LAS VEGAS — On June 18 to 20, CUDL will host its 10th annual Auto Lending Symposium at the Venetian, bringing remarketers, dealers, analysts, credit union specialists and more together to discuss the role of the credit union marketplace in auto lending.

"Energize all areas of your credit union's auto lending program at the largest industry event of its kind! CUDL's 10th Annual Auto Lending Symposium is the credit union event of 2008 that will help rev up your credit union's auto lending program, transition your credit union to the fast lane and help it to thrive in today's highly competitive market," officials reported.

"The symposium provides an ideal setting to interact with the industry's top lending and automotive experts and network with your credit union peers from across the country. Keynote speakers, along with a wide range of valuable educational and networking opportunities, will provide you with key insight on how you can be more effective in managing and growing your credit union's auto loan portfolio," they continued.

This year's sessions will focus on a variety of topics including marketing, dealer relations, risk management and collections, along with more.

The event kicks off June 18 with the CUDL Charity Golf Classic at the Revere. Pre-conference workshops start at 2 p.m., featuring "Profitability in Indirect Lending" with Larry Biernacki, of Arkansas FCU; and "Maximizing Opportunities in a Slowing Economy" with Jay Johnson, of Callahan.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m. attendees will gather for the Welcome Reception.

On June 19 the conference picks back up again at 8:30 a.m. with keynoter Ross Shafer. Shafer has won six Emmy Awards for his work in television and is also widely respected in the corporate world.

He has spoken to more than 2,000 corporate and association events in the past 15 years on the subjects of customer service, leadership, accountability and relationship building. Moreover, Shafer turned TV cameras on the business world to produce 14 human resource training films, which are now distributed in 11 countries.

Next up at 10:15 a.m. are the current workshop sessions, including:

—"Marketing Best Practice" featuring 2008 best practice winners.

—"CUDL Technology/Products" with CUDL speakers Mike Federoff; Curtis Sabbatino, Monika Perkins, Bill Lapp, Nicole Vazirian and Lucy Ortega.

—"F&I Panel" with Tim Wynacht, of Kathy Fowler Chevrolet, Pontiac; Nancy Newman, of Goodson Honda/UAG – Penske Group; and Bill Wuensche, of Hillcrest Ford. Moderator will be Jennifer Reed, editor of SubPrime Auto Finance News.

—"Remarketing" with speaker Jon Schrock, of Manheim. 

—"Collections" with Kevin Pruner, of Systems & Services Technologies Inc.

—"4 Steps for Surviving the Indirect Market" with Melinda Zabritski and John Sidman, both of Experian.

After a lunch and presentation from noon to 1 p.m., the concurrent education sessions start back up with:

—"Dealer Relations Best Practices," featuring 2008 best practice winners.

—"Cross-selling" with Rick Poulton, of Better Branches, and Greg Darling, of SegmentOne.

—"F&I Panel" (repeat from above).

—"Successful Rate Models — Buy Rate vs. Flat Rate Comparison" with speakers Charles Goss, of Security Service FCU, and Bob Boucher, of Sikorsky Financial Credit Union.
    
—"Indirect Financing of Non-Automotive Products (MLT)" with Susie Huss, of American First CU (specifically RV/boats), and Anne Nelson, of DCU (specifically motorcycles).

—"4 Steps for Surviving the Indirect Market" (repeat from above).

Continuing on at 2:45 p.m. are:

—"Risk Management & Collections Best Practices" with 2008 best practice winners. 

—"Cross-selling" (repeat).

—"GM Panel" featuring Tim Bienke, of Berkley Honda; Jason Frampton, of Ken Garff Automotive; and Anthony Tagliaferro, of Poughkeepsie Nissan & Certified Used Cars. 

—"Remarketing" (repeat).

—"Collections" (repeat).

—"Aftermarket Products" with Joe Annoreno, of Vero.

The day concludes with the exhibit hall open from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the best practices awards dinner and entertainment.

On June 20 the conference concludes after two general sessions featuring keynoters Rich Apicella and Bob Kreigel.

Apicella has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive and financial services industries. Currently, he is the auto finance practice executive for BenchMark Consulting International, a leading provider of insight to the financial services sector.

As for Kreigel, U.S. News and World Report called him one of this country's leading authorities in the field of change and human performance. He is a New York Times best-selling author, a commentator on National Public Radio's Marketplace program and has done two specials for PBS.

For more information, or to register for the conference, visit https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/tab2.aspx?EventID=157478.