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Lights, Camera…Credit in Action! Finding Solutions Inside the Expo Floor
Credit professionals are wired for change, continually adapting to new technologies and innovations. From automated collections to AI-powered predictive modeling, they have access to a wide range of advanced tools designed to streamline daily operations and enhance departmental efficiency. With so many options available, finding the right product or service can be overwhelming.
Why it matters: Credit professionals who come in with a clear strategy and a willingness to learn can more effectively narrow their choices and form successful partnerships. An exposition is an invaluable resource for credit professionals, like giving them a front row seat at the best show.
In the credit industry, expositions serve as epicenters of knowledge, a place where professionals can gather to learn about the latest industry tools and insights. “My primary goal is to gather pertinent information and make recommendations to my managers,” said Diane Hargis, CBA, senior credit analyst at Joseph T Ryerson & Son, Inc. (Little Rock, AR). “By staying open-minded and asking thoughtful questions, I’ve been able to learn more about vendors, emerging industry trends and identify solutions for future challenges.”
Expos also provide credit and finance professionals with a chance to network, not just with exhibitors but also peer to peer. “At the Expo Marketplace at NACM’s Annual Credit Congress & Exposition, I had plenty of one-on-one conversations with exhibitors to determine whether their solutions would meet our needs,” said Bonnie Wells, CICP, senior credit manager at SanMar Corp. (Issaquah, WA). “Talking with other credit professionals on the expo floor about their experiences and challenges has also been very helpful.”
The Solutions Hub at Credit Congress is designed to give exhibitors an opportunity to make a short presentation about their products and services to credit professionals. Attendees can stay for all presentations to gain more in-depth knowledge and see if the offerings presented align with their company’s goals.
“For anyone who’s hesitant or intimidated by attending these kinds of events, it helps you to know that the exhibitors are knowledgeable, friendly and eager to help,” Hargis said. “From games to giveaways, they make each exchange interactive and memorable. The Solutions Hub is especially useful for learning how to navigate the products and services they offer, such as software for running reports or looking up customer information.”
If it’s your first time visiting the expo floor, it’s best to have a plan going in. “My best advice is to approach it with an open mind while keeping your current pain points in mind,” said Wells. “There are plenty of great options, which are exciting, but that can also feel overwhelming. Identifying a few key areas to focus on will help you navigate confidently from there.”
The bottom line: Whether you’re browsing, making connections or gathering information, expositions are an experience that will leave you with more than you came with.
Interested in the next expo? Registration is now open for next year’s Credit Congress & Expo in St. Louis. The early-bird rate ends December 5th.
