The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) wrapped up its 2024 Annual Conference on Thursday, April 18 in Glendale, AZ at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa.
The three-day event kicked off with a private VIB (Very Important Beer) concert by members of the iconic band Foreigner (Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, and Luis Maldonado) who were then followed by rising country artist Billy Brown. The unforgettable show was a fundraiser in partnership with Equipment Finance Cares and raised $3,000 for Cancer Support Community Arizona.
The next day was buzzing with activity, including a fun-filled day at the Palm Valley Golf Club for the annual golf tournament and a very well-attended Women in Finance Luncheon, which took place at the Yard House restaurant. Back at the hotel, an expanded Brokering Essentials class was presented by well-known industry trainer Scott Wheeler and several seasoned brokers who shared their experiences with those newer to the industry. Additionally, a workshop for brokers interested in starting their own portfolios provided education for those looking to explore their options. Day one was capped off with a casino-night themed opening reception at the hotel. Attendees could try their luck at the table games, with the top three earners winning prizes.
The educational line-up had something for everyone, whether new to the industry or a seasoned veteran. Conference goers had their choice of 15 educational sessions, including a thoughtful presentation by keynote speaker Nate Randle, CEO of Gabb Wireless, who reminded attendees to be people-centric in their approach to business.
The exhibit hall was in full swing on Wednesday and Thursday where more than 50 exhibitors were able to make those all-important face-to-face connections. Attendees were also treated to a deluxe coffee bar and margarita bar in the exhibit hall, courtesy of generous sponsors. As part of AACFB’s new partnership with Equipment Finance Cares, attendees also had the opportunity to assemble care packages for Live & Learn Arizona, a charity that lifts women out of generational poverty.
AACFB Executive Director Monica Harper said, “We were incredibly grateful to be able to include two charitable events as part of the conference programming this year. A huge thanks go out to all of our sponsors and exhibitors as well as members of the planning committee, including chair Scott Hansen with AvTech Capital, Cindy Downs with Heartland Capital Group, Autumn Faust with AvTech Capital, Dave Harding with DCA Equipment Finance, Sadie Harris with Navitas Credit Corp., David Thomas with Green Oceans Capital, and board liaisons Katie Baker, CLFP with MC2 Finance and Laura Estrada with Preferred Capital Funding. Special thanks to Ken Greene for his help in convincing the Foreigner band members to play in the charity concert. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The conference culminated in the Annual Business Meeting and Auction where AACFB President Teresa Cranney presented the 2024 AACFB President’s Award to Scott Hansen with AvTech Capital for his dedication and support of the association. The presidency then transitioned from Cranney to Roderick Knoll, CLFP with Marathon Commercial Capital. He presented an upbeat Treasurer’s Report where he enthusiastically reported that the AACFB is in a positive financial position again this year. Roderick also announced the creation of an AACFB Industry Advisory Council, which was established as a vehicle for funding source and service partners to serve in an advisory role to the AACFB Board.
Once the business at hand had concluded, Bobby Cowan with Y.E.S. Leasing 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 September 4-5 in New Orleans, which promises to be a lot of fun with a huge return on investment for attendees.