Over 190 commercial equipment finance professionals from across North America gathered at the National Equipment Finance Summit, April 2-4, at the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center in Scottsdale, AZ.

“This was the best attended Summit in NEFA history,” said Gerry Egan, executive director of the National Equipment Finance Association. “We had more attendees in every category and the largest number of exhibitors we’ve had so far,” Egan said.

Kyle Gilliam, NEFA president, CLP of Arvest Equipment Finance, said, “There’s so much opportunity right now and the summit gave attendees a chance to share ideas and best practices as they focus their strategies and sharpen their skills. There was lots of interest in our exhibitors, which is always a good sign of growth.”

Gilliam continued, “We’re also very pleased at the large number of first time attendees who joined us at the summit and the wonderful comments we had about the strength and depth of our full slate of educational sessions.”

The 2014 summit chairperson was Chris Lerma, CLP of Allegiant Partners. Lerma said, “We put a lot of effort into developing our educational program and my team of volunteers was able to recruit an impressive list of presenters and panelists. There was a little something for everyone and each program offered some in-depth content.”

Eric Bunnell, CLP of Arvest Equipment Finance, was formally announced as the newest certified leasing professional by Reid Raykovich, CLP, executive director of CLP Foundation, and David Normandin, CLP of Banc of California, president of CLP Foundation.

NEFA’s next conference is the 2014 Funding Symposium from September 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX.