The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) concluded its 2023 Commercial Financing Expo with resounding success in Orlando, Florida last week. The event took place September 20th and 21st at the stunning Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, bringing together commercial finance brokers, funding sources, and service providers from across the nation.
 
The Expo represented the perfect mix of new and returning attendees, with more than 80 attending their first AACFB event. Over 100 brokers kept the sold-out exhibit hall busy, allowing for valuable connections to be made.

Key highlights from the 2023 AACFB Commercial Financing Expo include:

Women in Finance – Over 50 of the best and brightest women in the commercial finance industry gathered to kick off the official Expo program at the increasingly popular Women in Finance Breakfast. Women now represent approximately 40% of the attendees at the Expo and 75% of the current AACFB Board of Directors are female.

Must-Have Education – The Expo boasted ten educational sessions. Attendees learned how to make more money by implementing strategies to help them be more efficient and how to better package their deals. They got up to speed on protecting themselves in broker agreements and what Section 1071 will be requiring of them. Funding sources heard from brokers on how to be a broker’s top pick for funding. Brokers learned from sponsors about their funding appetite. Attendees gained insight on using video in their marketing and how to choose the best software systems for their businesses. Newer brokers gathered tips on how to thrive in the industry.

Exhibit Hall – The sold-out exhibit hall was a hub of activity. Attendees had ample opportunities to connect with a wide range of funding and service providers as well as grab a margarita or Bloody Mary to refresh.
Networking Opportunities – Networking started the night before the Expo this year with an informal Mix & Mingle and continued throughout the event including the Wednesday night reception. The Expo’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere encouraged meaningful conversations and collaborations.

Keynote Speaker – Sought-after speaker, author, and successful commercial finance broker, Kortney Murray with Coastal Kapital shared her inspirational story of “Kaos to Kapital.” Her thought-provoking presentation challenged attendees to examine their role in the commercial finance industry.

Birthday Surprise – Long-time AACFB Executive Director, Monica Harper celebrated a milestone birthday at the Expo this year and the AACFB made sure that it would be memorable. During the Wednesday luncheon, the AACFB Board shared heartfelt appreciation videos and even brought her family in via Zoom. Of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without a cake, which was shared with attendees in the exhibit hall.
Harper shared, “I have been involved with the NAELB/AACFB since 2004 so spending my birthday with this group was very special. The AACFB Board and members are like a second family to me. I am so very grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to have such a rewarding career and to feel genuinely appreciated for my efforts.”

“We were thrilled with the overwhelming success of the 2023 AACFB Commercial Financing Expo,” added AACFB President, Teresa Cranney with American Financial Partners. “The planning committee did an outstanding job curating the agenda which was filled with timely information. Many thanks go out to planning committee members Scott Hansen, Tamara McCourt, CLFP, Crystal Murcha, and Carrie Radloff, CLFP as well as board liaisons, Katie Baker, CFLP, and Laura Estrada. Thanks also to all of the sponsors, presenters, exhibitors, and attendees for helping to make the Expo such an outstanding event. We look forward to continuing to grow this event next year when the Expo will be held September 4-5, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana.”