Mel Vinson, CLFP with the CLFP Foundation, Lisa Whitehead, CLFP with First Foundation Bank and board liaisons Laura Estrada with Preferred Capital Funding and Carrie Radloff, CLFP with American Financial Partners.”

The conference culminated in the Annual Business Meeting and Auction, where outgoing President, Laura Estrada thanked Immediate Past President, Carrie Radloff for her service on the AACFB board. The presidency then transitioned from Laura Estrada to Teresa Cranney with American Financial Partners. Former Secretary/Treasurer, Roderick Knoll presented an upbeat Treasurer’s Report where he enthusiastically reported that the AACFB is in a positive financial position again this year. Laura Estrada then presented the 2023 AACFB President’s Award to Charles (Bud) Callahan, BPB, CLFP with National Equipment Leasing, Inc., and Katie Baker, CLFP with MC2 Finance for their dedication and support of the AACFB. The CLFP Foundation also announced several scholarships available to brokers to take the CLFP exam for free.

Once the business at hand had concluded, Joel Freebersyer with MC2 Finance took the mic to emcee the prize auction that is a favorite event at the conference. Attendees were able to collect “AACFB Bucks” during the conference for visiting with exhibitors or attending sessions. Those in attendance had the opportunity to use their “bucks” to bid on prize packages worth up to $500 donated by AACFB sponsors and exhibitors.

After a busy week of networking and learning, attendees were finally able to kick back and relax at the Happy Hour & a Half. Many are already making plans to attend the Commercial Financing Expo taking place this Sep. 20-21 in Orlando as well as the 2024 AACFB Annual Conference in Phoenix/Glendale, AZ next April 16-18.