The Global Finance & Credit Conference & Expo (GFC 2017) is “different … deliberately.” The annual event is the only conference tailored exclusively towards national and international B2B finance, credit and collection professionals. GFC 2017 is produced by business finance professionals, providing a platform for educational and networking opportunities focused on pressing industry issues. The event is scheduled for August 22 – 25 in Schaumburg, Illinois. With no association membership required, GFC 2017 welcomes professionals to attend in person or via live stream.

Individual attendees include credit management professionals, collection managers, accounts receivable managers and supervisors, third-party recovery specialists and credit supervisors in addition to institutions such as debt collection agencies, banking institutions, banking service providers, business management trade associations, credit unions, credit reporting providers and global finance institutions.

collection professionals

GFC offers a full range of attendance benefits for collection professionals:

Grand opening ceremonies and keynote speaker
Over 60 educational sessions
Seven concurrent educational tracks
20-plus educational session speakers
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Networking opportunities with industry leaders from the US, China, Russia, Brazil, India and other markets

Educational Sessions for Collection Professionals

Sessions will equip attendees with tools to enhance business practices by examining practical and proven solutions. Educational tracks include Credit and Collections, Professional Development, Sales and Business Development, Banking and Finance, Legal and Insurance, International and Management. Credit and Collections will cover topics such as maintaining a positive brand image and actions for success.

collections professionals For credit and collections industry professionals, “all press is good press” does not apply. On Wednesday, “Becoming a Magnet for Good Press” by co-founder Jerry Ashton of RIP Medical Debt will cover the positive and negative effects of media attention. The session offers a packet of take-away tools outlining strategies to create good press while avoiding negative coverage.

On Thursday, owner Dr. Vanessa G. Hall of Crossroads Information Technology Group (ITG) presents “The Reputation Factor in the Credit and Financial Market.” In the era of Twitter and Facebook, one negative social media post can cause irreversible damage to a business’ brand. Learning objectives outlined by Hall include five ways to create and protect a brand, actions to maintain a positive reputation, the cost of a damaged reputation, and how to bounce back from a negative brand image.

On Friday, performance coach and motivational speaker Bob Davies will encourage professionals to let go of the three Rs — resistance, resentment and revenge. “It’s All Attitude” explores inner obstacles to success and how to turn “frustration into fascination.” Additional Credit and Collections track sessions TBD.

Resources on the Expo Floor

Highlighted activities consist of book signings by session speakers, a NASCAR simulator and an exhibitor promotional stage. A sampling of the latest finance and credit industry products and services exhibited include:

collections professionals

Skip tracing
Software and technology
Risk management
Credit management
Education and training
Electronic commerce

Takeaways for Collection Professionals

GFC 2017’s comprehensive education program, international attendee base and top industry exhibitors provide collection professionals with an assortment of resources to increase individual and business success. Interested parties may register here.

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About the author

Joe Gargiulo

Marketing and Communications Mgr. Joe Gargiulo has 25-plus years in copy writing, marketing and public relations. As a writer, he enjoys connecting story leads to all aspects of the human experience.