The International Factoring Association (IFA), the world’s largest association of commercial finance companies, moved the 27th Annual Factoring Conference from Palm Desert, CA, to Phoenix, AZ. Still scheduled for May 12-15, 2021, the event is the world’s largest conference dedicated to banks and finance companies that offer factoring and receivables financing.
The IFA made the decision to change venues in an abundance of caution to follow recommended social distancing practices and keep attendees safe while still providing a robust experience.
“I researched venues throughout the country as alternatives to the Palm Desert location and selected the Phoenix Biltmore because it offers enough space for attendees to attend social events outdoors,” Bert Goldberg, executive director of the International Factoring Association, said. “It’s also a low-rise hotel, so attendees will not have to take an elevator at any time.”
A classic hotel originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Biltmore has been closed for a year for major renovations and has recently re-opened, providing a clean, brand-new environment. Phoenix is also a direct flight from many locations, adding convenience for attendees.
“We are planning many new and exciting updates, and without a doubt, this will be the most complete and comprehensive event for the commercial finance industry,” Goldberg said.
The conference will offer a hybrid experience, allowing people to attend virtually or in person, and the IFA is working hard to ensure both audiences have a meaningful conference. Following the success of the IFA’s recent, well-attended Senior Executives Hybrid Meeting, the IFA will be implementing many of the same types of networking options. Attendees also will find the full agenda and timely, educational speakers they have come to expect from the annual conference.
This year’s keynote speaker is Adam Steltzner, leader and chief engineer of the NASA Mars 2020 Mission, Rover Perseverance, which has the ultimate objective of determining if life ever existed on Mars. Steltzner has mastered the art of managing complex teams and the concept of “making ideas reality.” He knows first-hand how collaborative cultures foster innovation and how team-minded engagement fuels performance. He inspires audiences to dare greatly — to enhance the power of curiosity, creativity and courage to do what others say is impossible — with a rock-star’s presence and a storyteller’s gift during his keynote speeches.
Another top speaker will be Brett King, founder and executive chairman of Moven, the world’s first direct mobile-only bank. His keynote is entitled: “The Big Shift: How Customer Behavior & Technology is Changing the Future of Factoring.” King is an international bestselling author, a world-renowned futurist and media personality, and a former fintech advisor to the Obama administration. He has spoken in more than 50 countries and given keynotes for TEDx, Wired, Techsauce, Singularity University, Web Summit, The Economist, IBM’s World of Watson, CES, SIBOS and more. He has appeared on CNBC, BBC, ABC, Fox and Bloomberg.
The full agenda and registration details for the conference are available here. For even more, check out a preview of the event here.
