Elevating Connections and Partnerships at the 2026 AACFB Commercial Financing Expo
Our team recently returned from Irvine, California, where we joined industry professionals from across the country for the American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) Expo. Centered around the theme of Elevate, the conference brought together commercial finance companies, brokers, lenders, and industry partners for a week of education, networking, and collaboration.
At Universal Finance, we believe that strong relationships, shared knowledge, and thoughtful financing solutions help businesses reach their next level. The expo gave us the chance to strengthen existing partnerships, connect with new industry contacts, and exchange ideas that will help us continue serving our customers and partners.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EXPO
Elevating Industry Connections
Building strong relationships is at the heart of what we do. Throughout the conference, our team connected with customers, partners, and peers to exchange ideas, discuss industry trends, and explore opportunities to work together. These conversations help us better understand the evolving needs of the businesses and brokers we serve while creating new opportunities for collaboration.
Celebrating 35 Years of AACFB
We were proud to participate as a Silver Sponsor of the 2026 AACFB Commercial Financing Expo and join the association in celebrating its 35th anniversary. This milestone recognizes decades of bringing commercial finance professionals together and supporting the relationships that help move our industry forward.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to support charitable initiatives and recognize the community that makes the commercial financing industry stronger. We’re pleased to be part of an industry that values collaboration, professional development, and giving back.
Elevating Women in Commercial Finance
Our team also attended the Women in Finance Breakfast, connecting with women across the industry and celebrating their contributions to commercial finance. The event offered an opportunity to exchange perspectives, strengthen professional relationships, and recognize the importance of creating opportunities for women to grow and succeed in the industry.
Connecting on the Expo Floor
As an exhibitor, Universal Finance welcomed conversations with established brokers and new contacts throughout the expo. Erin McGee, Partner Success Lead, represented our Broker Desk team on the show floor, discussing our equipment financing solutions and how we work with commercial finance brokers and business partners to help structure transactions around individual business needs.
As a specialty lender focused on construction and vocational equipment, we understand that every transaction is different. Our approach looks beyond a credit score to consider the broader strength of a business, the equipment being financed, and the structure of the transaction. By taking the time to understand the full picture, we aim to provide financing solutions that help our partners serve more customers and businesses pursue their goals.
Sharing Marketing Insights at the Marketing Bootcamp
Mary Kingsley, Marketing Manager at Universal Finance, participated as a co-presenter during the Marketing Bootcamp session, sharing marketing strategies and insights with attendees. The session provided a platform to exchange ideas, discuss marketing within the commercial finance industry, and explore ways to strengthen outreach and engagement.
Sharing knowledge and learning from others are important parts of how we continue to grow, improve, and elevate our work.
Continuing to Elevate Our Partnerships
We’re grateful to the AACFB for bringing the commercial finance community together for a memorable week of learning, networking, and collaboration. From celebrating the association’s 35th anniversary to connecting with industry peers and sharing insights, the conference reinforced the value of working together to elevate our industry.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to connect with our team in Irvine. If we didn’t have the opportunity to meet onsite, we’d welcome the chance to connect. Contact Universal Finance to learn how our equipment financing solutions can help support your business and your customers’ continued growth.