HOUSTON — An international group of dealers, experts and operators gathered in Las Vegas on May 11-13, 2010, to hear nationally recognized speakers and to interact during a three-day educational conference exclusively for buy-here, pay here-dealers.

"Conference attendees this year included dealers and operators from around the U.S., Canada, Mexico and China,” said Ken Shilson, CPA and conference chairman. "Overall attendance was up more than 15 percent this year! This increase was attributable to the growing popularity of buy-here, pay-here and our exciting new Venetian/Palazzo venue!"

The conference focused on the theme, “Doing the Right Things” and attendees left with new ideas for finding capital, locating the right inventory, maximizing recoveries and controlling bad debts, using the internet more effectively, and implementing new technology. It also included a spiritual and inspirational session conducted by John Linnehan, one of the nation’s most successful independent operators.

The program featured over 70 speakers including former NFL official and Hall of Fame speaker Jim Tunney, who gave an inspiring keynote presentation titled "It’s the Will, Not the Skill." Other presentations included an economic update from Manheim’s chief economist, Tom Webb, a capital markets update by investment banker John Nagy, and an interactive session with some of the nation’s leading attorneys including Tom Hudson and Terry O’Loughlin.

"These sessions provided a wealth of important information on subjects of critical importance," Shilson said. He and NCM moderator Brent Carmichael also reviewed the latest industry trends, benchmarks and outlook while dealer and Conference Master of Ceremonies Ingram Walters discussed the profit opportunities in BHPH. Jim Tunney and DJ Harrington hosted a well-received joint motivational session.

The program also featured numerous interactive panel discussions covering CPI and reinsurance, payment devices, best operating practices, capital, the internet, online auctions, the latest DMS and related technology, vehicle remarketing, taxes, accounting, and maximizing debt recoveries. Other highlights included a “Wholesale Institute” presentation by Amanda Savage of Manheim auctions and a compliance workshop hosted by Hudson & Cook LLP.

This year, the conference covered all the important topics and attendees explored ways to capitalize on new profit opportunities.

"The exhibit hall included over 110 sponsors and was the largest in the history of the industry," Shilson said. "Attendees networked with other attendees, experts and sponsors who offered products and services which increase profits and cash flow. The luncheons and receptions held in the exhibit hall facilitated extensive networking.

NABD announced that it will hold its fourth annual BHPH Underwriting and
Collections Conference at another new venue in Dallas on November 7-9, 2010. This year, the conference will feature a dual-track program which will allow more in-depth coverage of both topics.

For more information or to register call 713-290-8171 or visit www.bhphinfo.com. For individuals who were unable to attend the NABD 2010 conference, copies of all presentations will be posted on the NABD Website at www.bhphinfo.com and can be downloaded free of charge. Audio recordings of the conference will be available in the near future.