Breakout Sessions
We’re shifting our breakout sessions into high gear. This year, attendees will move through four breakout blocks, each featuring four focused sessions. Across the program, they’ll explore Broker Strategy, Products, Deal Structuring, and Marketing Strategy.
From interactive workshops to insightful panels, every block is designed to deliver practical, actionable insights attendees can immediately apply to accelerate their business.
Panel Format
Description: Don't just listen to one expert—hear from a collective powerhouse. Our Panel Discussions bring together a curated group of industry leaders, service providers, and top-producing brokers to tackle the commercial lending market’s biggest questions. Driven by a skilled moderator and shaped by live audience Q&A, these sessions offer a multi-dimensional look at complex topics, giving you a well-rounded perspective to bring back to your business.
What to expect: Dynamic conversations, diverse viewpoints, and real-time industry debate.
Presentation Format
Description: When you need a deep dive into a specific strategy, market trend, or technical skill, our Presentation sessions deliver. Led by speakers who are masters of their craft, these structured sessions translate complex commercial loan concepts into step-by-step blueprints. You will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the topic, backed by real-world data, case studies, and concrete examples you can implement immediately.
What to expect: Focused expertise, data-driven insights, and clear, actionable takeaways.
Workshop Format
Description: Skip the theory and roll up your sleeves. Workshops are highly interactive, practical working sessions designed to help you build assets for your brokerage in real time. Led by expert facilitators, you will dive into specific exercises—whether that means mapping out a new CRM drip campaign, practicing live negotiation scenarios, or analyzing real deal files. You won't just learn what to do; you will leave the room with the work already started.
What to expect: Collaborative exercises, live deal building, and immediate execution. Bring your laptop or notebook!
Session 1
1A: Lessons from Top Brokers: How to Evolve in an Ever Changing Landscape.
Hear from experienced brokers about how they navigate changing market dynamics, remain competitive, and evolve their habits and business practices through different market cycles.
Tim Maloney, Elvrion Capital
Vernon Lesser, Bull Market Capital
Amy Berk, Leading Edge Commercial Capital
Gary Benedix, Fusion Alternative Funding
1B: Exploring Opportunities in CRE
Gain insight from multiple funding sources on their product offerings and discover how to strategically use these solutions to unlock new opportunities for your clients. Hear case studies outlining each product and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Martin Chera, OLV Capital
Stephanie Schwandt, Milestone Bank
Dain Court, New Day Commercial Capital
Doug Roberts, IceCap Group
1C: Credit Box Deep Dive: What Lenders Are Saying “Yes” To Right Now
Join industry experts as they pull back the curtain on today's credit boxes, revealing where capital is flowing, what lenders are prioritizing, and how brokers can adapt their approach to capitalize on current market opportunities.
Tyler Deters, Bremen Capital
Doug Roberts, IceCap Group
Chris Ashkouti, Yiledi
Bob Baker, Baker Garrington
1D: Building a Consistent Marketing Machine
Learn how to build repeatable marketing systems that will keep your pipeline active. Discover practical strategies for content, networking, follow-up, and lead nurturing that create long-term visibility and growth.
Tery Markel, Centrex Software
Brock Backer, Baker Garrington
Becca Ripley, SouthStar Capital
Session 2
2A: How to Lose a Lender in 10 Minutes
Gain valuable insight into the lender perspective as industry experts discuss common broker and deal-related annoyances. Test your knowledge, uncover potential red flags, and learn what it takes to build stronger, more productive relationships with funding sources.
Bryan Closset, Finance of America
Ed Ainbinder, Gradient Mortgage Capital
Skyler McClure, Celtic Bank
Ryan Kroge, Milestone Bank
2B: Beyond SBA Lending
Attendees will learn about the alternative lending products they should have in their product portfolio. Products:
ABL, Equipment, Factoring, DSCR, Bridge, Revenue-Based Financing
Steven Glenn, ARF Financial
Henry Gamerman, AltBanq
Carlos Herrera, DML Capital Group
Tony Cimino, ROK Financial
2C: Packaging for Dummies: How to Successfully Sell & Package Deals
Packaging deals effectively is what sets brokers apart. Learn how lenders evaluate submissions and how to create a package that clearly communicates value, credibility, and fundability.
Brock Freeman, Kirkland Capital Group
Martin Chera, OLV Capital
2D: From Handshakes to Partnerships
You've invested time in attending the conference, now learn how to make those connections count. Hear from networking experts on effective follow-up strategies, relationship-building techniques, and ways to cultivate a referral network that generates business well beyond the event.
Christian Kelleher, ROK Financial
Dominic Geraci, National Business Capital
Bob Baker, Baker Garrington
Session 3
3A: Lessons From Top Brokers: The Best Deals We've Ever Done
Top brokers share their most memorable transactions, revealing the strategies, relationships, and creative problem-solving that made them successful. You'll walk away with practical ways to elevate your business and close more deals.
Luciano Cuneo, LMC Alternative Capitl
Scott Wright, Liberty Commercial Capital
3B: Essential Partners for Broker Success
Behind every top-producing commercial loan broker is a powerful network of strategic partners. This panel brings together leading service providers to showcase the technology, resources, and solutions available to commercial loan brokers. Learn how to identify the right partners, build meaningful relationships, and leverage those connections to grow your business and better serve your clients.
Trey Markel, Centrex
Diane Rosenkrantz, Tenet Financial
3C: From Decline to Approval: How to Restructure Tough Deals
Even strong deals can face unexpected roadblocks. Discover how lenders analyze failed transactions, uncover alternative paths to approval, and transform setbacks into funding successes.
Bob Worthington, Silver Hill Capital
John Ferguson, DML Capital Group
Chris Ashkouti, Yieldi
Mac Crawford, ACC Capital
3D: Building Your Personal Brand as a Commercial Loan Broker
Explore how to craft, communicate, and incorporate your unique value proposition into a marketing plan that builds credibility, attracts clients, and supports long-term growth. Learn how to define what sets you apart and turn it into a consistent marketing strategy.
Session 4
4A: Wellness Credit: How Brokers Can Create A Consistent & Recurring Income Stream
At Wellness Credit we help patients say yes when insurance says no. Join us to learn more about Wellness Credit and how you can become a trusted advisor to providers nationwide. We’ll share details of the program and why it’s like no other in the industry. Be among the first to join the Wellness Credit Movement!
Terry Luker, Co-Founder CLBA
Philip Patton, Wellness Credit
4B: Is It Fundable?
Put your underwriting instincts to the test! In this fast-paced, interactive session, brokers will review deal scenarios and decide: Is it fundable? Learn which deals are worth getting creative with, and which ones not to waste your time on.
Dain Court, New Day Commercial Capital
Hank Noon, Tech Capital
4C: The Closing Process: Common Delays and Practical Solutions
What really slows a deal down at the finish line? Industry experts explore the most common closing delays and provide actionable strategies to overcome obstacles and keep transactions moving smoothly from commitment to funding.
Regina Braga, RES-TITLE
Matthew McElveen, Voyager Lending
Ben Smith, Celtic Bank
4D: The Smart Marketing Playbook for Brokers
From branding and social media to CRMs and nurturing relationships, learn how to generate leads, position your business, and convert opportunities into long-term clients. Walk away with practical tools and a playbook you can implement no matter where you are in your marketing journey.
Brock Baker, Baker Garrington
Emily Carra, RCN Capital