The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers concluded its 2023 Commercial Financing Expo in Orlando, FL, last week. The event took place Sept. 20-21 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, bringing together commercial finance brokers, funding sources and service providers from across the U.S.

The expo included a mix of new and returning attendees, with more than 80 attending their first AACFB event. Key highlights from the 2023 AACFB Commercial Financing Expo included:

• Women in Finance – More than 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 represented approximately 40% of the attendees at the expo, and 75% of the current AACFB board of directors identify as women.
• Must-Have Education – The expo boasted 10 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 also 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, while brokers learned from sponsors about their funding appetite. Attendees gained further 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 refreshments.
• Networking Opportunities – Networking started the night before the expo this year with an informal ‘Mix & Mingle’ event and continued throughout the expo, including the Wednesday night reception.
• Keynote Speaker –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 – Monica Harper, long-time executive director of the AACFB, celebrated a milestone birthday at the expo this year. During the expo’s 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.

“I have been involved with the NAELB/AACFB since 2004, so spending my birthday with this group was very special,” Harper said. “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,” Teresa Cranney, president of the AACFB and customer finance analyst with American Financial Partners, said. “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 Sept. 4-5 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, LA.”