ACA’s 80th Year Anniversary Celebration is underway in “America’s Finest City” with tons of networking and education opportunities.
7/15/2019 9:00
Accounts receivable management industry professionals from the U.S. and abroad arrived in “America’s Finest City” Sunday, July 14, to participate in ACA International’s premiere 2019 Convention & Expo. In its 80th year as the leading voice for the ARM industry, ACA has long been regarded as the association known for outstanding events featuring the most important education sessions, networking opportunities – and lots of fun.
And, this year’s Convention & Expo is shaping up to be the best of the best!
Not only is the Hilton Bayfront Hotel in San Diego an inviting venue surrounded by great restaurants and beautiful waterfront views, the Convention & Expo consistently attracts the most talented ARM professionals for a range of ongoing education sessions scheduled throughout the three-day event.
This year’s event kicked off Sunday afternoon with a fascinating keynote address delivered by Carey Lohrenz, the first female F-14 Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy. In 1994, when Carey “Vixen” Lohrenz was deployed to the USS Abraham Lincoln, there were fewer than five female aviators on a ship of 5,000 male crew members. Lohrenz’s presentation was sponsored by LucentPay.
Prior to taking the main stage as the featured speaker, Lohrenz dropped by ACA International’s first Women4Women reception to greet accounts receivable management industry professionals in a more intimate setting. The reception, sponsored by Hudson Cook, served as an organizing event to encourage women to network, share information and begin discussions about the creating a more formal group. ACA International Board Member Anita Manghisi is leading the group with the support of ACA staff Leah Dempsey, vice president and senior counsel, federal affairs; Mary Thao, director of meetings and events; Kari Barber, corporate counsel; and Kim Coghill, vice president of communications. Additional information about this group is forthcoming (#ACAWomen4Women). Watch for updates in ACA Daily.
Meanwhile, ACA Board President Jack W. Brown III also delivered a rousing speech Sunday hitting the highlights of some of the accomplishments and challenges faced by the industry and association during his presidency, which concludes this week. Brown mentioned ACA’s ambitious, three-year strategic plan as well as the great work and insights provided by staff upon the release of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s long-awaited proposed rule to update the FDCPA. “ACA’s advocacy team continues to fight above its weight class and to exceed all expectations,” Brown said.
And, welcoming the crowd, ACA CEO Mark Neeb delivered remarks noting that Sunday’s activities are the tip of the iceberg as to what attendees should expect in the next two days. He invited everyone to spend time networking in the bustling Expo Hall, which opened it doors Sunday evening to a huge crowd of excited attendees.
Stay tuned to ACA Daily and social media channels to keep up with the activities associated with the 2019 Convention & Expo (#ACAConv19). And don’t forget to stop by ACA Central in the Expo Hall to talk with ACA staff about new offerings, advocacy efforts and much more!