2024 Annual Conference

Board Meeting

NAF Association Directors Only

•  3:00 - 5:00 PM
•   Bur Oak

Board Social Hour

NAF Association Directors Only

•  6:00 - 7:00 PM
•   TBD

Board Appreciation Dinner

NAF Association Directors Only

•  7:00 - 9:00 PM
•   TBD

Welcome Center | Registration

Collect your conference credentials and access helpful information – we’re here for you!

•  7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
•   Bar Wired

Collaboration Corridor Open

Arrange formal meetings or discover a convenient and comfortable area for spontaneous discussions within the Collaboration Corridor.

•  7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
•   Ballroom Corridor

Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast and networking.

•  7:30 - 8:00 AM
•   Post Oak Foyer

General Session:

Annual Business Meeting, Opening Keynote & Award Ceremony

Start the day with insights and inspiration as we hear from our distinguished keynote speaker, celebrate excellence in our industry, and collectively shape the future of our association. 

• Keynote Presentation

The 3 A's of Non-Prime Auto Finance: Affordability, Availability and Accountability
A Conversation with Kyle Birch, President of GM Financial North America Operations

Join us for a candid chat with Opening Keynote Speaker Kyle Birch, President of GM Financial North American Operations and moderator Marguerite Watanabe, President of Insights Connections. Kyle will share his unique perspective on the state of non-prime auto finance and delve into current market trends such as economic challenges, dynamics of the used vehicle market, and strategies for optimizing collections. In this engaging discussion, you’ll glean insights into addressing affordability concerns and meeting the diverse needs of non-prime borrowers in today's market. Seize this chance to hear about navigating the complexities of nonprime auto finance in an ever-changing economic environment from one of the industry’s foremost leaders.

While used vehicle prices have declined more than 20% over the last two year, used vehicle demand remains limited by affordability. In this session, Jonathan Smoke (Cox Automotive, Inc.) will review the latest trends that impact the consumer’s ability to buy including labor market dynamics, household income, inflation pressure, interest rates, and credit performance and availability against the limitations on the supply side including the new market’s shift to more expensive vehicles and the used market’s limited supply especially in vehicles made since 2019.

•  9:30 - 10:00 AM
•   Brazos

Networking Break

Recharge, grab refreshments, and spark meaningful conversations that can lead to lasting relationships and connections.

•  10:00 - 10:30 AM
•   Ballroom Foyer

Breakout: Business Theater I

Insights into Affordability and Beyond: Revelations from Industry Survey Data

Join us for an exclusive session where we delve into the pivotal findings of our annual non-prime auto finance industry survey, illuminating the intricate affordability dynamics within our market landscape. Our comprehensive analysis spotlights key trends, challenges, and opportunities. We'll uncover actionable insights that empower you to navigate the affordability terrain effectively. 

•  10:30 - 11:15 AM
•   Pecos I

Breakout: Compliance Theater I

Preparing for a Government Investigation or Consumer Litigation/Arbitration

Whether a regulator is initiating an investigation, or a consumer is initiating litigation, it’s best to be prepared. This panel will review the investigation and litigation processes and discuss practical insights on preparing your business for working with outside counsel, responding to such actions, identifying areas of risk, and tips on allocating resources. Hudson Cook attorneys, Julia Whitelock and Rob Tilley present this session.

•  10:30 - 11:15 AM
•   Pecos II

Breakout: Business Theater II

Affordable Rides: Solutions for Driving Down Vehicle Costs

Delve into practical solutions and effective tactics aimed at reducing vehicle costs at the front end of the financing process. From negotiating strategies to used car availability and insurance fraud and verification, this session offers insights into making vehicle ownership more accessible and affordable for consumers. Our panelists will explore approaches to drive down costs while ensuring financial stability for all stakeholders involved.

•  11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
•   Pecos I

Breakout: Compliance Theater II

The Battle: Customer Service vs. Compliance

Sometimes it may feel like you have to choose between servicing your portfolio and maintaining compliance. Our panel of seasoned experts Dan Baggett (SAFCO), Carol Petersen (Gateway Financial), and Angela Walsh (Byrider) will provide insights into navigating regulatory requirements while optimizing and refining operations processes. Leave this session armed with actionable takeaways and a renewed sense of confidence in your ability to conquer the battle between customer service and compliance. 

•  11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
•   Pecos II

Networking Lunch

Enjoy your meal while expanding your professional network.

•  12:00 - 1:00 PM

Breakout: Business Theater III

Behind the Wheel: The Shift to Quantitative Finance in Auto Modeling

With today’s enhanced computing power, what once seemed complex and out of reach for many organizations is now a regular practice. It's a journey from the traditional to the cutting- edge, navigating the intricate DNA of an auto loan's performance. In an era where data-driven insights are driving decision-making processes, our esteemed panel will dissect how quantitative methods are revolutionizing the assessment of affordability in auto financing. 

•  1:15 AM - 1:45 PM
•   Pecos I

Breakout: Compliance Theater III

Session tailored to meet the needs of compliance professionals. Details coming soon!

•  1:15 AM - 1:45 PM
•   Pecos II

General Session

Affordability Round-Up: Unlocking the Future of Auto Finance 

Join our lively roundup, moderated by Jonathan Smoke, on the future of auto finance, where we'll unpack key findings from the Business Breakout sessions: survey insights, cost-cutting strategies, and innovative loan assessment methods for enhanced affordability!

•  2:00 - 2:45 PM
•   Brazos

Networking Break

Recharge, grab refreshments, and spark meaningful conversations that can lead to lasting relationships and connections.

•  2:45 - 3:15 PM
•   Ballroom Foyer

General Session

The Long and Winding Road - The Latest in Legal

Join auto finance attorneys, Michael Benoit and Julia Whitelock (Hudson Cook, LLP) and Jason Bichsel (McGlinchey Stafford), for their insights on significant regulatory developments and litigation impacting auto sales and finance. The panel, moderated by Eric Johnson (Hudson Cook, LLP), will discuss the CFPB’s two new registries, information collection notice, and revised supervisory appeals process; the FTC’s CARS Rule and proposed Unfair or Deceptive Fees Trade Regulation Rule; privacy and other state emerging issues and trends; and recent litigation and cases of interest to the industry.

•  3:15 - 4:15 PM
•   Brazos

General Session

Navigating What's On the Non-Prime Horizon: Insights and Innovations for the Future of Mobility

Join us for an engaging session where top auto finance executives, Jim Landy (Car Capital Technologies), Cyrus Bozorgi (Veros Credit) and Jeff Butler (AutoNation Finance) delve into the dynamic landscape of the non-prime market. Discover the untapped opportunities, tackle the pressing challenges, and explore the evolving future of mobility within this burgeoning sector. Gain invaluable insights, strategic approaches, and actionable perspectives that will shape the trajectory of your business in the era of non-prime financing and mobility advancements. From navigating risk to seizing growth opportunities, this session promises to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in an ever-changing automotive finance ecosystem. Micky Watts (Anderson Brothers Bank) moderates this session.

•  4:15 - 5:00 PM
•   Brazos

Connection Reception

Enjoy refreshments, unwind, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

•  5:00 - 6:30 PM
•   Ballroom Foyer

Closing Celebration

Saddle up for out-of-this-world experience at the Flying Saucer. Mosey on down to the heart of Sundance Square for some authentic Texas-sized fun, complete with entertainment and dinner. It’s bound to be a boot-scootin’ good time that’ll have you hootin’ and hollerin’ all night long!

•  7:00- 9:30 PM
•   Flying Saucer

Welcome Center | Registration

Collect your conference credentials and access helpful information – we’re here for you!

•  7:30 - 10:00 AM
•   Bar Wired

Baggage Storage Station Open

For those wishing to stay after and deep dive, come with your laptop ready to build an automated drip campaign! Learn tips and best practices for campaigns, content, and automation from your industry peers. This is a great chance to automate your workflows so that you have more time to serve your membership.

•  7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•   Bur Oak

Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast and networking.

•  8:00 - 8:30 AM
•   Post Oak Foyer

Exhibitor Move-out

•  8:30 - 11:00 AM
•   Ballroom Foyer

General Session

Are Higher Subprime Auto Losses In Our Rear-View Mirror?

Higher-than-expected net losses on subprime auto loan asset-backed securities (ABS) have led to negative rating actions. To what extent are lenders’ tightener credit standards having a positive impact on performance? Amy Martin, from S&P Global Ratings’ Asset-Backed Securities group will address this topic by providing in-depth performance statistics. She’ll also highlight issuance volume in the sector and share their outlook for the rest of the year.

•  8:30 - 9:15 AM
•   Brazos

General Session

Deepfakes and Deception Unveiled - The Newest and Most Impactful Auto Loan Fraud Trends

Fraud hunter Frank McKenna unmasks the latest fraud trends based on thousands of hours of research into emerging fraud developments online, on the dark web, and embedded deep within billions of risk insights on auto applications. From fraud as a service to new deepfake technology to synthetic identity creation, the breadth of fraud and deception has never been higher.

•  9:15 - 10:00 AM
•   Brazos

General Session

2024 Banking Regulatory Forecast with Kathy Kraninger

Get ready for a thrilling closing keynote session with Kathy Kraninger, CEO of the Florida Bankers Association and former head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) under the Trump administration. Ms. Kraninger will delve into the current regulatory environment, drawing from her experience to provide predictions on how it may evolve, especially in the context of the election year. Dive into the world of banking regulation with one of the foremost authorities in the field and gain invaluable insights you won't find anywhere else!

•  10:00 - 10:45 AM
•   Brazos

Post Conference: Compliance Roundtable Program & Working Lunch

Compliance roundtable participants and compliance certification graduates only.

•  11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•   Elm Fork I (Street Level)