May 20-23, 2024
INDEPENDENTS CONFERENCE & EXPO
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Registration Rates
| AFSA Member | $1,760 |
| AFSA Non-Member | $2,760 |
| First Time Attendee (Members Only) | $850 |
| Committee/Board Member | $1,430 |
| Outstanding Employee | $850 |
| Spouse | $850 |
Join AFSA’s independent members for a content-rich experience, engaging in strategic, thought-provoking discussions on issues affecting the industry.
AFSA is pleased to announce that the 2024 Independents Conference & Expo will be held May 20-23 at the beautiful Marriott Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale. Each day will feature fast-paced and informative keynotes sessions, thoughtful committee meetings, and engaging networking opportunities.
Explore business strategies and insights from industry leaders and colleagues.
Participate in thought-provoking keynotes, panels and committee meetings.
Network with attendees along the beautiful Florida coast.
Featured Speakers
Conference Keynote
Lt. Col. (ret.) Scott Mann
High-Impact Leadership Expert; Retired Green Beret
Mann draws from his years in Special Forces operating in complex, low trust environments, learning to master interpersonal connection skills and the Human Operating System. He also learned how to create movements that changed the dynamics in no fail engagements around the world. What works in Life and Death works even better in Life and Business.
Now, Scott is sharing his hard-earned insights to help leaders connect to their customers and teams, by imparting a deep knowledge of the Human Operating System. He shares the tools your people need to navigate the churn of distraction and disengagement in these turbulent times. Nobody is Coming, it’s up to us to step in and lead. Please join Scott for this riveting discussion.
Champions Club
Kenny Smith
Two-Time NBA Champion; Award-Winning Broadcaster
Known throughout his basketball career by the nickname “The Jet,” Kenny Smith today co-hosts the top-rated “Inside The NBA,” alongside Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal, and is recognized as one of the top basketball analysts in the industry.
Prior to his media career, Smith had a decade-long playing career in the NBA, winning two World Championships with the Houston Rockets, following a stellar playing career under legendary Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina.
Agenda
*subject to change*
Monday, May 20
| 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Registration Center | Caribbean Lobby |
| 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Law Committee (by invitation) Sponsored by  |
Caribbean Ballroom 1-4 |
| 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Operations & Regulatory Compliance Committee | Caribbean Ballroom 6-8 |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Independents Board Meeting (by invitation) | Grand D |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | AFSAEF Development & Marketing Committee | Jacksonville |
| 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Law Committee Dinner (by invitation) Sponsored by  |
Riva |
| 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | SGA & ORCC Joint Reception Sponsored by  |
Caribbean Ballroom Foyer |
| 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | AFSAPAC Event Sponsored by         |
Ocean Ballroom |
Tuesday, May 21
| 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Registration Center | Caribbean Lobby |
| 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | State Government Affairs Committee |
Ocean 3/4 |
| 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. | Independents Auto Finance Executives Breakfast/Meeting (by invitation) Sponsored by  |
3030 Ocean Restaurant/Ocean 1 |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Leadership Development Program Steering Committee | Ocean 2 |
| 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | EDGE Advisory Board | Ocean 2 |
| 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | HR Networking Group Sponsored by  |
Grand D |
| 10:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Law Committee (by invitation) Sponsored by  |
Ocean 3/4 |
| 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | AFSAEF Board Meeting/Lunch | Ocean 2 |
| 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Executive Committee Meeting/Lunch (by invitation) | Ocean 1 |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Ancillary Product Working Group Sponsored by  |
Grand D |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Business Partner Board | Ocean 2 |
| 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | AFSA Board of Directors Sponsored by  |
Ocean 3/4 |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Women’s Leadership Council Refreshments Sponsored by |
Ocean 1 |
| 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Welcome Party with Exhibitors Reception Sponsored by  Entertainment Sponsored by  |
Grand Ballroom |
| 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
Welcome Dinner/AFSAPAC Auction View the AFSAPAC Auction Items here! |
Caribbean Ballroom |
Wednesday, May 22
| 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Registration Center | Caribbean Lobby |
| 8:00 a.m.- 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast with Exhibitors Sponsored by  |
Grand Ballroom |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
Opening General Session: Opening Remarks, Outstanding Independents Awards, and Keynote Address KEYNOTE SESSION with Lt. Col. Scott Mann (ret.): Join us for compelling and dynamic storytelling, with lessons learned from critical combat missions that demonstrate transformative relationship-building techniques and decision-making skills that are key to establishing high-trust organizations. Sponsored by |
Caribbean Ballroom |
| 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Refreshments with Exhibitors Sponsored by  Entertainment Sponsored by |
Grand Ballroom |
| 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | General Session: CEO Roundtable Sponsored by  |
Caribbean Ballroom |
| 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
General Session: Capital Challenges Speakers: |
Caribbean Ballroom |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Luncheon with Exhibitors Sponsored by  Entertainment Sponsored by |
Grand Ballroom |
| 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Public Policy Update Sponsored by  |
Caribbean Ballroom |
| 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Road to 2024: The Election Outlook Speakers: Sponsored by |
Caribbean Ballroom |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Refreshments with Exhibitors Sponsored by Entertainment Sponsored by |
Grand Ballroom |
| 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Solutions Showcase | Caribbean Ballroom |
| 3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. | RSM Survey Sponsored by |
Caribbean Ballroom |
| 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Marketing & Communications Committee | Grand B |
| 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Independent Accounting Committee | Grand C |
| 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Operations Networking Group Sponsored by  |
Grand D |
| 5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Receptions with Exhibitors Reception Sponsored by  Entertainment Sponsored by |
Grand Ballroom |
Thursday, May 23
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Registration Center | Caribbean Lobby |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast Sponsored by  |
Ocean Ballroom Foyer |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. |
Breakfast & Breakouts: Trends & Tools in Collections & Recovery The past five years have seen significant shifts in creditor rights. Join this discussion for the best and most up to date processes for maximizing collections and recoveries. Speakers: Sponsored by |
Ocean 1 |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. |
Breakfast & Breakouts: Lessons from Lending Research AFSA unveils new data and studies that bolsters the advocacy, education and communications efforts of member companies and the industry overall. Speakers:
|
Ocean 3 |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Breakfast & Breakouts: Trends & Tools in Cyber and Fraud Protection Whether its threats to business systems and networks or fraudsters using synthetic identities or overstating income, cyber and fraud threats are evolving as quickly as the techniques and technologies used to combat them. Get the latest download on how lenders large and small can strengthen their cyber and fraud prevention programs. Speakers: Sponsored by |
Ocean 1 |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Breakfast & Breakouts: Building an Engaged Team There are always new challenges in talent recruitment and retention, particularly in building an engaged team that fuels growth. Join this highly interactive roundtable to discuss and hear how colleagues are thinking about employee engagement and the processes that drive it. Speakers: Sponsored by |
Ocean 3 |
| 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Coffee Break Sponsored by |
Caribbean Foyer |
| 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Champions Club Speaker: Sponsored by |
Caribbean Ballroom |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Luncheon for All Attendees Sponsored by  |
Ocean Terrace |
| 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Fun in the Sun Beach Activities Sponsored by  |
Beach |
Outstanding Employee Nomination
2024 Outstanding Employee Nomination Form
2023 Outstanding Employee Winners
Past Outstanding Employee Winners (2009 – 2023)
Speakers
Danielle Arlowe
Senior Vice President
AFSA
Josh Bullock
Managing Director
Mount Logan Management
Jim Chester
Managing Director
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods
Bill Himper
President & CEO
AFSA
Jeffrey Horwitt
Partner
Hart Research
Josh Johnson
President & CEO
Mariner Finance
Pam Johnson
Chief Financial Officer
OppFi
Joe Kaczmarek
Partner
RSM US
George Kohlhofer III
Principal, Technology Consulting
RSM US
Sharon Mancero
Managing Director
Agora Data
Milos Milosevic
Principal
Fourshore Partners
Lou Musto, Jr.
Principal, Process Risk and Controls, Business Risk Consulting
RSM US
Micah Roberts
Partner
Public Opinion Strategies
Rachel Scott
White House Correspondent & D.C. Correspondent
ABC News
Celia Winslow
Senior Vice President
AFSA
Hotel & Travel
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
3030 Holiday Drive
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 525-4000
www.marriottharborbeach.com
Click here to make a reservation or call 954-525-4000 or1-800-222-6543 to speak to a group reservation agent: https://book.passkey.com/e/50663125
Breathe in the crisp ocean air and immerse yourself in the warmth of the Sunshine State at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. Situated along a quarter-mile of private beach, the hotel provides tropical tranquility while also offering easy access to Fort Lauderdale Airport.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Deadline Monday, April 29. Please contact the hotel directly to reserve your guest room at the discounted AFSA rate of $259 + plus tax, single or double occupancy and a discounted resort fee of $20. The resort fee includes:
- Resort-wide high-speed wireless internet access, including Guest rooms, public space, meeting space, and restaurant outlets
- Two (2) beach chairs per day
- Two (2) resort Welcome Beverages per stay
- One-hour rental of non-motorized water sports equipment per day for up to two people (weather permitting) – select from skim board, paddleboard, boogie board or kayak, age restrictions apply.
- Two (2) fitness classes per day (visit the Spa for class schedule. Reservations required)
- $25 discount off any spa treatment excluding hair and nail services
- 90 minutes tennis court use, includes rackets and balls, per day
- One hour use of beach games daily (Giant Jenga, Connect 4, Bocce Ball, Horse Shoes)
You must mention you are with AFSA to receive this special room rate. The room block always fills up before the registration deadline so call as soon as possible to ensure availability.
Hotel reservations at the discounted AFSA rate are only available to AFSA conference registered attendees. The hotel will move your room outside the AFSA block and back to the prevailing room rate at the hotel if you are not registered for this meeting.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION FROM FORT LAUDERDALE (FLL) AIRPORT
Fort Lauderdale International Airport is located approximately 20 minutes from the Hotel.
UBER is available in Fort Lauderdale and the cost of UBERx to the hotel from the airport ranges from $15-$19.Taxicabs are also readily available outside of the Airport and the cost of a taxi to the hotel is approximately $28. Town cars can also be arranged by contacting the hotel concierge in advance.
If you are interested in renting a car, AFSA is happy to announce a partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company that gives members a 10% discount on rental cars. For reservations, go to www.enterprise.com and enter 16AH072 for the discount corporate code.
Parking is $45 for self parking or $50 for Valet per night.
TRAVEL
AFSA is pleased to offer discounted airfare to the 2024 Independents Conference & Expo.
- United Airlines offers a discount with flights booked via their website using the promotional code ZNVG806912.
- Delta Airlines offers a discount booked via their dedicated booking website or calling 1-800-328-1111 and using the promotional code NM35Z.
Sponsorships
There are many sponsorship and advertising opportunities. Review AFSA’s Marketing Kit and contact Dan Bucherer at dbucherer@afsamail.org.
DIAMOND SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Exhibitors
ABCoA | Deal Pack
Kiosk K4
ABCoA Deal Pack, a Software-as-a-Service company for the subprime finance industry since 1983; helps automotive finance companies eliminate duplication, remain compliant, and achieve success with industry proven, all-in-one software alongside prompt and dependable service and support.
Jacksonville, FL
Evelyn Hedy | Vice President
(800) 526-5832
ACI Worldwide Inc.
Kiosk K6
ACI Worldwide offers seamless customer billing and payment experiences with integrated AI-driven fraud protection. ACI’s comprehensive solution suite also includes patented digital wallet technology, instant funding and virtual collections technology.
Coral Gables, FL
Darcy Locke | Vice President, Head of Consumer Finance Sales
(502) 648 2353
Allied Business Systems
Booth 4
Allied Business Systems offers API driven loan origination and management software with options and customizability that meet the needs of any lender. Integrations and configurable workflows allow lenders to scale to their business modules.
Macon, GA
Miranda Price | Vice President, Business Development
(478) 703-0863
Allied Solutions / Securian Financial
Booth 3/Kiosk K8
Allied Solutions is one of the largest providers of insurance, lending, risk management, and data-driven solutions to financial institutions in the US. Allied Solutions is a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Securian Financial Group.
Carmel, IN
Suzi Straffon | Director, Finance Company Markets
(313) 410-6523
Amsive
Booth 13
Amsive is a full-service, data-led performance marketing agency that enhances ROI through innovative acquisition, engagement, and communications solutions. With both digital and direct expertise, Amsive designs audience, creative, & channel strategies to amplify growth.
Bolingbrook, IL
Greg Hamby | Director, Business Development
(601) 214-7331
AppOne
Booth 18
AppOne streamlines the lending process and reduces contracting errors for RV, Marine, and Powersports dealers by providing the ability to electronically submit loan applications, receive decisions, structure loans, and print lender-specific documents.
Dayton, OH
Chet Heughan | Director, Sales
(225) 236-8476
Argyle
Kiosk K13
Argyle gives consumer lenders direct-source access to real-time data, so they can verify income and employment faster, more reliably, and at 60-80% less cost.
New York, NY
Matt Gomes | General Manager, Personal Lending
(212) 287-5960
Black Book
Booth 2
Black Book is the leading provider of automotive vehicle pricing and analytical services.
Lawrenceville, GA
Jared Kalfus | President
(800) 554-1026
Chetu Inc.
Booth 16
Chetu is a global software solutions and support services provider for the financial services industry. Chetu’s technology and industry experts provide its clients with a one-stop-shop software delivery model that spans the software technology spectrum.
Sunrise, FL
Jeff Weiss | Solutions Consultant
(954) 342-5676
Crypton
Kiosk K10
Crypton is a multi-national software company offering a proprietary suite of services including eSignature, eVaulting, remote ID verification using Ai, SMS and more. API integration, SFTP, Web Portal and embedded options are available.
Augusta, GA
David Phillips | President
(706) 955-6407
DDI Technology
Kiosk K9
DDI Technology provides a complete automotive titling suite for lenders nationwide. Premier eTitleLien® enables your Loan Operations team to streamline processes, improve reporting and manage exceptions within a simple, user-friendly application.
Irmo, SC
Lara Gulledge | Senior Account Executive
(205) 612-0687
Remarketing by Element
Booth 12
Remarketing Services for Banks Credit Unions and Lenders for all types of Assets
Hoffman Estates, IL
Jay Watson | Vice President, Sales
(248) 904-9468
F.H. Cann & Associates, Inc.
Kiosk K2
F.H. Cann is a national woman-owned company headquartered in North Andover. We provide Collections and Call Center Services to a wide variety of clients. These include independent lenders, large banks, and the federal government.
Exeter, NH
Ryan OHara | Director, Business Development
(978) 701-0283
FIMC
Kiosk K15
FIMC is a trusted provider and servicer of membership plans that protect your customers from the most common auto, home, lifestyle and medical-related expenses and enable you to increase flow-thru earnings at scale.
Sarasota, FL
Miguel Jansen | Vice President, Strategic Account Management
(941) 724-8996
Fortegra
Booth 6
For over 45 years, Fortegra and its subsidiaries have provided risk management solutions empowering individuals and businesses worldwide. With A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent), we offer diverse insurance and warranty products.
Jacksonville, FL
Mike Ferris | Senior Vice President, Credit Protection
(904) 638-7502
FSSI
Kiosk K11
FSSI is an employee owned, WBE certified document outsourcing company that helps businesses maximize their impact and strategic value through highly customizable print, mail and digital communications solutions.
Santa Ana, CA
John Pulver | Senior Relationship Manager
(714) 436-3320
GOLDPoint Systems
Kiosk K5
GOLDPOINT Systems offers one of the most complete API based Loan Management Software Systems in the Direct and Indirect market, covering the complete loan life cycle.
Provo, UT
Glen Twede | Executive Vice President, Sales
(801) 429-2172
IM Group
Booth 21
Direct Marketing and Data Management Services.
West Deptford, NJ
Seth Manley | Partner
(843) 408-5777
LAUNCHER.SOLUTIONS
Kiosk K1
Launcher’s agile appTRAKER Loan Origination System for indirect automotive, consumer direct lending and leasing is a perfect fit for subprime lenders, regional banks, and credit unions. Integrated communication tools streamline digital onboarding with Dealers and Consumers.
Jacksonville, FL
Ray Antunez | Director, Client Services
(904) 479-1343
Megasys
Booth 14
Megasys is the leader in complete loan management systems for the consumer finance industry for over 40 years. We provide customizable software platforms for finance companies of every size, from startup businesses to major corporations.
Anaheim, CA
Diana Moreau | Manager, Sales
(800) 927-4490
NETSOL Technologies Americas, Inc.
Kiosk K12
NETSOL Technologies is a US-based, leading financial technology provider to the global asset finance & leasing industry, catering to companies with ever growing & diverse business requirements worldwide.
Austin, TX
Jay Edwards | Vice President, Sales & Wholesale Product Manager
(416) 903-0938
Nordis Technologies
Kiosk K18
Companies trust Nordis Technologies to drive digital transformation and improve customer experience with Expresso™, a patented technology that delivers content control and agility for creating, personalizing and distributing critical digital and print auto finance communications.
Coral Springs, FL
Bryan Ten Broek | Vice President, Business Development
(954) 323-5217
Palinode
Kiosk K7
Palinode offers compliance and productivity software to assist data furnishers with Credit Tradeline’s including consumer disputes and Metro2 reporting.
Brentwood, TN
Bruce Jackson | Chief Revenue Officer
(615) 405-5761
Park National Bank
Booth 20
Park National Bank provides revolving lines of credit from $5-48 million. Park also has the ability to arrange larger facilities with competitive interest and advance rates serving the lower 48 states.
Columbus, OH
Jack Arthur | Vice President
(740) 352-3013
Payliance
Booth 17
Payliance delivers an all-in-one solution for the lending industry, specializing in payment processing, verification, and recovery.
Columbus OH
John Lawson | Account Executive
(614) 944-5788 Ext 9041
Paymentus
Booth 11
Paymentus (NYSE: PAY) is a leading provider of cloud-based bill payment technology and solutions. Our omni-channel platform provides consumers with easy-to-use, flexible and secure electronic bill payment experiences through their preferred payment channel and type.
Charlotte, NC
Nelly Meyer | Director, Regional Sales
(980) 430-4711
PaymentVision
Booth 15
Payment process solutions
Jacksonville, FL
Scott Wittosch | Director, Sales & Partnerships
(240) 361-1621
PayNearMe
Booth 5
PayNearMe develops technology that drives better payment experiences for businesses and their customers. Our modern, flexible and reliable platform enables more ways to pay by offering all major payment types and channels in a single platform.
Santa Clara, CA
Jill Conrad | Sr. Director of Sales
(650) 930-1020
Protective
Booth 19
Protective Asset Protection has provided F&I solutions in the industry for over 60 years. We serve dealerships and financial institutions with F&I products, training, wealth building and technology.
Chesterfield, MO
REPAY
Booth 8
REPAY is a payment technology provider that offers card and ACH processing, Instant Funding, a consumer-facing mobile app, and online bill payment systems with web, text, and IVR capabilities.
Atlanta, GA
Shannon Dorrance | SVP, Consumer Finance
470-834-2340
RevSpring, Inc.
Kiosk K19
RevSpring leads the market in financial communications and payment solutions. Leading finance companies trust RevSpring to maximize their financial results through dynamic communications – Personalized print, payment portal, email and text communications payments.
Nashville, TN
Marti Anderson | Director, Strategic Accounts
(614) 580-9093
RSM US
Booth 7
RSM US LLP offers services to help specialty finance companies address their complex business challenges. Through working with organizations like AFSA, we have developed an industry knowledge base to provide industry specific observations and insights.
Chicago, IL
Morris Marshburn | Partner
(919) 645-6858
Solutions by Text
Booth 1
Solutions by Text (SBT) is the pioneer of FinText™, empowering consumer finance companies to engage, interact and transact with their consumers in real-time. SBT has been providing compliance-first enterprise conversational messaging solutions since 2008.
Addison, TX
Greg Carfine | Senior New Business Development
(410) 935-0919
State National Companies
Kiosk K14
Portfolio Protection and insurance tracking has been our core focus for 50 years. State National offers customized solutions for Subprime and Non-Prime lenders that are affordable, collectable and offer solid coverage against charge offs due to uninsured vehicle damage.
Bedford, TX
Mark Baltuska | Vice President, Finance Company Markets
(817) 727-7316
TruDecision
Booth 9
TruDecision’s cutting-edge analytic models, fueled by A.I. algorithms and millions of consumer records, establish a strong credit culture. Our innovative solutions and proprietary credit risk tech optimize deal closures and enhance profitability for lender partners.
Irving, TX
David Knightly | Chief Revenue Officer
(954) 873-2142
Vergent LMS
Booth 22
Vergent LMS provides premier omnichannel loan management software for lending institutions and financial services organizations. Founded in 2006, Vergent LMS serves over 20,000 daily users in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
Ridgeland, MS & Plano, TX
Scott Putnam | Chief Executive Office
(601) 919-2275
Winnow
Booth 10
Winnow provides subscribers with accurate topic-driven surveys and automated compliance change management. Winnow catalogs over 60,000 individual state and federal law requirements maintained by an experienced team of attorneys and professionals.
Anaheim Hills, CA
Wendy Lovett | Vice President, Sales & Business Development
(949) 674-4909
Xpress-Pay
Kiosk K20
Xpress-pay is an ePayment solution with credit card processing and fee recovery.
Cortland, NY
Craig Peterson | Account Manager
(607) 753-6156