Like the sentiments conveyed by the National Automobile Dealers Association, the American Financial Services Association offered a statement late on Thursday, offering sympathy to people impacted by the horrific incident earlier this week in New Orleans, which is also the site of the upcoming AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo.

“AFSA offers its deepest condolences to the victims of the attack in New Orleans during the city’s New Year’s celebrations, and our thoughts are with our member companies, business partners and their customers who live and operate in the New Orleans area during this difficult time,” the association said.

“The safety and security of our members and guests who attend our conferences is our top priority. Your AFSA team has been in contact with our host hotel, the Roosevelt, and has been assured that the hotel has already put in place security measures and processes to ensure a safe and enjoyable AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo later this month,” AFSA continued.

“Similarly, in the wake of the attack, the Louisiana Governor’s Office has put in place heightened security procedures to be implemented over the next several weeks in the run up to the 2025 Super Bowl, which will shortly follow the conclusion of AFSA’s and the National Automobile Dealers Association’s meetings in New Orleans,” the association went on to say.

The Vehicle Finance Conference begins on Jan. 21 with a three-day docket of informational presentations, fireside conversations and executive panels. Among the agenda highlights are:

—A keynote address titled, “Harnessing AI: Strategies to Transform Business, Empower Workforces, Delight Customers, and Contain Risks,” with Steve Brown, artificial intelligence expert, futurist, entrepreneur and author

—A general session titled, “Now What? U.S. Politics & Policy at a Crossroads,” with Jonathan Martin, politics bureau chief and senior political columnist with POLITICO

—AFSA/NADA Exchange with 2025 chairman NADA Tom Castriota and Tanya Sanders, executive vice president and head of Wells Fargo Auto

—Executive panel with Daniel Berce of GM Financial, Jeffrey Butler Jr. of AutoNation Finance, Peter Muriungi of Chase Auto and Cathy O’Callaghan of Ford Motor Credit

As state and federal officials continue their work associated with the fatal shootings in New Orleans, AFSA reiterated, “Be assured that AFSA will continue to monitor the situation and will share relevant updates.”