Innovation Lab Conference & Exhibition
Sunday, March 15
Dine-Around
Are you arriving Sunday evening and looking for something to do? Join a community table dinner group and get to know your fellow conference attendees over dinner! Sign-up to participate during registration and the restaurant options will be sent to you about 2-weeks before the conference. This event is PYO and not included with your conference registration. Dinner will be separate checks at each restaurant.
Are you arriving Sunday evening and looking for something to do? Join a community table dinner group and get to know your fellow conference attendees over dinner! Sign-up to participate during registration and the restaurant options will be sent to you about 2-weeks before the conference. This event is PYO and not included with your conference registration. Dinner will be separate checks at each restaurant.
Monday, March 16
Conference Registration Opens
Community Service Project Brought to You by the EL&F Foundation
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
(Proud Partner of Vanderbilt Children’s)
Join us for a meaningful, hands-on experience that blends creativity, compassion, and impact. In partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, attendees will create “Hero” friendship bracelets inspired by Taylor Swift and write uplifting notes of encouragement for children receiving care at the hospital - simple acts designed to deliver hope, joy, and strength when it’s needed most.
Each table will be fully stocked with everything needed to participate and the experience will be complemented by a short Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals video, highlighting the powerful impact these small gestures can make for kids and families—and how, together, we can help create moments of courage and connection.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
(Proud Partner of Vanderbilt Children’s)
Join us for a meaningful, hands-on experience that blends creativity, compassion, and impact. In partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, attendees will create “Hero” friendship bracelets inspired by Taylor Swift and write uplifting notes of encouragement for children receiving care at the hospital - simple acts designed to deliver hope, joy, and strength when it’s needed most.
Each table will be fully stocked with everything needed to participate and the experience will be complemented by a short Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals video, highlighting the powerful impact these small gestures can make for kids and families—and how, together, we can help create moments of courage and connection.
Exhibitor Set-Up
Opening General Session & Luncheon
Opening
Chelsey Barron, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc., Chair, ELFA Innovation Committee
Pillars for ELFA in 2026
Deborah Baker, VP, Global Payment Solutions, HP Inc., ELFA Chair of the Board
Keynote Presentation
Beyond the GPT: From Prompts to Strategy and Scale
Paul Zikopoulos, VP of Technology Group Skills Vitality & Enablement, IBM
An unfortunate truth: every day, employees walk by problems that could be solved—or at least improved—with technology. But do they even know those problems are solvable? What would a business look like if everyone was empowered to act because they knew solutions were within reach? That’s the opportunity AI is opening up.
This isn’t AI 101. It’s a front-row seat where execution, strategy, and humor collide. And perhaps the most important shift: the knowledge you need to move from +AI (where AI is bolted onto existing workflows) to AI+ (where workflows are re-designed with AI at the core). That’s how organizations change the curve. This talk shows exactly how to make that leap.
Sponsored by:
Opening
Chelsey Barron, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc., Chair, ELFA Innovation Committee
Pillars for ELFA in 2026
Deborah Baker, VP, Global Payment Solutions, HP Inc., ELFA Chair of the Board
Keynote Presentation
Beyond the GPT: From Prompts to Strategy and Scale
Paul Zikopoulos, VP of Technology Group Skills Vitality & Enablement, IBM
An unfortunate truth: every day, employees walk by problems that could be solved—or at least improved—with technology. But do they even know those problems are solvable? What would a business look like if everyone was empowered to act because they knew solutions were within reach? That’s the opportunity AI is opening up.
This isn’t AI 101. It’s a front-row seat where execution, strategy, and humor collide. And perhaps the most important shift: the knowledge you need to move from +AI (where AI is bolted onto existing workflows) to AI+ (where workflows are re-designed with AI at the core). That’s how organizations change the curve. This talk shows exactly how to make that leap.
Sponsored by:
Networking Break & Connect with Exhibitors
AI
Talent
Innovation
Recharge & Connect Break
General Session: Trend Scanning Findings from 2025 and Panel Discussion
Moderator:
Deb Reuben, TomorrowZone
Panelists:
Deb Baker, HP Inc., ELFA Chair of the Board
Bill Verhelle, QuickFi
Moderator:
Deb Reuben, TomorrowZone
Panelists:
Deb Baker, HP Inc., ELFA Chair of the Board
Bill Verhelle, QuickFi
Connection Break
Exhibitor Lightning Round #1
Get ready for a dynamic and engaging session where our exhibitors take the stage for rapid-fire presentations designed to grab your attention and spark your curiosity. Each exhibitor has just a few minutes to showcase their most compelling innovations, solutions, and value propositions - giving you a quick and entertaining way to discover what they have to offer. Whether you're scouting for new partners, exploring cutting-edge technologies, or just love a good pitch, this is your chance to identify exhibitors you want to connect with further. Quick. Informative. Fun. You won’t want to miss it!
Get ready for a dynamic and engaging session where our exhibitors take the stage for rapid-fire presentations designed to grab your attention and spark your curiosity. Each exhibitor has just a few minutes to showcase their most compelling innovations, solutions, and value propositions - giving you a quick and entertaining way to discover what they have to offer. Whether you're scouting for new partners, exploring cutting-edge technologies, or just love a good pitch, this is your chance to identify exhibitors you want to connect with further. Quick. Informative. Fun. You won’t want to miss it!
Newcomers Reception
Is this your first ELFA conference? Come meet fellow First Timers and the conference planning committee at this reception specifically for First Time Attendees.
Is this your first ELFA conference? Come meet fellow First Timers and the conference planning committee at this reception specifically for First Time Attendees.
Opening Reception with Exhibitors
All attendees are invited to connect and unwind at this fantastic reception. Exhibit tables will be open and you will have some time to stop by and chat. Lite fare will be served with an open bar. This event is included with all conference registrations.
Evening is open for private dinners.
All attendees are invited to connect and unwind at this fantastic reception. Exhibit tables will be open and you will have some time to stop by and chat. Lite fare will be served with an open bar. This event is included with all conference registrations.
Evening is open for private dinners.
Tuesday, March 17
Start Your Day Strong - Fun Walk
Lace up and join us for a refreshing, high-energy start to your morning! Led by a local fitness pro, this fun walk will take you on a scenic, energizing route designed to get your blood pumping and your mind ready for the day ahead. Afterward, enjoy post-workout refreshments and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to jumpstart your day - and your networking! NO EXTRA FEE to attend this event.
Lace up and join us for a refreshing, high-energy start to your morning! Led by a local fitness pro, this fun walk will take you on a scenic, energizing route designed to get your blood pumping and your mind ready for the day ahead. Afterward, enjoy post-workout refreshments and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to jumpstart your day - and your networking! NO EXTRA FEE to attend this event.
Breakfast with Exhibitors
Opening Keynote Presentation
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 2026 - 2027 economic outlook and what it means for your business.
Opening
Chelsey Barron, Chair, ELFA Innovation Committee, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.
Keynote Presenter
Tim Mahedy, Economist
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 2026 - 2027 economic outlook and what it means for your business.
Opening
Chelsey Barron, Chair, ELFA Innovation Committee, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.
Keynote Presenter
Tim Mahedy, Economist
Fireside Chat with Leigh Lytle
Coffee & Connect with Exhibitors
ELFA Update & EL&F Foundation Research
Presenters:
Daryl Muller, COO & Corporate Secretary, ELFA
Kelli Nienaber, Executive Director, ELF Foundation
Presenters:
Daryl Muller, COO & Corporate Secretary, ELFA
Kelli Nienaber, Executive Director, ELF Foundation
Exhibitor Lightning Round #2
Get ready for a dynamic and engaging session where our exhibitors take the stage for rapid-fire presentations designed to grab your attention and spark your curiosity. Each exhibitor has just a few minutes to showcase their most compelling innovations, solutions, and value propositions - giving you a quick and entertaining way to discover what they have to offer. Whether you're scouting for new partners, exploring cutting-edge technologies, or just love a good pitch, this is your chance to identify exhibitors you want to connect with further. Quick. Informative. Fun. You won’t want to miss it!
Get ready for a dynamic and engaging session where our exhibitors take the stage for rapid-fire presentations designed to grab your attention and spark your curiosity. Each exhibitor has just a few minutes to showcase their most compelling innovations, solutions, and value propositions - giving you a quick and entertaining way to discover what they have to offer. Whether you're scouting for new partners, exploring cutting-edge technologies, or just love a good pitch, this is your chance to identify exhibitors you want to connect with further. Quick. Informative. Fun. You won’t want to miss it!
Networking Lunch
All conference attendees are invited to enjoy a networking lunch and spark new conversations and connections. Grab a seat and dig into great food while networking with fellow attendees. No additional fee to attend.
All conference attendees are invited to enjoy a networking lunch and spark new conversations and connections. Grab a seat and dig into great food while networking with fellow attendees. No additional fee to attend.
Exhibitor Lightning Round #3
Get ready for a dynamic and engaging session where our exhibitors take the stage for rapid-fire presentations designed to grab your attention and spark your curiosity. Each exhibitor has just a few minutes to showcase their most compelling innovations, solutions, and value propositions - giving you a quick and entertaining way to discover what they have to offer. Whether you're scouting for new partners, exploring cutting-edge technologies, or just love a good pitch, this is your chance to identify exhibitors you want to connect with further. Quick. Informative. Fun. You won’t want to miss it!
Get ready for a dynamic and engaging session where our exhibitors take the stage for rapid-fire presentations designed to grab your attention and spark your curiosity. Each exhibitor has just a few minutes to showcase their most compelling innovations, solutions, and value propositions - giving you a quick and entertaining way to discover what they have to offer. Whether you're scouting for new partners, exploring cutting-edge technologies, or just love a good pitch, this is your chance to identify exhibitors you want to connect with further. Quick. Informative. Fun. You won’t want to miss it!
Recharge & Connect Break
Workshop: Navigating Change & Uncertainty Together
Step into a highly interactive workshop designed to bring peers together for real conversation, shared problem-solving, and practical takeaways you can use immediately. This session moves beyond presentations and into hands-on collaboration, where participants work side-by-side with colleagues who share similar areas of expertise.
Come ready to roll up your sleeves, exchange perspectives, and leave with fresh ideas shaped by the collective experience of your peers.
Step into a highly interactive workshop designed to bring peers together for real conversation, shared problem-solving, and practical takeaways you can use immediately. This session moves beyond presentations and into hands-on collaboration, where participants work side-by-side with colleagues who share similar areas of expertise.
Come ready to roll up your sleeves, exchange perspectives, and leave with fresh ideas shaped by the collective experience of your peers.
Recharge & Connect Break
Exhibitor Tear Down
Fireside Chat: Innovation in Action - Lessons from Award-Winning Leaders
What does true innovation look like in practice? Join us for an engaging fireside chat featuring past recipients of the Excellence in Innovation Award and the Operations and Technology Excellence Award - organizations whose ideas and initiatives have set new standards for what’s possible in equipment finance.
Moderated by Innovation Committee Chair-Elect Shelly Tauer (U.S. Bank), this candid conversation will explore the stories behind the recognition: the challenges faced, the risks taken, and the real-world impact of their innovation journeys.
This energizing session will also mark the official kickoff of the 2026 award season, making it the perfect moment to get inspired, start thinking about your own innovation story, and learn what it takes to stand out in the year ahead.
What does true innovation look like in practice? Join us for an engaging fireside chat featuring past recipients of the Excellence in Innovation Award and the Operations and Technology Excellence Award - organizations whose ideas and initiatives have set new standards for what’s possible in equipment finance.
Moderated by Innovation Committee Chair-Elect Shelly Tauer (U.S. Bank), this candid conversation will explore the stories behind the recognition: the challenges faced, the risks taken, and the real-world impact of their innovation journeys.
This energizing session will also mark the official kickoff of the 2026 award season, making it the perfect moment to get inspired, start thinking about your own innovation story, and learn what it takes to stand out in the year ahead.
Conference Closing Keynote: Turning Insight into Action
Join Conference Chair Chelsey Barron as she brings the event to a powerful and energizing close. This fast-paced wrap-up will connect the dots across the biggest ideas, standout moments, and practical lessons shared throughout the conference - transforming inspiration into clear next steps you can take immediately.
More than a recap, this session is designed to help you translate what you’ve learned into meaningful changes in how you work, lead, and prioritize in a rapidly evolving environment. Expect fresh perspective, renewed motivation, and a set of actionable ways to rethink your approach when you return to the office.
Leave feeling energized, focused, and ready to put new ideas into motion.
Join Conference Chair Chelsey Barron as she brings the event to a powerful and energizing close. This fast-paced wrap-up will connect the dots across the biggest ideas, standout moments, and practical lessons shared throughout the conference - transforming inspiration into clear next steps you can take immediately.
More than a recap, this session is designed to help you translate what you’ve learned into meaningful changes in how you work, lead, and prioritize in a rapidly evolving environment. Expect fresh perspective, renewed motivation, and a set of actionable ways to rethink your approach when you return to the office.
Leave feeling energized, focused, and ready to put new ideas into motion.
Closing Party at The Overlook
Don’t pack up just yet - head upstairs and celebrate with us at The Overlook, the hotel’s rooftop pool deck, for a St. Patrick’s Day send-off you won’t want to miss. Enjoy festive drinks, great music, city views, and one last chance to connect with new friends and colleagues.
Stick around, raise a glass, and end the conference on a high note! And don’t forget to wear GREEN.
Don’t pack up just yet - head upstairs and celebrate with us at The Overlook, the hotel’s rooftop pool deck, for a St. Patrick’s Day send-off you won’t want to miss. Enjoy festive drinks, great music, city views, and one last chance to connect with new friends and colleagues.
Stick around, raise a glass, and end the conference on a high note! And don’t forget to wear GREEN.