Let’s meet up in Cleveland

NACM’s annual Credit Congress & Exposition gathers credit professionals far and wide across the nation for networking, educational seminars and forums with information about the latest changes in the credit world. It’s more than just a conference—it is an experience.

Credit Congress will touch down in Cleveland, Ohio in May 2025 for the first time since 1948. The four-day convention will allow credit professionals to immerse themselves in all things credit, with a slew of workshops designed to hone your leaderships skills to an Expo Hall where you can explore all the newest tech.

Why it matters: All levels of credit and financial management professionals will come together to learn, grow and revitalize. Not only will attendees gain valuable knowledge and build connections with colleagues, but plenty of opportunity to explore the city of Cleveland’s nightlife, food scene, the famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, A Christmas Story House and more.

June 2024 marked the 128th Credit Congress in Las Vegas, where 1,300 gathered to learn, network and bond with fellow credit experts. Next year, for the third time ever, Cleveland will be the backdrop for the 2025 convention, with homebase being the newly renovated Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.

Convention-goers will not only expand their knowledge of credit and network with like-minded professionals, but also have the opportunity to explore the distinctive nightlife, food and arts scene that make up “The Land.”

Education

Next year NACM is offering over 70 educational sessions for participants to choose from to curate their personalized agenda tailored to their experience level, interests and goals. Whether you’re looking to learn more about new technology tools or hear from emerging leaders, there are educational breakout sessions for members to share in-depth conversations about different areas of credit management.

NACM is also offering two certificate courses during Credit Congress, Business Credit Principles and Financial Statement Analysis II: Credit Risk and Assessment. Take the classes in person and be well on your way to earning a professional certification by the time you leave. 

Arts and culture in “the Land”

You can’t visit Cleveland and overlook the city’s deep ties to art, more specifically, rock and roll. Known as “The Land of Urban Outdoors,” Cleveland has emerged into a chic destination. At the top of the “must-do” list is visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, only a 10-minute walk from the convention center and overlooks Lake Erie. “If you’re visiting for the first time or are a repeat visitor, it is a must-see,” said Mary Beth Owens, CICP, credit manager at Keene Inc. (Cleveland OH).  

Cleveland boasts an impressive collection of art at the Cleveland Museum of Art, with over 60,000 pieces of art in their comprehensive collection. “The Cleveland Museum of Art is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country and deservedly so,” said Tim McDonald, finance manager at Sherwin-Williams Company (Cleveland, OH). “You pay for parking, but admission is free. It’s a sprawling, interactive and beautiful museum. There are some real gems in terms of restaurants nearby.”

If you’re looking to take in a play, check out Playhouse Square in Downtown Cleveland to see a play or musical in one of the eleven theaters in the neighborhood. Catch the Cleveland Ballet’s performance of Romeo + Juliet, or if you’re looking for a lighter fare, go for Noises Off at the Great Lakes Theater. 

A foodie city

With plenty of insta-worthy pics to snap, a few most popular places can be found at the West Side Market. Constructed in 1912, it is one of the oldest and largest indoor food markets in the U.S. The market also reflects the immigrant history of the city: take the Polish pierogi, for example. The potato, cheese and sauerkraut dumpling is a popular Cleveland specialty. Another must-try is Frank’s Bratwursts famous hot dogs—made from a secret recipe.

Next year’s Credit Congress will be in the heart of the Midwestern foodie scene, with their eclectic array of restaurants earning Cleveland 7th place on Travel and Leisure’s list of best food cities in America. Little Italy offers a slew of charming restaurants only 10 minutes from the convention center. The neighborhood is walking distance from the Cleveland Museum of Art, if you are looking to eat after exploring the expansive galleries. “Little Italy on the east side offers great Italian cuisine with an old-school charm,” McDonald said. “There are dozens of great restaurants here, Trattoria is a family favorite of ours.”

Night out in Cleveland

Downtown has all the restaurants and bars you need to have a fun night in Cleveland. Whether you’re looking to unwind with fellow convention-goers or have a bonding trip with a couple of coworkers, there is a host of spots offering great eats and drinks. Cleveland has a bustling sports scene, and the city has a slew of sports bars where you can take in a game among the local fanatics. Try Pioneer Cleveland, a camping-themed sports bar where there is sure to be a watch party going on when there’s a big game on. “Downtown is always bustling when there’s an event going on,” McDonald said. 

The bottom line: Whether you are looking to engage with the local arts scene or see what Cleveland nightlife has to offer, the city is an exciting destination that is sure to wow convention attendees whether it’s their first visit or their tenth. See you in “the Land!”

Registration for NACM’s 129th Credit Congress is now open.