TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The National Automotive Finance (NAF) Association, which exclusively serves the non-prime auto financing industry, held its 27th Annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference in Plano, TX, last week.
Nearly 350 lenders, business partners, speakers, and guests gathered for the association’s premier annual event. Participants attended educational sessions on a variety of topics ranging from an auto finance industry outlook, how electric vehicles are impacting the subprime market, what the data tells us about fraud as we move into the age of Ai, an update from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and so much more.
Several sessions featured roundtable discussions, which also proved to be a popular format for those looking to collaborate with peers and grow their professional network. In addition to relevant content, the conference hosted several social events and receptions which were great venues for connecting with other attendees. These events created a relaxed environment designed to encourage relationship development.
“Our goal was to provide a valuable and fun conference experience for all of our attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors,” said NAF Association’s Executive Director Jennifer Martin. “We aimed to bring dynamic speakers, relevant topics, and engaging networking events together to create an overall environment designed to encourage collaboration among peers.”
One of the highlights of the event was an award ceremony in recognition of Tom Hudson of Hudson Cook LLP as the first recipient of the Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award. The presentation honored Tom for his contributions to the industry and made for a touching moment for all those in attendance.
The NAF Association Board of Directors met in conjunction with the conference and voted on its new Executive Committee. The Executive Officers will serve a one-year term and were announced at the Annual Membership Meeting.
Chairman: Paul Gillespie, GM Financial/AmeriCredit
President: Micky Watts, Anderson Brothers Bank
Vice President: Claudia Plascencia, Resolvion
Secretary: Suzi Straffon, Allied Solutions
Treasurer: Matt Burke, Center Street Finance
“We are fortunate to have talented and dedicated volunteer leaders at the helm of our association,” said Jim Bass, Agora Data’s SVP of Strategic Relations and the NAF Association’s immediate past chairman.
“The NAF Association’s annual conference was inspirational, informational, and FUN! Presenting Tom Hudson with the Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award was an honor,” continued Bass. “Everyone benefitted from the up-to-date information shared by Standard and Poor’s, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Cox Automotive economist’s report, as well as many other speakers. The networking, dealmaking, and good times in the exhibit hall were fantastic, as were the Top Golf event and evening dessert reception. I can’t wait until next year in Fort Worth!”
Save the date for the 28th Annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference, planned for June 5-7, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas.
About National Automotive Finance (NAF) Association
The National Automotive Finance (NAF) Association is the only trade association exclusively serving the non-prime auto financing industry. Organized in the fall of 1996, the NAF Association supports its members and the industry with programs and education. The NAF Association’s mission is to build transparency and trust for all stakeholders; lenders, dealers, suppliers, shareholders, and regulators.
Visit www.nafassociation.com to learn more. Direct all media inquiries to [email protected].
