The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) successfully concluded its 2026 Spring Conference, bringing together 430 industry professionals from across the equipment finance and leasing community for a week defined by energy, collaboration, and shared purpose.
From the moment attendees arrived, the spirit of this year’s theme, “Charting New Waters,” was evident. Every conversation, session, and networking opportunity reinforced NEFA’s commitment to innovation, growth, and meaningful connection within the industry.
The conference began with purpose at Compass for Change, the NEFA Foundation’s signature philanthropic event. Participants assembled weekend meals for children facing food insecurity while raising funds for the NEFA Foundation, Blessings in a Backpack, and the Chris Walker Education Fund. The event exemplified the heart of the NEFA community—where service and business intersect to create meaningful impact.
Throughout the week, 59 exhibitors and 51 sponsors showcased the latest tools, technologies, and financial solutions, helping attendees explore new ways to enhance operations, credit strategies and capital access. The official kickoff event, Kickstart & Connect, welcomed members with a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, encouraging early networking and involvement in NEFA’s committees and community groups.
A highlight of the opening day included the Women in Leasing Luncheon, which celebrated leadership, fostered connection, and highlighted the growing impact of women across the equipment finance and leasing sector.
Educational programming began with a standout session from Elliot Eisenberg, whose presentation, “The U.S. Economy: Remarkably Resilient,” delivered an engaging and insightful look into economic trends, including GDP performance, inflation, labor markets, interest rates, and construction outlooks. His dynamic delivery sparked ongoing conversations that carried into networking sessions across the Exhibit Hall.
The conference also celebrated professional achievement with the CLFP Toast & Photo, recognizing individuals who earned the Certified Lease & Finance Professional designation—an important designation milestone within the industry.
The conference recognized outstanding contributions to the industry, including honoring Shari Lipski CLFP, principal at ECS Financial Services, with NEFA’s Significant Contribution Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates her long-standing commitment to advancing the equipment finance industry, her leadership with the Women In Leasing Committee, and her meaningful impact within the NEFA community.
Day two continued with strong engagement through Membership Roundtables, where attendees participated in peer-driven discussions on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. The keynote address by Chad Williams, “SEVEN: Battle-Tested SEAL Team Leadership Protocols,” provided powerful, real-world leadership insights drawn from high-stakes military experience. His message resonated deeply, offering practical strategies for decision-making, accountability, and performance under pressure.
Afternoon programming featured specialized education tracks, including a hands-on workshop on developing effective value propositions and the continuation of the Professional Broker/Lessor Education Series. The Legal Insights panel addressed timely topics such as artificial intelligence, bankruptcy navigation, and litigation best practices, ensuring attendees left with actionable knowledge for today’s evolving landscape.
The conference concluded with a memorable Boat Cruise networking event, where attendees gathered for an evening of connection, music, and celebration—capping off a week of meaningful engagement.
For those unable to attend, NEFA will make conference educational recordings available through its online learning platform, extending the value of the event beyond the in-person experience.
Throughout the 2026 Spring Conference, one message remained clear: investing in the “small things”—relationships, conversations, and continuous learning—creates the foundation for extraordinary success.