Education, eNews
Turn Credit Congress into a ‘Bleisure’ Travel Experience
Combining business with opportunities for fun, relaxation or adventure is a popular trend on the rise in the travel business world—also known as “bleisure,” or the mix of business and leisure. Work life and personal life usually have a clear separation, but the traditional views of business travel are starting to change. Attending business meetings by day and unwinding at a beachfront or exploring the local area by night offers professionals several advantages of productivity.
NACM’s Credit Congress & Exposition started with a mission to join credit professionals together from across the nation for networking, educational seminars and forums with information about the latest changes in the credit world. This year marked NACM’s 127th annual Credit Congress in Grapevine, TX, with nearly 1,200 attendees present. And next year’s 128th Credit Congress will be held in Las Vegas, NV from June 9-12, 2024.
Out of all Credit Congresses held, Las Vegas is one destination that stands out more than others to most credit professionals. The last time NACM held Credit Congress in Vegas was nearly seven years ago. “I’ve only been to Las Vegas once, and it was for my very first Credit Congress in 2016,” said Penny Jeter, CBF, NACM Board director and director of credit at Ingram Industries (Nashville, TN). “The location is amazing and there are so many opportunities outside of the seminars to engage with other credit professionals. It’s lots of learning by day, networking in the evenings and no sleep from having way too much fun!”
Attending any business conference in Las Vegas can be a unique experience, especially for those who have never visited the city. Here are five reasons why you won’t want to miss this incredible education opportunity in the entertainment capital of the world:
1. Networking Opportunities
Credit Congress brings credit professionals from all over the country from various industries, experience and backgrounds. It is the biggest networking event in the B2B credit industry. “I usually bring one of my employees with me to Credit Congress, but Las Vegas was one of the first conferences I went to by myself,” said Sheryl Rasmusson, CCE, president at Kilgore TEC Products (Spokane, WA). “I got to meet someone else who also came by themselves, and we became lifelong friends. She’s a part of my network and community of people I’d reach out to for important questions regarding NACM. I extended my hand out and built a relationship that now is part of my life professionally and personally.”
2. Entertainment Options
As you can imagine, there is always something to do in the city. Bright lights, shows, concerts, casinos and the famous Las Vegas Strip are just a few entertainment options to name. “The entertainment doesn’t stop because it is 24/7,” said Valerie Novakoski, credit manager at Southern Agricultural Insecticides, Inc. (Palmetto, FL). “The educational sessions are amazing and once the conference is done for the day, I am exploring what Las Vegas has to offer. Vegas always has a ton of shows and restaurants. There is never a dull moment.”
3. Luxury Stay
With business by day, and entertainment by night, it is important to get all the rest you can. In Las Vegas, attendees can stay at the glorious Caesars Palace—one of the most luxurious hotels on the Strip: and the Credit Congress host hotel. The amenities, food options and aesthetic are some of Rasmusson’s favorite parts of the hotel. “An air of fun just hits you as soon as you land,” she said. “Caesars is a gorgeous place to be and one of the most enticing things that draws me to Las Vegas over any other locations.”
4. Educational Opportunities
With several sessions throughout the four-day stay, credit professionals are able to learn about the latest trends in the credit profession and strengthen connections with others who may face similar challenges in their industry. “The sessions are always helpful and on point with what is going on in the world at the time,” said Novakoski. “Applying knowledge you take away from each session makes it all worth it. Going to conferences such as Credit Congress provides the most diverse education available.”
New this year, revolutionize the way you lead with the two-day Executive Leadership Workshop while at Credit Congress. In the sessions, you’ll learn practical ways to serve and build healthy teams in your organization and how to create a culture that puts people first.
5. Expo Hall
Exhibitors will be available at the Solutions Hub during Expo hours to present demos, corporate introductions, mini sessions and Q&A sessions in 20-minute segments. Choose the demonstrations you would like to visit during your time in the Expo Hall. The Solutions Hub is a casual, small audience experience located in a specially designated area of the Expo Hall. “On the business side of things, the tradeshow is always a big hit because we get to learn more about new products,” said Rasmusson. “For me, that’s a big drawing factor of the tradeshow. The whole environment provides excitement.”
Overall, Las Vegas is the perfect backdrop for Credit Congress. You can be a credit professional by day and a vacationer by night. Not only does the conference offer valuable professional development, but a wide range of entertaining and memorable experiences.
For more information on registration, please visit our website. Early bird pricing at $849 is available until Dec. 8. First-time attendees can register with a full-paid delegate for $249. The Executive Leadership Workshop is available to the first 50 registrants for an additional fee of $399.st approach.” the October 2023 report. CMI archives also may be viewed on NACM’s website.
