Red ribbon fluttered to the floor while the crowd applauded and cameras flashed. NACM’s Chairman Dave Beckel joked that he finally fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams as he displayed a pair of over-sized scissors during the Grand Opening Ceremonies for the association’s 113th Credit Congress. For the first time, the Expo hall opening was kicked off by a ribbon cutting ceremony, providing a light-hearted yet classical vein.  It has been a lean year from coast-to-coast, with companies keeping an eye on every dollar spent, meaning travel budgets have been slimmed, but it did not mean that the quality of experience at this year’s Credit Congress was diminished in the least.

“We got some good recommendations and some good crowds,” said Christopher Deighton, marketing services, Hatteras/FOCUS 1. “It’s been good and there’s been some decent traffic and we’re looking forward to more next year and more the year after that and the year after that. We got a lot of potential leads.”

Dozens of vendors offering a wide range in products and services from credit insurance to rating services to software solutions and collection tools made a splash in Orlando. Though the crowd wasn’t as densely packed as in years past, the result was advantageous for both attendees and exhibitors: vendors were provided more time to speak with potential customers while attendees were able to shop from booth-to-booth for competitive prices on services. Some exhibitors reported to have gotten more accomplished than in past Expos and even first-time exhibitors excitedly reported that they would be back.

At NACM's booth, representatives from national and affiliate offices were available to answer questions about NACM's many offerings. Attendees were filled in on upcoming events; got questions answered about CBA/CBF/CCE certification; learned more about NACM's Asset Protection Group, Government Business Group, Mechanic's Lien and Bond Services and local NACM Affiliate services and products. They also got a chance to casually chat with Business Credit magazine staff and writers who were eager to hear what members had to say. CFDD, CRF and FCIB were also represented in the NACM booth and available for conversation.

Attendees were also treated to the Grand Opening reception on the first night of the conference and Monday evening's Beer and Browse, which also hosted the Scholarship Foundation’s Silent Auction. As usual, attendees were able to grab lunch in the Expo on Monday and Tuesday and snack on delightful offerings and unwind with a drink at the Beer & Browse.

Need the contact information for that vendor you spoke to? Click here for the list of vendors and a description of their services.

Don't remember who you spoke to, but remember their whereabouts on the Expo floor? We have the floor plan for you here!