HOUSTON -

Coming off what organizers hailed as a successful best-practices event this past January in Dallas, the National Alliance of Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers now is gearing up for its annual signature gathering. The 17th annual BHPH Conference has new sessions and what NABD is calling the largest exhibit hall at an industry event.

NABD structured the event to be designed for both new and experienced operators who want to be more successful in the competitive subprime auto finance market of today. The conference theme is “The Very Best of Buy Here Pay Here,” and the conference features many of the nation’s most successful operators and industry experts.

The three-day event begins on May 19 at the Wynn in Las Vegas.

NABD founder and conference chairman Ken Shilson gave a rundown of what’s new for this year’s conference, including:

— A first-time attendee reception

— Hall of Fame members best practices panel

— Reporting to credit bureaus when you are a small operator

— Connection commerce tips to regain market share

— New performance benchmarks and trend data

— The latest compliance and regulatory updates

Shilson highlighted that 14 concurrent workshop sessions will include topics such as new technology to increase profits and cash flow; payment device best practices; capital, compliance systems, add-ons, Internet, social media and website tips; IRS updates; maximizing recoveries; 20 groups; inventory acquisition and reconditioning strategies; a current issues update and much more.

“All workshops will be interactive so attendees can ask questions and get answers to subjects of interest,” Shilson said. “We will have more than 60 speakers and panelists this year.”

The conference will also feature a large Exhibit Hall, with more than 100 different sponsors.

“We expect this to be the largest exhibit hall in the history of the BHPH industry,” Shilson said. “No other BHPH conference will have as many products and services that can help operators compete more successfully.

“Two receptions, a luncheon, and two coffees will be held inside the exhibit hall to facilitate networking between attendees and experts,” he continued. “We have arranged a $500 cash giveaway and other great prizes to be awarded on Wednesday night at the reception.”

Shilson pointed out The Wynn Las Vegas, winner of the prestigious Forbes Five Star Award of Excellence, again is offering an exceptional venue for the conference, and NABD has arranged discounted room rates of only $189 per night with no resort fees, for reservations placed before April 17.

Hotel reservations must be booked using group code “8BHPH0515” while supplies last.

Shilson noted these rooms normally retail for up to $699 per night plus a resort fee, “so attendees are encouraged to reserve their rooms as soon as possible.”

Accommodations can be secured online at www.bhphinfo.com, or by calling the Wynn directly at (888) 320-9966.

Shilson added this group rate is available for three days before and after the conference, subject to availability, for those who BHPH operators wish to extend their stay.

Shilson went on to emphasized that operators are encouraged to bring multiple attendees while first-time attendees should plan to arrive before 2 p.m. on May 19 to attend an exclusive gala reception where they will receive tips on how to maximize their conference experience and gain additional networking time.

“In the highly competitive subprime auto finance environment of today, operators can’t afford to miss this conference,” Shilson said. “The more you learn at the Conference, the more you will earn in 2015 and beyond!”

For more information or to register, visit www.bhphinfo.com, or call NABD at (832) 767-4759. Early registration discounts expire April 17 and greater discounts are available for multiple attendees.