First Annual Debt Connection Symposium Viewed as Success

Debt Connection Symposium & Expo 2006 was presented by Dennis and Judy Hammond, September 6 – 8, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Nearly one thousand attendees participated in this first-annual event, which featured many program innovations, including an assortment of speaker presentations, industry “Great Debates,” and on-site vendor management meetings. Opening remarks on the State of the Industry were provided by Michael Ginsberg, of Kaulkin Ginsberg Company and were followed by programs on Collection Operations and Creditor Strategies & Processes.

The Great Debates were a series of lively discussions on timely industry topics. In “Agency vs Attorney,” Paula Catterall of Sterling Jewelers, Inc advocated the use of agencies, and Jeff Brethauer from GE Consumer Finance argued in favor of using attorneys. In the “Arbitration Pro & Con” debate, Harvey Moore of Bidna & Keys, APLC for arbitration squared off against James Branton, Mann Bracken, LLC. In “To Sell or To Place,” Al Brothers from Cavalry Portfolio Services, LLC and Anne Sweeny, Homecomings Financial Network debated the value of portfolio sales in the recovery process. The “Extended Enterprises” debate featured Mark Cavin from Arrow Financial Services, LLC. vs. John Griggs of Capital One Auto Finance discussed offshoring and outsourcing.

Key to the Debt Connection format, creditors and debt buyers held a series of private “Featured Company” vendor management meetings throughout the conference. These meeting allowed each Featured Company to meet with current or prospective vendors as a group and facilitated a consistent exchange of information and ideas regarding processes and projects. These meetings also provided an opportunity to recognize success within a Featured Company’s group of vendors.

The event also featured a black tie gala and benefit. At the conclusion of the evening, Dennis Hammond appeared on stage dressed as the Statue of Liberty, much to the enjoyment of the audience. It was then that Dennis and Judy Hammond announced that they have chosen New York City as the site of next years Debt Connection Symposium & Expo 2007, to be held September 5 – 7, 2007.