HOUSTON — The National Alliance of Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers announced the preliminary agenda for its 11th Annual National Buy-Here, Pay-Here Conference to be held May 12-14, 2009, in Las Vegas.

Officials expect the program to be the largest BHPH conference in the history of this rapidly growing segment of the automotive industry.

The conference will begin on Tuesday afternoon, May 12, at the fully renovated Las Vegas Hilton.

"We expect that more than 2,000 dealers, experts and service providers will attend this year to hear nationally recognized speakers during the two and one-half day program exclusively for the BHPH industry," said Ken Shilson, CPA and conference chairman.

"Interest in the buy-here, pay-here industry has never been greater, with new car franchise dealers entering the business in record numbers," he continued.

This year's conference will focus on "New BHPH Profit Opportunities in the Current Environment." The educational program will highlight considerations when entering the industry, proven strategies to improve cash flow and profits, where to find capital, how to locate the best customers and avoiding legal and regulatory pitfalls.

"Given the difficult economic environment operators face today, this conference will focus on how to capitalize on profit opportunities from the growth in the subprime customer market," Shilson said.

The general educational sessions will feature a single track and all vendor presentations have been moved to concurrent break-out sessions where attendees can choose their topics of interest.

"The breakout sessions will provide attendees with information on important topics and are not infomercials," Shilson stated.

The general education sessions include a full lineup of nationally recognized speakers and experts. Presentations will include a capital markets perspective and a panel to help operators find capital needed to grow.

The program will also provide attendees with the latest benchmarks, industry trend information and an industry outlook perspective. Interactive panels with attendees will include: best operating practices, successful advertising strategies and implementing payment devices successfully.

In addition, the general session will include a presentation on related finance companies, leasing and other tax-saving strategies. Leading attorneys will discuss how to avoid legal and regulatory pitfalls and attorney general complaints.

A series of workshops have been added to provide attendees with practical ways to implement the strategies discussed. These sessions include discussions on Internet best practices, finding and reconditioning the right inventory, add-on products, the basic principles of the BHPH business, and ways to separate from the competition.

These sessions will give attendees practical tips on how to increase profits and cash flow and facilitate networking.

"Never underestimate the value of education," Shilson said. "Operators need to understand the opportunities created by the current economic environment and all the ways they can capitalize on them."

The sessions will also include a segment on maximizing recoveries, skip tracing and other practices that will reduce losses, he indicated.

More than 150 sponsors are expected to make the exhibit hall the largest in NABD history. Two receptions and two luncheons will be held in the exhibit hall during the conference to facilitate networking between dealers, experts and service providers.

Those interested in exhibiting are encouraged to call NABD at (713) 290-8171 while space is still available.

The completely renovated Las Vegas Hilton serves as the site for the conference, and NABD has arranged special discounts on rooms to make the conference affordable for all attendees.

The hotel, through NABD, also offers three levels of room upgrades at substantial discounts. Availability is limited, so attendees are encouraged to reserve their rooms as soon as possible.

Space is limited and registrations can be made online at the NABD Web site or by calling (713) 290-8171.

A complete agenda is available online at the NABD Web site, www.bhphinfo.com, for those who are seeking more information.