HOUSTON — Earlier this week, The National Alliance of Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers announced its final list of speakers and agenda for the upcoming Underwriting & Collections Conference. 

More than 600 attendees are expected to participate in the three-day event to be held Nov. 11 to 13 in Houston. The conference will focus on the two most essential elements of BHPH operations, according to Ken Shilson, NABD founder.

The program will begin on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m. with George Dans, a nationally recognized trainer on sales and leadership. 

George has developed specialized training on "How to Sell the Unbankable Consumer." Executives from Equifax and Subprime Analytics will join Dans in identifying some new market opportunities for un-scored consumers. 

Other workshops include presentations on how dealer management software systems can improve collections; the benefit of 20 Groups; the advantages of payment devices; best achieving capital; properly using reinsurance; and best ways to do online underwriting. 

According to the NABD, these workshop presentations are designed to deepen each attendee's understanding of the topics.

Shilson indicated that the discounted room rates at the Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel will expire shortly, so those interested attending should make reservations as soon as possible. 

The program includes two receptions and a luncheon with exhibitors. The group said the Sunday through Tuesday format was implemented to minimize attendees' time away from their respective operations.

Shilson indicated that the recent subprime mortgage meltdown and anticipated credit tightening in the capital markets have moved underwriting and collections to prime time. 

"Operators who want to prosper in the challenging environment ahead should not miss attending this conference," Shilson said. "Our exhibit hall is nearly sold out, and registrations have been strong."

A final agenda and the workshop descriptions have been posted on the NABD Web site at www.bhphinfo.com. For further information, or to register, call (713) 290-8171 as space is limited.