The Fall conference season in the commercial equipment finance and leasing is upon us. Wheeler Business Consulting will be attending AACFB in September, ELFA in October and NEFA the first week of November. (Click on each for more information and to register.)

In the mid-eighties, I attended my first association meeting - an ELA event in Chicago. I have been attending association meetings and conferences ever since. My first conference was the experience that convinced me of the tremendous opportunity that existed in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry. I had no idea that the industry was so large and that there were competitors that I had never heard of before. I met many professionals who were more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences. The relationships established through association meetings have greatly enhanced my career, my ability to provide superior service to my clients, and my ability to maximize my income. Association meetings prepared me for upcoming opportunities and challenges. I have never left an association meeting without gaining information which helped me, and my employer, grow and prosper. The industry is always facing changes, challenges, and opportunities; and 2022 going into 2023 is no different than the past. It is essential that every professional in the industry stay connected with their peers through association events.

I would like to provide a personal suggestion and challenge to management teams throughout the industry. Select a few of your up-and-coming stars within your company to tag along and attend a fall conference in 2022. It is an investment well worth making. I am forever grateful to my manager nearly 35 years ago who saw the value in introducing me to the larger industry. I was thrilled to be asked and more committed to him and my company after the experience. So often I am asked how management teams can reward exceptional achievements, how they can retain top talent, and how they can provide a career path forward. Top managers understand the value of having employees who are well connected to the associations and the industry at large. Now is the time to register another attendee at one of 2022 Fall conferences. For more information or to register, click below:

AACFB September 7 & 8 Las Vegas

ELFA October 9 through 11 - Marco Island 

NEFA November 4 through 6 - Nashville