The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) wrapped up its 2024 Annual Conference on 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), followed by rising country artist Billy Brown. The show was a fundraiser in partnership with Equipment Finance Cares and raised $3,000 for Cancer Support Community Arizona.
The next day included a event at the Palm Valley Golf Club for the organization’s annual golf tournament and a Women in Finance Luncheon, which took place at the Yard House restaurant. Back at the hotel, industry trainer Scott Wheeler and several seasoned brokers shared their experiences with those newer to the industry during an expanded Brokering Essentials class. Additionally, a workshop for brokers interested in starting their own portfolios provided education for those looking to explore their options. A casino-night themed opening reception at the hotel capped off day one.
Conference-goers had their choice of 15 educational sessions, including a presentation by keynote speaker Nate Randle, CEO of Gabb Wireless, who reminded attendees to be people-centric in their approach to business.
More than 50 exhibitors were able to make face-to-face connections during the exhibit hall hours during the event. Attendees also enjoyed a coffee bar and margarita bar in the exhibit hall, courtesy of the event’s sponsors. As part of the 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.
“We were incredibly grateful to be able to include two charitable events as part of the conference programming this year,” Monica Harper, executive director of the AACFB, said. “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, in which Teresa Cranney, president of the AACFB, presented the 2024 AACFB President’s Award to Hansen for his dedication and support of the association. Roderick Knoll, CLFP, of Marathon Commercial Capital presented the treasurer’s report, sharing 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.
Bobby Cowan of Y.E.S. Leasing emceed the prize auction for 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.
