May 6, 2025 | by Randy Haug, EVP, Vice-Chairman, Co-Founder, LTi Technology Solutions.
Editorial Note:
The following blog post is a curated excerpt from a recent article originally published on April 23rd in Leasing News. For the complete unedited version featuring additional details on the ELFA event, please visit: Leasing News – LTi Technology Solutions.
When Does The ELFA National Funding Conference Begin?
While the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) officially kicks off its National Funding Conference with a cocktail reception on Tuesday evening, seasoned attendees know the real action starts much earlier. Many ELFA members arrived in Chicago on Monday, April 14th to maximize meetings with clients and lending partners. If you’re looking to make the most of your investment in the event, arriving early and pre-scheduling meetings is essential.
From informal chats in the historic Palmer House Hilton huge lobby to back-to-back 20-minute meetings using ELFA’s scheduling tools, this conference is a masterclass in networking. Tuesday is a full day of pre-conference meetings leading up to the official kickoff, and savvy attendees know how to get a jumpstart.
A Record-Breaking Year
This year’s 36th Annual National Funding Conference was electric–and packed. According to Julie Benson, ELFA VP of Membership Services, attendance shattered records, surpassing 750 members, up over 100 attendees from the previous year. Every suite and booth was sold out, with most attendees’ schedules booked solid from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon.
Funder booths and suites were buzzing with activity. Many were equipped for high volumes of meetings, some hosting 40 or more per day, with teams of seasoned professionals engaging top executives from across the US and internationally, including Canada, Mexico, South America, and Japan.
ELFA once again delivered an exceptional experience thanks to its outstanding staff, including President & CEO Leigh Lytle, VP Director of Federal Advocacy Services Andy Fishburn, newly announced COO & Corporate Secretary of the ELFA, Daryl Muller, Lisa Ramirez, VP of Conferences and Meetings, Julie Benson, ELFA VP of Membership Services, and more. Their attention to detail made this the most productive event of the year for many attendees.
Why the ELFA Funding Conference Matters
I spoke with numerous ELFA members who shared a common sentiment: this is the most important conference they attend each year. Chicago, with its central location and convenient airports, is the ideal host city. Some attendees even noted they wouldn’t maintain ELFA membership if this event did not exist. That’s how critical it is to their business.
This is more than a conference; it is a full-throttle networking marathon. From back-to-back meetings to post-dinner cocktails in the historic Palmer House bar, and late-night meetups at local spots like Miller’s Pub, the energy is nonstop. Day two often starts with coffee or rehydration, but everyone’s ready to dive back into deal-making.
What was the Vibe and Talk This Year?
The mood? Optimistic with a side of strategic caution. Tariff concerns and rising equipment costs were top of mind, but so were opportunities: reshoring manufacturing, building infrastructure, and investments in vocational trucks, rental equipment, and clean energy.
Most members I spoke with reported strong Q4 2024 results and solid starts to 2025. Even those with a softer Q1 expressed confidence about a robust Q2.
The Banks Are Back
I connected with 15 of the largest banks in the Equipment Finance space, and the message was loud and clear: they’re back. With liquidity to deploy and mandates to grow portfolios across direct lending, capital markets, and third-party acquisitions, banks are re-engaging across all but the small-ticket segment. One community bank executive even shared that their equipment finance division is among the most profitable areas of the bank.
Private Equity’s Growing Role
Private equity-backed firms are also making serious moves. These firms–some new, others well-established–are growing rapidly, especially in the small-ticket and vendor segments. Many are leveraging ABS and securitization to fund deals, and their aggressive, asset-oriented approach is shifting industry dynamics.
At this year’s event, their presence was more visible than ever, with sovereign wealth funds, home offices, advisors, rating agencies, and bank securities teams in attendance. The ELFA is clearly leaning into this evolution and expanding its network to reflect the changing face of capital sources.
Final Thoughts
What an awesome event. The National Funding Conference continues to be a cornerstone for the equipment finance industry, offering unmatched opportunities to connect, collaborate, and chart the future. Yes, concerns always exist, but this industry is resilient and full of smart, forward-thinking leaders ready to drive what’s next.
See you next year in Chicago.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
If you’re looking to improve your funding workflows, embrace automation, or just want to compare notes on how the market is shifting, Contact Us.
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