HANOVER, Md. — The National Automotive Finance Association announced the date and location as well as speakers and panel discussion topics for its 12th annual Auto Financing Conference.

The conference will be held from June 4 to 6 at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

Delivering the keynote address is scheduled to be Dr. Bernard Weinstein, of the Institute of Applied Economics at the University of North Texas. Weinstein's economic outlook address examines how the economic downturn will affect the auto financing industry

The conference will also include various expert presentations and panel speakers who offer insight on the following topics:

—Collections

—Rating agency perspectives

—Alternative scoring and data models

—Used-vehicle market

—Dealer/creditor compliance

—Remarketing

There will be a panel discussion focusing specifically on the non-prime industry featuring the following speakers:

—Dan Leonard, president, Triad Financial Corp.

—Mark Floyd, co-chief operating officer, AmeriCredit

—Tommy A. Moore Jr., president and chief executive officer, First Investors Financial Services Group

According to officials, these three panelists will share their perspectives on how to succeed in the present economic climate.

Additionally, a session on legal updates is scheduled, led by the NAF Association's legal committee, which discusses the challenges in risk management, collection and underwriting.

During the annual member meeting, BenchMark Consulting International is slated to preview the NAF Association's annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Survey.

The latest industry products and services will also be on display at exhibits throughout the conference, which is open to members and non-members.

For more information, visit www.nafassociation.com.