February 13, 2018 (Sacramento, CA) – Optimism and energy permeated the atmosphere of Receivables Management Association International’s (RMA) 21st Annual Conference last week in Las Vegas, Nevada. The more than 1,100 attendees—made up of debt buyers, collection agencies, collection law firms, brokers, originating creditors, affiliates, and more—enjoyed more networking sessions than ever before, leading to business opportunities all around. Many attendees expressed that this year’s conference was one of the best.
A focus on networking and business opportunities set the stage. RMA introduced new networking events, including the Suite Crawl, Solutions for a Winning Streak, Silent Auction, and Legislative Fund Donor & Creditor Appreciation Reception. Each of these new sessions offered unique ways for attendees to interact and build relationships. Popular networking sessions from previous years were heavily attended (some resulting in standing-room-only space), including the First-Time Attendee/New Member Lunch, Debt Buyer/Collection Agency/Attorney Networking Session, Certified Company Networking Breakfast, and exhibit hall Receptions.
The Silent Auction, hosted in the exhibit hall during the first two days of the conference, consisted of 50 items donated by ARM-industry companies. Attendees bid on a variety of items, from Apple watches to vacation packages. The Silent Auction brought in an impressive $13,500+ for the RMA Legislative Fund.
Michael Hill, Computer Scientist for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, delivered the keynote address. Mr. Hill’s insight on cybersecurity and identify theft empowered attendees with immediate takeaways to strengthen information and data security both in the office and at home. The keynote topped an already-impressive agenda, with expert speakers on compliance, technology, operations, public relations, and more. Education rooms, such as Thursday’s Current Issues in Debt Buying course with 100+ learners, were packed with eager industry professionals.
Solution Central, the conference exhibit hall, hosted 72 vendors from across the industry. Exhibitors kicked off the conference with Solutions for a Winning Streak, in which each participant gave a one-minute pitch on their product or service before heading into the Opening Reception to follow up with newly gained leads. Attendees and exhibitors alike expressed enthusiasm for the introductions.
“As I descended the escalator on Tuesday, I was taken aback by the stunning amount of buzz on the conference floor,” said Mark Naiman, newly re-elected RMA Board President. “I am honored that RMA provided a place for industry professionals to meet and engage. This association belongs to the membership—an engaged membership results in a truly excellent conference.”
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About Receivables Management Association International
Receivables Management Association International (RMA) is the nonprofit trade association that represents more than 550 companies that purchase or support the purchase of performing and nonperforming receivables on the secondary market. The Receivables Management Certification Program and Code of Ethics set the global standard within the receivables industry due to its rigorous uniform industry standards of best practice which focus on the protection of the consumer. RMA provides its members with extensive networking, educational, and business development opportunities in asset classes that span numerous industries. The association continually sets the standard in the receivables management industry through its highly effective grassroots advocacy, conferences, committees, task forces, publications, webinars, teleconferences, and breaking news alerts. Founded in 1997 as the Debt Buyers Association, RMA is headquartered in Sacramento, California.