This July, ELFA’s Power of People Summit unites three transformative events into one dynamic experience, offering an opportunity to learn, grow and connect like never before.

At the Summit, elements from the association’s previous Emergence, Equity and Women’s Leadership Forums will merge, creating an integrated approach to cultivating leadership, empowerment and career advancement within the equipment finance industry.

“These distinct groups are already quite interrelated, so allowing for that cross pollination of ideas, strategies and experiences makes it unique,” says Kinna Pattani, Associate Director, Alfa, and Chair of ELFA’s Inclusion Education and Resources Subcommittee. “We want to give people a more holistic experience.”

The Summit “gives attendees a chance to focus on how to propel both their own careers and the careers of others in the industry,” says Jordan Reeve, Business Deployment Manager, Cat Financial, and Chair of ELFA’s Emerging Leaders Subcommittee.

The aim is to bring together professionals “for two days of innovation, collaboration, team building and engagement,” says Lauren Baingo, Global Accounts Manager, DLL, and Chair of ELFA’s Women’s Subcommittee. “Together we’re going to accomplish more.”

Choose your own adventure

The Summit aims to attract a broad spectrum of ELFA members, spanning from C-suite executives seeking fresh recruiting and retention strategies to professionals just starting their careers, says Eboni Preston-Laurent, ELFA Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

And it will give attendees seminar options, rather than having everyone listen to the same presenters.

 “We’re expanding our lineup of speakers and offering diverse tracks, allowing attendees to customize their learning experience,” Preston-Laurent explains. “Our focus is on delivering more best practices and proven strategies. By featuring a wide range of speakers and topics, we aim to provide participants with a wealth of valuable insights.”

“It gives everyone the opportunity to choose their own adventure,” Baingo adds.

In development

The Summit’s agenda is still being finalized, although content from prior events offers insights into potential offerings.

“The ‘Ask a Leader’ panel was a hit at the previous Emergence Forum,” Reeve says. “And the Career Pathways session, where participants rotated between tables to learn about different roles like credit, sales and accounting, became a great brainstorming activity,” she adds.

“By bringing together diverse voices, we can create actionable practical insights and strategies.” 

—Eboni Preston-Laurent, ELFA

Another Equity Forum topic that sparked meaningful conversations was bridging the generation gap, which can differ across cultures. “It was fascinating to look at the different perspectives,” Pattani says.

According to Preston-Laurent, other possible topics will include strategies for obtaining necessary work resources, developing leadership skills, self-advocacy techniques and assessing whether current responsibilities align with long-term goals.

“The Summit is really focused on personal growth and leadership,” Baingo says, “so it allows people to create an inclusive environment while improving themselves. By bringing together diverse voices, we can create actionable practical insights and strategies.”

Industry updates will be included as well. “With all the current activity in both the industry and broader economy, it will be valuable to get an industry perspective,” Reeve says.

The secret sauce

Networking is the secret sauce of any event.

“The whole point is to build relationships,” Pattani says.

However, this can be challenging, particularly for those attending an event for the first time. “We recognize that when you’re alone at an event and you don’t know anyone, it’s tempting to order room service and catch up on work,” Baingo says.

“By featuring a wide range of speakers and topics, we aim to provide participants with a wealth of valuable insights.” 

—Lauren Baingo, DLL

To offer a better choice, the Summit will continue the popular “Dine Around” opportunity from past events. ELFA will match attendees with a small group of five or six individuals – people they don’t work with and may not even know – for dinner at a local restaurant, Baingo relates.

Another activity will be an optional fun walk for attendees, taking in sites around the host hotel. “You can just take a minute to enjoy the fresh air and find yourself making connections, engaging in conversations with people you may not know,” Baingo says.

According to Reeve, the committee will also look for opportunities to facilitate attendee interaction with speakers. These may include integrating speakers into the Dine Around program or hosting a happy hour networking event – creating settings that encourage meaningful conversations.

“What really resonates with people is having access to industry leadership,” Pattani says. “Understanding their thought processes and the factors influencing their decisions can be challenging. That’s why having opportunities for direct conversations with these individuals is important.”

Not a “one and done”

The former Emergence Forum had developed into a recurring gathering for regular participants rather than just serving as a training opportunity for newcomers, Reeve recalls.

“It was not a one-and-done event, and I expect the same thing for the Power of People Summit,” Reeve says. “We want to make sure we’re giving attendees something new and engaging every year.”

Reeve explains that the combined event enables companies to identify which employees would benefit the most and whether multiple team members should attend. “They no longer have to choose between events,” she says. “This one will be dynamic, engaging and full of valuable takeaways.”

“We’re focusing on individuals eager to grow professionally and bring valuable insights back to their organizations,” Reeve says. “This event allows attendees to feel valued by their company and recognize their voice in the industry, ultimately contributing to employee retention.”

Learning something new

Regardless of where you are in your career, attending the Summit will offer valuable insights, Pattani says. “I always left past events having learned something new – both about the industry and about myself,” she says.

The Summit will allow attendees to engage in more critical conversations on leadership development, Pattani says. “We want to give them some tangible tools that they can use and share when they go home,” she comments.

“We’re focusing on individuals eager to grow professionally and bring valuable insights back to their organizations.” 

—Jordan Reeve, Cat Financial

“Developing the next generation of leaders is always on topic, and this event will help them become leaders,” Reeve says.

With the equipment finance industry spanning so many sectors, the Summit also provides an opportunity to learn from best practices across different verticals, including service providers.  

“As the world changes, we need to continue to bring a dynamic workforce into this industry,” Preston-Laurent says. “We also want people to recognize they can have a lifetime career in equipment finance.”

“What really resonates with people is having access to industry leadership.” 

—Kinna Pattani, Cat Financial

ELFA's Power of People Summit 2025
July 21–22, 2025
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
Baltimore, Maryland
Register today!