ARLINGTON, Va. — The Consumer Bankers Association is preparing for its 28th Automobile Finance Conference & Tradeshow to be held March 30 to April 1 at the Hilton San Francisco in California.

"For more than 20 years, CBA's automobile finance conference and tradeshow has been the premier event in its field," officials indicated. "Drawing the top industry executives from the world of retail banking and finance companies, our conference provides you with the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the future of the industry and to take away actionable solutions to keep your institution ahead of its competitors."

"In addition to learning about the industry, you will be able to network and share ideas with your peers from around the country," the group continued. "Our sold-out exhibit hall features the latest products and services for the automobile finance industry to help you increase your productivity and profitability."

According to CBA, the event is geared toward:

—Auto Financing Executives

—Auto Leasing Executives

—Marketing Managers

—E-Commerce Managers

—Senior Risk Managers

—Product Managers

—Sales Managers

This event is open to various CBA members, including Corporate, Holding Company Affiliate, National Associate or Automobile Finance Association.

When pre-registered, members are charged $1,245 for admission, while on-site registration is $1,345. A spouse or companion requires $195.

Moreover, the CBA stressed that exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities are only open to members.

Non-members are also welcome to attend, the CBA noted; however, they must be federally insured banking institutions.

A list of slated speakers include:

—Tony Snow, former White House press secretary

—Art Spinella, president of CNW Research

—Emily Kolinski Morris, a North American senior economist with Ford

—Paul Wible, senior executive vice president of the National Finance Group, Bank of the West

—Christopher Wolfe, managing director at Fitch Ratings

—Preston Davenport, executive vice president of BB&T Corp.

—Oscar Joaquim, senior vice president and credit manager of Citizens Auto Finance

—Jeffrey Turley, president of PNC Dealer Finance Corp.

—John Harrell, of Capital One Financial Corp.

—Eric Nordlund, senior vice president of strategy and marketing with AmeriCredit

—Dawn Martin, chief operating officer of Wachovia Dealer Services

—Richard Howse, senior director of auto finance practice at J.D. Power and Associates

—Adam Goldfein, host of AutoScoop

—Andrew D. Fornarola, senior vice president of M&T Bank Corp.

—William Jensen, senior vice president and manager of vehicle finance of Chase Auto Finance

—Nicholas Stanutz, senior executive vice president of Huntington National Bancshares

—Thomas Wirth, president of Indirect Dealer Group, of U.S. Bancorp

—Eric Fellows, vice president and senior credit officer with Moodys' Investors Service

—Amy Martin, director of structured finance ratings with Standard and Poor's Corp.

—Ricky Beggs, vice president and managing editor of Black Book USA

—Gary Tucker, senior vice president of J.D. Power and Associates

—Bobbie Britting, senior analyst of consumer lending with Tower Group

—Rich Apicella, auto finance practice executive with BenchMark Consulting International

—Michael Benoit, partner with Hudson Cook

—Kenneth Rojc, partner with Nisen & Elliott

—Marcia Sullivan, vice president and director of government relations with CBA

—Steven Zeisel, vice president and senior counsel with CBA

"Primarily focused on indirect lending, seminars and group sessions examine the latest information on automobile financing and leasing, including the use of technology, pricing and profitability, residuals, floor planning and credit risk management," officials explained.

For pre-registration, non-members must pay $1,545 to attend, while on-site registration is $1,645. The spouse or companion charge is the same as for members.

A block of discounted rooms is available until March 9 at the Hilton San Francisco. After March 9, officials said reservations are subject to availability. For more information call the Hilton at (415) 771-1400.

To register or learn more about the event, visit http://www.cbanet.org/conferences/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1366&navItemNumber=890.