On August 10, some of the biggest names in the credit industry are descending upon Seattle for the annual Credit Research Foundation Forum & Expo. If you are a credit executive and you’re looking to network with other high-level managers in the credit industry, then you are likely already familiar with the event. If this is news to you, or if you just need a brief refresher before attending the conference, below is an overview of everything you need to know before making your trip to Seattle.
What is the Credit Research Foundation?
The Credit Research Foundation is member-run non-profit organization that aims to improve the the business-2-business (B2B) credit industry. It’s members are comprised of Vice Presidents, Directors, and Senior Managers of credit for some of the biggest companies in the world, in industries ranging from construction to fashion (The Estee Lauder Companies is a member of the CRF). For over 60 years, CRF has provided education and research for the B2B credit industry, and has amassed a reputation as the premier organization for B2B credit executives nationwide.
Each year, the CRF holds three events to encourage collaboration in the industry and to introduce new technologies to CRF members. There are two forums (one in the Spring and one in the Fall) and there is the annual Expo during the Summer that show-cases guest speakers and CRF’s vendor partners.
Who will be at the CRF Forum & EXPO?
CRF’s membership includes the credit executives at some of the largest wholesalers, distributers, and suppliers in the country. You can meet and mingle with high-level credit executives who manage billion-dollar A/R portfolios and teams of 100+ people. In addition to its members, CRF features guest speakers from top technology providers and even from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
Why should I attend the CRF Forum & EXPO?
If you are in the B2B credit industry and you are looking to improve your professional network, improve your department’s efficiency, or improve your own knowledge of the industry, then you belong at the CRF Expo. You will see a line-up of guest speakers addressing topics including Five Ways Artificial Intelligence is Transforming and Automating Accounts Receivable, and Full Automation and The Latest in Lock Box Technology. You will also be able to mingle with some of the leading technology providers in the industry who are looking to solve problems for your business.
You can view the official speaker schedule and a printable agenda at this link.
What will I learn?
Education is at the forefront of the Expo’s agenda, and the most valuable portion of the event is the open Forum, where you can submit questions to be answered by your peers. You can learn what your peers are struggling with, and what they have done to overcome obstacles in A/R management, people management, technological decision making and much more. One question and answer can make the entire trip worth it for your business.
How can I get the most out of my trip?
The Expo starts on Monday and lasts through Wednesday. Our suggestion, fly into Seattle on Friday and make a weekend trip out of it! Once Monday hits, you will be fresh and ready to start a week full of learning and networking. During the week, schedule appointments with your peers, with technological partners, and with potential vendors in-between sessions to make sure that every second of the Expo is providing value for your company.
Where do I sign up?
OK, so you want to head to Seattle for the CRF Expo and Forum? You can sign up here: http://www.crfonline.org/events/August/august.asp
Let us know if you are planning on attending the CRF conference. Come visit zlien at Booth 11 and talk with some of our executives about using technology to improve your business!
> Connect with zlien at the CRF Forum & EXPO
