LAS VEGAS — The general session for the National Alliance of Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers conference will start today with a focus on "Understanding the Current BHPH Marketplace."

Offering the overview will be Tom Webb, Manheim's chief economist.

"His president will help attendees gain an important perspective on the economic environment in which operators must navigate," explained Ken Shilson, NABD founder.

Other presentations today include "Reducing Losses" by recovery/skip-tracing expert Ron Brown and "Avoiding Legal Pitfalls" by attorneys Tom Hudson and Terry O'Loughlin.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, Rocky Bleier, former NFL football star and Vietnam War hero, will deliver the keynote presentation "Tough Times Don't Last, But Tough People Do!"

"His message will be particularly relevant in the challenging economic environment of today," Shilson noted.

Later that morning, a capital markets perspective will be offered by DriveTime executives, including Ray Fidel, chief executive officer, and Mark Sauder, chief financial officer.

"DriveTime is the nation's largest BHPH operator and they completely recapitalized their business in 2008 so their comments will be very relevant to attendees who are looking for capital," Shilson explained.

There will also be an opportunity for dealers and companies to network and talk personally with all financing sources in attendance during the event, he highlighted.

"Anyone hunting capital will benefit from these sessions," Shilson pointed out.

Also on Wednesday, Shilson and NC Twenty Groups are slated to offer an overview of industry trends and benchmarks.

The afternoon sessions will include a "best operating practices" panel with several of the nation's leading operators. Other Wednesday events include interactive sessions on "How to Prosper in BHPH" and "Finding and Reconditioning the Right Vehicles."

Moving on to Thursday, the sessions will cover innovative marketing and promotional campaigns, leasing, handling accounts after bankruptcy and two additional sessions with financing sources.

In the afternoon, a series of workshops have been created for attendees who are just entering the industry, in addition to operators seeking the next level.

These workshops will cover RFCs, leasing, tax reduction strategies, advanced skip-tracing techniques, managing inventory, valuing your operation and the essentials of BHPH.

Finally, two receptions and two luncheons will be held in a "sold out" exhibit hall to facilitate networking. Furthermore, sponsored breakfast sessions will also be provided.

For a complete agenda, visit www.bhphinfo.com.