31st Annual IFA Factoring Conference Preview

January 2, 2025 - From May 7-9, 2025, Palm Desert, California, will host the world’s largest conference exclusively designed for commercial finance professionals. This dynamic event, the International Factoring Association’s 31st Annual Factoring Conference, promises to be the ultimate educational and networking experience in the industry. Bringing together hundreds of leaders, innovators, and key players, the conference will define the future of factoring and commercial finance while equipping attendees with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in an evolving financial landscape.

Palm Desert: The Perfect Backdrop for Innovation and Growth
Nestled in the heart of California’s Coachella Valley, Palm Desert offers a stunning setting for this premier event. Known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning desert landscapes, and year-round sunshine, the city provides an inspiring backdrop for attendees to recharge and connect. Palm Desert is renowned for its sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal place to foster networking and professional relationships. Many of the IFA Conference social events will take place outdoors, allowing conference attendees to soak in the warmth and beauty of the surroundings.

Palm Desert’s culinary scene caters to diverse tastes, offering everything from fine dining to casual cafes. The city’s downtown area, El Paseo, often referred to as the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” is a haven for food enthusiasts and also provides upscale shopping and art galleries for post-conference leisure. The city’s unique blend of professional amenities, natural beauty, and leisure activities ensures a balance between work and relaxation, leaving a lasting impression on all conference attendees.

World-Class Education Tailored for All Levels
The conference offers two full days of expert-led instruction, ensuring attendees receive actionable insights on the most pressing industry trends and challenges. Sessions are designed to cater to all levels of experience and responsibility, from emerging professionals to seasoned executives. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your expertise or broaden your knowledge base, the conference’s innovative learning formats and engaging presenters will provide value tailored to your personal needs and professional goals. With a focus on delivering maximum educational content, this event ensures every participant walks away with fresh perspectives and practical tools to apply to their career.

The following is a preview of the keynote sessions planned:

Keynote Session: The Innovator’s Roadmap - Navigating Our AI Future (Zack Kass, AI Futurist, keynote speaker, consultant, and the former Head of Go to Market for OpenAI) Zack navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie at the forefront of AI innovation. He dissects the paradoxical landscape where technology moves at an astounding pace, yet practical, scalable solutions remain elusive. In this keynote, Zack highlights how innovators can transform these challenges into stepping stones to success in an AI-driven era. Drawing on his vast experience in AI strategy and implementation, Zack offers a pragmatic approach to future-proofing your business. He provides a forward-thinking perspective, sharing lessons learned, strategies adopted, and the transformative power of resilience in the face of relentless technological progression.

Keynote Session: Futurenomics - Economic Outlook for Today's Leaders (Commander Mary Kelly, internationally known economist and leadership expert) The economic and political landscape is rapidly changing in the US as well as in Europe and Asia. Socio-political events are impacting the financial markets as never before. What do you need to know? How is the economy going to impact your business? Commander Mary Kelly provides an engaging and interesting economic update on the latest trends and forecasts. She reviews US spending and budget issues, tax changes, and legislative actions that impact advisors and business owners.

Keynote Session: Unstoppable (Anthony Robles, Inspiring NCAA Wrestling Champion, National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, and subject of the film, Unstoppable) Anthony Robles was born without a right leg, yet he never let disability stop him from achieving his dreams. With unrelenting determination—and the belief that he could do anything—he defied all odds and became a champion collegiate wrestler, competing against able-bodied athletes. NCAA Division I Champion, three-time All-American, and recipient of the 2011 ESPY Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, Robles inspires others to believe that they too can overcome the odds. In this moving, awe-inspiring presentation, Robles illustrates how perseverance, hard work, and a strong belief in yourself can not only lead you to success but make you unstoppable.

Some of our breakout sessions will include:

Transportation Factoring (David Jencks, Esq., Jencks Law, P.C.) This session delves into the field of transportation factoring, exploring pertinent matters concerning the economics, legal and operational facets important to companies engaged in financing within the transportation sector.

Factoring 101 (Brian Center, Quasar Capital) This session will cover a range of topics designed to build your understanding and confidence in factoring. We’ll break down the process of factoring step-by-step, ensuring you grasp how it works and the benefits it offers. You’ll also become familiar with key terminology, including essential concepts like advance rates, factoring fees, and the differences between recourse and non-recourse factoring.

In-Depth Financial Statement Analysis (Robyn Barrett & Mick Goik, Oxford Commercial Finance) In the factoring industry, understanding and interpreting financial statements is essential for making informed decisions during the underwriting process and managing ongoing client relationships. This session will provide factors with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively analyze financial statements and understand their significance.

A Session with the Ullmans: Navigating Business and Legal Challenges in Factoring (Michael Ullman, Esq. & Jared Ullman, Esq., Ullman & Ullman, P.A.) Join us for an insightful and dynamic session led by the Ullmans, renowned legal experts in factoring and asset-based lending. This session delves into the cutting-edge issues shaping the financial strategies in today’s ever-evolving factoring landscape.

Risk Management for Credit & Underwriting (Zachary Daiber, Gulf Coast Business Credit & Damon Dickens, Sallyport Commercial Finance, LLC) This session will explore the unique challenges and strategies associated with assessing credit risk in the factoring industry. Participants will gain insights into best practices for evaluating the creditworthiness of clients, understanding industry-specific risk factors, and developing robust underwriting processes.

Report from the Courts (Bob Zadek, Esq. & Ben Heuer, Esq., Buchalter) - Join us for an in-depth review of this year’s most impactful court decisions affecting the factoring industry. This session will provide valuable insights into how you and your peers fared in legal battles and the key lessons to be learned from these outcomes. Our expert speakers will analyze significant rulings and explore their implications for IFA members. Gain a deeper understanding of evolving legal trends, potential risks, and best practices to strengthen your business and safeguard your operations.

ABL Deep Dive (Vince Mancuso, American Bank, N.A.) - This session will provide an in-depth dive into asset-based lending and how it differs from factoring as a form of working capital financing. The speakers will touch on collateral types leveraged, sources of information, the due diligence process, documentation components and formulating eligibility against A/R and inventory in an ABL structure.

Some of our panel sessions will include:

Esteemed Titan’s Panel - The Esteemed Titan's Panel brings together industry titans who have shaped the landscape of factoring through innovation, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Panelists will share their unique perspectives and experiences, offering valuable insights into best practices and strategies for success in today’s dynamic market.

Legal Panel at Lightning Speed - This panel will address a wide range of legal issues and topics that constantly come up in relation to factoring and secured lending by responding to a series of rapid-fire questions. There will be interactive participation by the attendees who will be polled before a response is given by the panel members. The results of the polling will be displayed after the question has been addressed by the panel so each attendee will be able to see if the panel agreed or disagreed with their response.

Canadian Factoring - Discover how factoring can transform your cash flow and drive growth in the Canadian market. This session is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of factoring, tailored specifically for Canadian businesses and financial professionals.

Fraud Panel - As the factoring landscape evolves, so do the tactics employ by fraudsters. This session will provide you with the insights necessary to recognize, prevent, and respond to fraudulent activities that can threaten your business.

Financial Disclosures & Regulations - Learn valuable insights and actionable strategies to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of financial disclosures and regulations. Industry attorneys will delve deep into the crucial aspects of complying with new regulations and how to adapt proactively to the potential impact of these changes.

Merchant Cash Advances - Challenges and Impacts on the Alternative Finance Industry - As the alternative finance market grows, many are questioning the role of MCAs within it. Like factoring, MCAs have a place in the market under specific circumstances. Understanding their utility and limitations is key to determining when and how they can be effectively employed as a funding solution.

Supply Chain and Trade Finance - In today’s global economy, supporting your clients’ international working capital needs is more important than ever. This session will explore cutting-edge trade finance solutions designed to empower importers and exporters, including export factoring, PO financing, credit insurance, and logistics support.

Roundtable Sessions

Our highly rated Roundtable sessions provide a resource to learn and a framework to foster connections with others that have similar roles within the Factoring industry. Each Roundtable will be led by industry professionals familiar with the specific group and will provide an open discussion forum between conference attendees. They include:

·       Roundtable for Senior Executives

·       Roundtable for NEXGEN Professionals

·       Roundtable for Operational Issues

·       Roundtable for Small Factors

·       Sales & Marketing Think Tank

More speaking sessions continue to be added to the conference schedule. Please check www.factoringconference.com for the latest updates.

Unparalleled Networking Opportunities
Networking is a cornerstone of the IFA Annual Factoring Conference, offering attendees the chance to exchange insights, share experiences, and forge valuable connections. Over 20 dedicated hours of networking opportunities will allow participants to engage in meaningful conversations and build relationships that extend beyond the conference.

Social events, interactive activities, and dedicated networking spaces provide the perfect environment to connect with peers and industry leaders. Expanding your professional circle not only enhances your current knowledge but also serves as a resource for future business ventures and collaborations.

Some of the social events we have planned this year include:

·       Golf Tournament sponsored by J D Factors

·       Palm Springs Food Tour

·       Idea Exchange – Roundtable Networking Forum

·       NEXGEN Reception

·       Chapter Reception

·       TriumphPay Welcome Reception

·       Breakout Transportation Factoring Lunch

·       Thursday Evening Social sponsored by Change Capital & XEN

·       Tax Guard After Party

·       Mimosa Bar sponsored by Haversine Funding

·       Breakout Small Factor Lunch

·       Closing Event sponsored by AtoB

Discover Industry-Leading Solutions in the Exhibit Hall
The Factoring Conference Exhibit Hall is a hub of innovation, showcasing the latest products, services, and solutions designed to help companies excel in the commercial finance sector. With a comprehensive array of exhibitors spanning categories like software, credit, consulting, funding, marketing, insurance, tax assistance, UCC, and specialty financing, attendees will find everything they need to take their business to the next level.

Breakfasts, lunches, and breaks will be hosted in the exhibit hall, maximizing opportunities to engage with vendors while exploring cutting-edge resources.

Prepare for the Future of Commercial Finance
As the countdown begins to the IFA’s 31st Annual Factoring Conference, excitement is building. With record-breaking attendance expected, this year’s event is set to surpass all previous milestones. Join commercial finance professionals from around the world in Palm Desert to stay ahead of industry trends, forge lasting relationships, and position your business for future success.

With top-notch educational sessions, an expansive exhibit hall, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the 2025 Annual Factoring Conference is the must-attend event of the year. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of factoring and commercial finance while advancing your career and business.

For more information and to register, visit www.factoringconference.com. Early discounted registration ends on March 1, 2025.