More than 200 equipment finance professionals met in Nashville, Tennessee, October 10-12, for the National Equipment Finance Association’s (NEFA) 2013 Funding Symposium.

The 220 registrants included the most exhibitors ever at a NEFA event and the most first-time attendees and new NEFA members. Attendees enjoyed an active exhibit area of leading edge funding sources and service providers; a full schedule of targeted educational breakout sessions; a variety of social get-togethers and a taste of Nashville’s famous good cooking.

On Thursday, the tenth, 37 attendees enjoyed golf on The Hermitage Golf Course’s General’s Retreat course. The winning team generously donated their winnings to the Chris Walker Education Fund. That was followed in the evening by a Welcome Reception for everyone.

On Friday morning, Caterpillar Financial’s president and CEO, Kent Adams, in a very well received talk, shared insights into Caterpillar’s history and business model as well as his perspectives on managing a global operation and the outlook for our industry.

Lunch on Friday also served as NEFA’s annual business meeting and elections for the board of directors were held. For the executive committee, Kyle Gilliam of Arvest Equipment Finance, was elected as NEFA president; Tara Aasand of Great American Insurance Group, was elected as NEFA vice president; Gary Souverein of Pawnee Leasing, was elected as NEFA secretary; and David Normandin of PacTrust Bank Equipment Finance was elected as NEFA Treasurer. John Rosenlund of Portfolio Financial Servicing Company will remain on the executive committee as past president.

Elected as directors were (in no specific order): Mike Coon of LCA Financial; Marc Keepman of KLC Financial; Doug Houlahan of Maxim Commercial Capital; Dennis Dressler of Dressler & Peters, LLC; Scott Woodring of LeaseTeam; Jim Merrilees of TIP Capital; Greg Nappi of DDI Leasing; Stephanie Hall of Bryn Mawr Funding; Bruce Smith of Diversified Capital Credit Corporation; Anna-Mary Geist of Taxware; and Diane Williams of Bankers Leasing Company.

Members completing their Board Service were also honored. They included (in no particular order): Hugh Swandel of the Alta Group; John Donohue of Direct Capital Corporation; William Ford of Ford Financial Services; Brad Harmon of First Star Capital; Terey Jennings, of Financial Pacific Leasing; and Jesse Johnson of LeaseTeam.

Another highlight of the business meeting lunch on Friday was the presentation of the Chris Walker Memorial Member of the Year Award. On hand to present the award were Jean Walker and her daughter, Madeline. The award was presented to Chris Enbom, of Allegiant Partners Incorporated. Chris Enbom told the gathering how pleased and proud he was to be honored in the name of a great friend and mentor of his and how happy he was to receive it in Nashville, Tennessee, given both his and Chris Walker’s shared love of music.

The 2013 Funding Symposium Conference Chairperson, Stephanie Hall, of Bryn Mawr Funding was also honored for her efforts organizing such a successful event. The NEFA Staff presented Stephanie Hall with a Princess sash, crown and scepter. About the event, Hall said it was a pleasure to have worked with such a dedicated committee coordinating such an impressive group of presenters.

Saturday included more exhibit time and more educational sessions and ended with some prize drawings sponsored by RTR Services.

NEFA president, John Rosenlund, said he heard nothing but great things about the whole conference, and Nashville itself, and remarked about the positive energy and eagerness to do business that was so evident in the exhibit hall.

Gerry Egan, NEFA executive director, said the fact that NEFA registered two hundred and twenty people, over twenty percent more than for the same event last year, and the fact that they had both more new exhibitors, first time attendees and new members than at any other recent conference was a great sign not just for NEFA but for the industry as a whole.