Equipment Management Conference & Exhibition

Welcome Remarks   
Joe Santora, President, Irontrax, Chair, ELFA Equipment Management Committee

Honoring a Legacy of Insight: Celebrating Carl Chrappa and the What’s Hot, What’s Not in Equipment Finance Survey

For more than three decades, Carl Chrappa has been the driving force behind the “What’s Hot, What’s Not in Equipment Leasing & Finance Survey Report” - a trusted, forward-looking resource that has helped guide the asset management community since 1987. Produced annually and offered free of charge, the report has become a cornerstone of industry planning and a clear barometer of where the market is headed. Through rigorous research, thoughtful analysis, and a deep commitment to the profession, Carl’s work has informed decision-making, sparked conversation, and shaped strategy across generations of equipment finance leaders. This recognition celebrates Carl Chrappa’s  remarkable contributions and the enduring value of his work.

Carl Chrappa, ASA, MRICS, IFA, Senior Managing Director - Asset Management Practice, The Alta Group, LLC

SEFA Data Panel Discussion
Moderator:
Kelli Nienaber, Executive Director, Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation

Panelists:
Kevin Sensenbrenner, Senior Managing Director, Head of Asset Management, Eldridge Capital Management
Brad Smith, SVP - Asset Management, Huntington Equipment Finance
Chris Baker, Assurance Partner, PwC

Opening
Joe Santora, President, Irontrax, Chair, ELFA Equipment Management Committee

Innovation at Work: What New Technology Means for Asset Values
Moderator: 
Tony Gordon, Director of Asset Management and Remarketing, Farm Credit Leasing

Speakers:
Curt Blades, Senior Vice President, Industry Sectors & Product Leadership, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
Michael Larson, ASA-MTS-ARM, CLFP, Asset Manager, Farm Credit Leasing
Paul Welbig, Director of Precision Technology, New Holland Agriculture
Thomas Brubaker, NA & SA OEM Director, PTx Ag

Take a break, grab a coffee and walk around the exhibit hall for some face-to-face conversations with our fantastic exhibitors. New this year – VR Simulators that let you step into an immersive experience right at the conference. Grab a cup of coffee, spark a conversation and take a few minutes to see (and try) what’s next. 

Simulators:

• Manitowoc Finance - Take a seat in Manitowoc’s Crane Simulator and experience what it’s like to operate a crane from a video-game-style chair with dual large screens. It’s an immersive, hands-on way to test your skills and see advanced lifting technology in action - without ever leaving the show floor. Sponsored by DLL.
  
  
• Crown Equipment Corporation - Step into the driver’s seat with Crown Equipment Corp’s Forklift Simulator and experience this interactive tabletop simulator. Test your skills, navigate real-world scenarios, and see firsthand how precision and innovation come together - no safety vest required. Sponsored by Insight Investments.
  
  Brent McKinney, General Manager Lift Truck Operator Training, Crown Equipment Corporation

2026 started at a sprint. Geopolitical tensions have spiked, political pressure on Fed independence has intensified, and financial markets continue to show signs of instability. This is the new normal. Structural shifts unleashed by the pandemic are fundamentally reshaping the global economy - increasing uncertainty, clouding forecasts, and altering decades-old trends in the financial markets.

Understanding what these shifts mean for the broader economy, equipment demand, and asset values is critical for the equipment finance sector this year. Economist Tim Mahedy will discuss these developments and provide an essential roadmap for what to expect through 2026 and beyond. 

Tim Mahedy, Economist

Port of Fernandina Beach Tour 
Bus transportation will depart from the Conference Center Parking Area, outside of Magnolia Foyer

This guided tour aboard an Amelia River Cruise catamaran provides a focused look at regional port operations, complemented by views of the surrounding coastal inlets. Located approximately 30 minutes from the resort, the 90-minute experience offers both operational insight and scenic context; attendees are advised to dress warmly, as weather conditions may vary. Tour is limited to 30 participants and will close once full. No additional fee to attend. Sponsored by North American Marine Consultants, LLC.

Organizers:
Capt. Casey M. Herschler, President, North American Marine Consultants, LLC
Laura Grill, VP, Asset Management, Truist Equipment Corp. 

Simulators:

• Manitowoc Finance - Take a seat in Manitowoc’s Crane Simulator and experience what it’s like to operate a crane from a video-game-style chair with dual large screens. It’s an immersive, hands-on way to test your skills and see advanced lifting technology in action - without ever leaving the show floor. Sponsored by DLL
  
  
• Crown Equipment Corporation - Step into the driver’s seat with Crown Equipment Corp’s Forklift Simulator and experience this interactive tabletop simulator. Test your skills, navigate real-world scenarios, and see firsthand how precision and innovation come together - no safety vest required. Sponsored by Insight Investments. 
  
  Brent McKinney, General Manager Lift Truck Operator Training, Crown Equipment Corporation

Join your fellow conference attendees for a cocktail reception with light hors d’ oeuvres and open bar before heading off to dinner. Take some time to visit the amazing exhibitors and make new friends and connections at this fun event!

Opening
Joe Santora, President, Irontrax, Chair, ELFA Equipment Management Committee

ELFA Update
Daryl Muller, COO & Corporate Secretary, ELFA

Industry Pulse 2026: Momentum Monitor Insights
Kelli Nienaber, Executive Director, Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation
Jeff Jensen, Partner, Keybridge Research, LLC

Expert Reverse Roundtable 
This fast-paced, highly organized session features a rotating-expert format designed to deliver maximum insight with minimal disruption. Instead of attendees moving from table to table, industry experts rotate through the room, providing focused 10-minute briefings to each group. Every attendee will hear timely perspectives across key verticals—Trucks (Over the Road), Yellow Iron, Material Handling, Agriculture, IT, and Repo/Remarketing—with each expert delivering a consistent, high-impact message at every stop. 

Moderators:
Jamie Merz, SVP - Head of Equipment Management, Fifth Third Bank, National Association
Tripp Stewart, AVP, Purchasing, Russell Equipment Company
Annie Weets, Vice President - Asset Management, US Bank Equipment Finance

Experts:
Yellow Iron/Ag: Richard Cedillo, Director, Strategic Accounts, BigIron
IT: Parmod Jain, CEO, PN California
Material Handling: Joe Joyce, VP-Purchasing, Russell Equipment Inc.
Trucking/OTR: Andy Vering, Director, Appraisal Services, Taylor and Martin, Inc.

Grab a quick cup of coffee and take some time to thank our fantastic exhibitors for supporting the conference. The exhibit hall will close after this break. Simulators will remain open in the Ballroom Foyer until noon. 

Presenters:
Roseanne Neill, Director, VP, Equipment Management, Hancock Whitney Equipment Finance, LLC
Mike Diprospero, ASA, Senior Vice President, Auctions & Valuations, The Branford Group
Kevin Sensenbrenner, Senior Managing Director, Head of Asset Management, Eldridge Capital Management
Chad Yutka, Executive Managing Director, GA Group

Presenters:
Jim Ryan, Sales Manager, AuctionTime
Mike Nierman, Strategic Accounts Manager, Ritchie Bros. 

Presenters:
Rob Herb, Head of Global Asset Management, DLL
Jeff Ziegler, Chief Executive Officer, Exact Asset

All attendees are invited to join your fellow conference attendees for lunch. Lunch will be available outdoors, so get some fresh air and enjoy a relaxing break. No additional fee to attend. 

1:15 - 2:45pm ET
Please note – This session is scheduled longer than the specific time block, it will roll-over into the next block. 

Presenters:
Andrew Pace, Chief Client Experience Officer, Asset Compliance Solutions (ACS)
Jordan Gru, Equipment Management Officer, Bank of America Global Leasing
Brad Smith, SVP-Asset Management, Huntington Equipment Finance
John Watt, Vice President-Asset Management, PNC Equipment Finance
Betsy Backes, VP Sr. Asset Manager, Huntington Bank Equipment Finance

1:15 - 2:15pm ET

Moderators:
Laura Grill, VP, Asset Management, Truist Equipment Finance Corp
Kelly Lane, Senior Managing Director, Head of Asset Management, Ansley Park Capital

Speaker:
Basil Karatzas, CEO, Karatzas Marine Advisors & Co. 

1:15 - 2:15pm ET

The past 12-months have seen significant changes in the alternative energy market that have the potential to impact Lessors and our discussions around transactions.  This panel will explore current issues impacting valuations, portfolio management, and end of term.

Moderators:
Dave Conover, SVP-Asset Management, Customers Commercial Finance, LLC
Doug Simon, Senior Vice President, Head of Equipment Management, M&T Bank Corporation
Geoff Walshe, Equipment Manager, Wells Fargo Equipment Finance

Speakers:
Mark Adiletta, Senior Vice President, M&T Commercial Equipment Finance
Peter Lewis, Principal, Next Summit Group
Joe Shipley, Director of Acquisitions, SunLight General Capital

As consumer tastes change and demand for sustainability increase this session will look at the machinery in the market today, how recycled materials are impacting and potentially expanding the opportunities for financing, and some alternative materials / processes coming to market. What you need to know today and items to think about as the market moves forward. Session will include both a presentation and the opportunity for Q&A.

Moderator:
David Conover, SVP-Asset Management, Customers Commercial Finance, LLC

Speaker:
Kenneth M. Heyse, ASA, Managing Director, Plastics One Asset Advisors, LLC

Moderators:
Tom Monroe, SVP, ATEL Equipment Services, ATEL Capital Group
Doug Simon, Senior Vice President, Head of Equipment Managment, M&T Bank Corporation

Speakers:
Pat Mazzanti, President, Railroad Appraisal Associates
Greg Schmid, Managing Director - Rail, RESIDCO

Moderators:
Nick Coscia, Consultant
Alex Ohanessian, VP of Asset Management - IMH, Insight Investments, LLC

Speakers:
Jim Comerford, Founding Partner, Comerford Orlando Forklifts
Christopher Green, Director of Sales, National Account, Concentric

This interactive session explores the evolving landscape of asset management through the lens of real-world experiences and lessons learned. We’ll uncover critical insights that shape today’s asset strategies—highlighting what drives success, where career opportunities lie, and the key challenges and pitfalls to watch out for in this dynamic field.

Building on this foundation, participants will engage in dynamic decision-tree exercises designed to challenge conventional thinking and foster innovative approaches. These activities will encourage participants to examine assumptions, evaluate trade-offs, and adopt new mindsets for smarter, more strategic asset decisions.

Presenters:
Lacee Gassman, Global Strategic Asset Specialist, DLL
Martin Lang, VP, Senior Asset Manager, BMO Vendor Finance
Riley Nemeth, Senior Asset Manager, Wintrust Commercial Finance

Wrap up your conference experience in style at our Closing Event! Beverages and lite food will be served. This event is included with your conference registration.