Get ready to team up for a high-energy, feel-good activity that blends learning, laughter, and community impact. In this fun twist on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”, you’ll compete in teams while assembling STE(A)M Backpack Kits for kids ages 5–10. Each kit supports hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math learning for students at a local charter school and after-school program. Spark curiosity, inspire young minds, and walk away knowing your team made a real difference.

This event is offered for attendees of both conferences. Select your interest in participating during the registration process.

Moderators:

Chris Maudlin, CLFP, Wintrust Specialty Finance
Kaheres Hahn, Independent Technology Consultant

As AI and automation transform the way we serve customers, the human moments matter more than ever. This session introduces the N.I.C.E. framework - a practical and repeatable model for training agents to deliver service that is emotionally intelligent, consultative, and trust-building. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to develop talent who can truly notice, listen, care, and follow through.

Chelsey Barron, Chair, ELFA Innovation Committee, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.
Lilian Starr, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
Shelly Tauer, U.S. Bank
Belma Jusufovic, John Deere Financial

In this mainstage talk, Chelsey Barron, Innovation Committee Chair, introduces the NEW Innovation Lab Conference & Exhibition and all the exciting things that await you this week. We will then hear from ELFA CEO & President, Leigh Lytle. Leigh will highlight all that ELFA has accomplished in 2025, what is beyond and how this innovative and active group can participate.

Chelsey Barron, Chair, ELFA Innovation Committee, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.
Leigh Lytle, CEO & President, Equipment Leasing and Finance Association

Rounding out this energetic start to our conference is Safi Bahcall.

Safi is a former public-company CEO, physicist, award-winning entrepreneur, author of the international bestseller Loonshots, and advisor on innovation and strategy.

Five Rules for Innovating in Turbulent Times
Many companies struggle to adapt to rapidly changing markets: the core dominates the new, projects linger too long, and innovation theater proliferates. The apex innovators who avoid these traps and dominate their industry focus on structure not just culture. They build a system to run experiments at pace and scale without sacrificing excellence in their core franchise. Using surprising and entertaining examples from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Harley-Davidson, Lego, and the US military, Safi describes five rules you can use to build this system and become the initiator rather than the victim of innovative surprise.

Cybersecurity isn't just an IT concern, it's a business imperative. Whether you're rapidly innovating or maintaining core systems, protecting your organization, customer data, and digital infrastructure is non-negotiable. In this session, we'll explore how equipment finance leaders can balance growth and security, embed cyber awareness across teams, and build a culture where everyone - internal teams, vendors, and customers - plays a role in defending against threats.

Get ready for a fast-paced, interactive session featuring lightning-round demos from cutting-edge providers transforming the API landscape. You'll see real-world use cases in action - no theory, just practical, impactful applications. Walk away with fresh insights on emerging trends and technologies highlighted in the new Specialized Apps, Software & Information Services 2.0 (working title) paper from the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. This resource is your go-to guide for diving deeper into the solutions reshaping our industry.

Laying the groundwork for innovation. New to AI? This session breaks down the basics and explores how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming equipment finance. Learn how to identify opportunities for digital transformation, streamline manual processes, and apply AI to areas like risk assessment, customer service, and equipment lifecycle management. Walk away with practical insights and a solid foundation to start your AI journey.

Crowd around for rootin-tootin vendor presentations! Prepare to be entertained by this fun and informal lightning round giving our exhibitors a short presentation window to convince you why you should work with them! This is a highly efficient way for you to shop exhibitors and determine the vendors you want to further conversations with. You won't want to miss this!

Unwind and connect with fellow attendees during a lively evening dinner event - an experience included with your conference registration.

This event will be held at a restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. Get out and see a little of Denver on your way to a fun evening!

Please indicate your interest in participating during the registration process. Registration deadline is August 25^th. Transportation will be provided for those who may need assistance.

In this mainstage talk, Jay Wilensky, ELFA Financial Accounting Committee Chair, opens the morning and gives an overview of the Financial Accounting Committee. We will then hear from economist, Tim Mahedy with a 2025 into 2026 economic outlook. Tim Mahedy is the founder of Access/Macro, a macroeconomic consulting firm delivering actionable insights to financial institutions and businesses. With experience at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, KPMG, Bloomberg, and the IMF, Tim has advised Fortune 500 leaders and policymakers alike. Known for making complex economic trends accessible and relevant, Tim specializes in inflation, monetary policy, and strategic forecasting. At this year's event, he'll provide a forward-looking view of the 2025-2026 economic outlook and what it means for your business.

Join us for an insightful session where we explore the transformative power of AI in the equipment financing industry. AI-Volution delves into the essential strategies for managing change and navigating the digital transformation journey. Discover practical tips and interactive discussions designed to equip your organization with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Embrace the future with confidence and learn how to harness AI to drive innovation and efficiency.

Crowd around for more rootin-tootin vendor presentations! Prepare to be entertained by this fun and informal lightning round giving our exhibitors a short presentation window to convince you why you should work with them! This is a highly efficient way for you to shop exhibitors and determine the vendors you want to further conversations with. You won't want to miss this!

This session is all about looking ahead to see where the industry is headed. A panel of experts will break down the top trends that are shaping the future of equipment finance and leasing. Whether it's digital transformation, sustainability in financing, or the rise of new asset classes, this discussion will give you a macro view of the forces influencing your business. It's a great way to stay ahead of the curve and make smarter decisions as the industry evolves.

Crowd around for our final round of rootin-tootin vendor presentations! Prepare to be entertained by this fun and informal lightning round giving our exhibitors a short presentation window to convince you why you should work with them! This is a highly efficient way for you to shop exhibitors and determine the vendors you want to further have conversations with. You won't want to miss this!

Get ready for a high-energy showdown as the top three contenders for the Excellence in Innovation Award take the stage! Each finalist will deliver a dynamic pitch, showcasing how their project is driving real innovation in the equipment finance industry. You get to help be the judges - audience members will vote live to decide the winner. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to hear groundbreaking ideas, celebrate industry creativity, and help crown the 2025 Innovation Champion! The winner will be revealed later that day during the Closing General Session.

We’re unveiling something brand new at this year’s conference - an innovative way to relive the moments that matter most. For the first time ever, each breakout session will be captured using cutting-edge AI notetaker technology, transforming key takeaways into powerful, bite-sized summaries.

This is more than just a recap - it’s a smarter, more dynamic way to absorb and share ideas. Be part of the reveal and experience the future of conference content!

Facilitators:
Beckham Thomas, Trnsact

From the exhilarating highs of being recognized as one of the fastest men in the world and standing on the precipice of athletic greatness, to the heart-wrenching lows of a career-ending injury, Charles’ story is a testament to the human spirit's unconquerable will. It's a message not just about loss, but about the pivotal moments of choice that redefine our paths and propel us toward fulfilling our destinies.

In this presentation, you will discover that regardless of your season - be it personal, within your company, or the collective challenges of our times - you are merely a choice away from thriving. Charles will illuminate how making the right choices, even in the face of uncertainty, is the cornerstone of living a life that not only pursues dreams but achieves them.

"Choosing to Thrive" is more than a message based on his latest book Guide to Thrive; it's a journey that encourages individuals to rise above their circumstances, embrace the power of resilience, and make choices that are best for them. It's a call to action for everyone to not only dream but to be an active participant in fulfilling those dreams, ensuring that we live lives that make us proud.