More than 240 equipment finance professionals registered for NEFA’s 2015 National Equipment Finance Summit in Long Beach, California last week setting a new attendance record for the National Equipment Finance Association.
Attendees at the 2015 National Equipment Finance Summit held March 18th - 20th at the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach California enjoyed networking, service and funding source exhibits, educational breakout sessions and, for many, some much needed warmth and sunshine – exactly what Southern California is known for.
“Putting together the educational program for the Summit gave me an opportunity to work with an inspiring and dedicated group of industry professionals committed to giving back to their industry,” said Conference Chairperson Raquel O’Leary, CLFP, of Allegiant Partners. “On top of the education, the location in Southern California provided a nice break for those attendees who had an unusually harsh winter, and it was fun watching them enjoy it. It all came together as a record setting conference for NEFA and I’m proud to have been the Summit Chairperson.”
Current NEFA President, Tara Aasand, of LeaseTeam said, “This year’s Summit was the biggest we’ve ever had and included the most exhibitors we’ve had at a Summit. That alone was a great opportunity for the attendees. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with leading service providers and funding sources in our industry. We also had lots of great feedback on the educational programs,” said Ms. Aasand. “That’s wonderful since education is a core focus of NEFA and will continue to be going forward.”
Gerry Egan, NEFA’s Executive Director said, “We registered more attendees for this Summit than for any prior NEFA event and equally rewarding was we had a record number of both first time attendees and new NEFA Members present.”
“We also ran a golf event as a fundraiser for NEFA’s Chris Walker Education fund and Stearns Bank generously donated two six-hundred dollar Amazon gift cards for us to raffle off during conference. Between the golf event and the raffle, we raised well over five-thousand dollars for the Fund,” said Egan.
The CLFP Foundation, with whom NEFA has a long and close relationship, also presented some of their own awards during one of the luncheons.
The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is a national association serving small to mid-sized independent equipment finance companies, lessors and brokers. NEFA is a strong association offering enhanced educational programs and premium networking opportunities with broad geographic and industry segment diversity. The mission of NEFA is to provide a forum for members to pursue personal and professional growth and promote ethical business practices through advocacy, networking and industry involvement. For more information, visit: www.NEFAssociation.org or call: 847-380-5050