Networking. Education. Fun.

The American Association of Private Lenders is the oldest and largest national association for the private lending industry. Each year we host the nation’s largest private lending event at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, featuring the right mix of comprehensive education, networking, and of course plenty of classic Vegas fun.

The Highlight Reel

Certification Classes • VIP Nightclub Reception • Excellence Awards • 15+ Educational Sessions & Panels • Private Lender Roundtables • Packed Vendor Hall • Networking Reception • Official After Party

Register Today
Talk Sponsorship

Networking. Education. Fun.

The American Association of Private Lenders is the oldest and largest association for the private lending industry. Each year we host the nation’s largest private lending event at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, featuring the right mix of comprehensive education, networking, and of course plenty of classic Vegas fun.

The Highlight Reel

Certification Classes • VIP Nightclub Reception • Excellence Awards  • 15+ Sessions & Panels • Private Lender Roundtables • Packed Vendor Hall  • Networking Reception • Official After Party

Register Today
Talk Sponsorship

At A Glance.

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Attendees

#AAPLannual brings together owner-operators and c-suite executives from across the private lender, broker, capital, and service provider spaces. If you are serious about your involvement in the private lending industry, our conference is the place to be.

Register Today
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Considering 2026 Annual Conference Sponsorship?

Your sponsorship helps us champion the private lending profession and lift up the industry year-round. From legislative advocacy, to maintaining the industry’s ethical standards and bringing more and better value to our members, thank you for your support. Please note our exhibitor-only package is sold out.

Let’s Talk Sponsorship

Conference Overview & Schedule.

We curate topics and speakers to add real value to attendees’ businesses. You’ll walk away from sessions feeling inspired, informed, and ready to tackle the challenges of today’s market. We promise: no pitch decks or sales presentations.

All activities are Pacific Time in Caesars Palace’s Conference Center – Promenade Level – unless otherwise noted. Event schedule subject to change; stay up to date  with the AAPL app!

MONDAY, NOV. 9
CERTIFICATION CLASSES & VIP

9:00AM – 5:30PM

Certified Private Lender Associate
Certified Fund Manager 201
AAPL Members Only
Registration closes 12:00PM CST Friday, Nov. 6
No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm Registration

9:00AM – 12:00PM

“The Efficiency Playbook for Private Lenders” with Shaye Wali and Gabriel Varela of Baseline Software

1:00PM – 5:00PM

“The Business of Being a Broker” with Scott Ward of Think Realty and Jeremy Altervain of Vault Financial Services

1:00PM – 5:00PM

Exhibitor Check-In & Setup
Exhibit Hall Floorplan (not to scale)

2:00PM – 5:00PM

Pickleball Tournament hosted by Best Lending Company

7:00PM – 10:00PM [ACTIVITY RSVP REQUIRED]

Exclusive VIP Reception
Soleia at The Vanderpump Hotel
No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm RSVP

TUESDAY, NOV. 10
MAIN SESSION DAY

7:30AM – 5:15PM

Registration & Exhibit Hall Open
Breakfast

8:30AM – 12:00PM

Morning Main Stage Sessions

12:00PM – 1:30PM

Lunch (Not Provided – On Your Own) / Women in Private Lending Lunch 

1:30PM – 5:15PM

Afternoon Concurrent Breakout Sessions

5:30PM – 6:30PM

Private Lender Roundtables

5:30PM – 7:00PM

Networking Reception

9:00PM – 12:00AM

Official AAPL After Party at the F1 Arcade inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace – Hosted by AAPL, RCN Capital & NREIG

9:ooAM – 5:30PM

Certified Private Lender Associate
Certified Fund Manager 201
AAPL Members Only, Registration Required
Registration closes 12:00PM CST Friday, Nov. 6
No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm RSVP

9:00AM – 12:00PM

“The Efficiency Playbook for Private Lenders” with Shaye Wali & Gabriel Varela of Baseline Software

1:00PM – 5:00PM

“The Business of Being a Broker” with Scott Ward of Think Realty and Jeremy Altervain of Vault Financial Services

2:00PM – 5:00PM

Pickleball Tournament Hosted by Best Lending Company

1:00PM – 5:00PM

Exhibitor Check-In & Setup
Exhibit Hall Floorplan (not to scale)

7:00PM – 10:00PM [ACTIVITY RSVP REQUIRED]

Exclusive VIP Reception
Soleia at The Vanderpump Hotel

Only attendees with an RSVP on their ticketing will be permitted entry. Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm RSVP
Spend the evening meeting up with old friends and new acquaintances and snacking on delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails – all overlooking the gorgeous Las Vegas Strip.

7:30AM – 5:15PM

Attendee Registration & Exhibit Hall Open

8:30AM – 8:50AM

2026 State of the Association and Excellence Awards
Linda Hyde, President, American Association of Private Lenders
2026 has been a year of change for our membership and the industry. Learn what AAPL is doing to support your growth and safeguard your future. 

8:50AM – 9:50AM 

Pivoting Your Private Lending Business in a Stalled Market
Nema Daghbandan, Esq. and Kevin Kim, Esq., Partners, Fortra Law
For years the mantra has been stay alive until ’25. However, 2026 is one of the most challenging years in private lending. Status quo simply will not work going forward and lender’s must pivot their strategies into 2027 and beyond. Kevin Kim, Esq, Partner, Fortra Law, and Nema Daghbandan, Esq. Partner, Fortra Law and CEO, Lightning Docs will provide a summary of what strategy changes may make sense for private lenders of all sizes as inaction is the greatest threat to your business today.

10:00AM – 11:00AM 

Don’t Run Out of Money: Five Things Every Lender Needs to Survive the Cycle
William J. Tessar,  CV3 Financial Services 
Bill Tessar has a deceptively simple rule for lending: If you’re in the business of lending money, don’t run out of it. But after nearly four decades navigating mortgage and private lending cycles, Tessar believes capital isn’t the only resource a company can’t afford to exhaust. Great organizations also protect their talent, customers, trust, and ability to adapt. Drawing from his experience scaling lending companies, navigating the financial crisis and COVID, operating under institutional ownership, and rebuilding following the regional banking crisis, Tessar offers five straightforward principles for building a lending organization designed not only to succeed in strong markets, but to remain resilient through the most challenging ones.

11:15AM – 12:00PM 
Borrower Trust = Lending Power: Building Brand in a Crowded Market (2025 Session)
Tim Landwehr, Anchor Loans
Tim Landwehr explores how private lenders can build a brand rooted in trust, speed, and service. This session dives into the power of content marketing, borrower experience, and transparent communication to earn client loyalty. For lenders ready to evolve from transactional players to industry leaders, this is your roadmap.		 Panel>> Payoff Isn’t a Plan
Chad Murphy, Richey May: Michael Tedesco, Appraisal Nation: Brando Tessar, CV3 Financial Services
In a hyper-competitive market, the best opportunities may be closer to home. Explore how local lending strategies—from branch offices and boots-on-the-ground teams to trusted local vendors—can help lenders build relationships, source stronger deals, and create a competitive edge.		 Panel>> Every Loan Votes. Are You Counting? 
Rudy Zabran, Consolidated Analytics [Moderator]; Matt Lao, Inspectify; Penny Roach, Trinity Real Estate Solutions; Geramie Amante, Mortgage Automator
Every loan is an opportunity to learn, improve, and refine your lending strategy. This session explores how portfolio data and feedback loops can drive smarter underwriting, pricing, operations, and product decisions, turning past performance into a roadmap for continuous improvement.

12:00PM – 1:30PM

Lunch (Not Provided) / Women in Private Lending Lunch

1:30PM – 2:15PM
AI Adoption and Operational Efficiency (2025 Session)
Ben Fertig, Constructive Capital [Moderator]; Megan Castleton, Constructive Capital; Sam Kaddah, Liquid Logics; Sean Morgan, Forecasa; John Ryan Trustpoint.ai
Learn from the Constructive Capital panel on how lenders can leverage today’s AI tech to support their brokers and clients, enhance fraud prevention, manage risk, and safely automate processes. The panel will also explore ROI’s, transparency requirements, and other long-term considerations.		 Panel>> Scale Has Side Effects
Jim Vrtis, Sekady [Moderator];Jeff Brewer, Cornerstone Licensing Services; Anush Nersisyan, CohnReznick; Aaron Metaj, Lima One Capital
Growth brings opportunity, but it also changes how a company must operate. This session explores how lenders can expand geographically while delegating effectively, preserving company culture, creating scalable processes, and building sustainable growth without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.		 Panel>> AI’s Boring Future
Harry Kumar, InstaFi; Justin Land, Merchants Mortgage & Trust Corporation; David Schiffmayer, PCV Murcor
AI may not be taking your job—but it can take a lot of the tedious work off your plate. This session explores practical ways lenders can use AI to streamline operations, automate marketing, review documentation, and improve efficiency while maintaining compliance, human oversight, and sound judgment.

 2:30PM – 3:15PM 

KEYNOTE: The Pursuit of Exceptional: A Conversation with Dr. Kevin Gaskell
Private lending rewards decisive leadership, resilience, and performance under pressure. Dr. Kevin Gaskell has spent a career proving what those qualities can achieve. Internationally recognized for leading transformational growth at Porsche, Lamborghini, and BMW, Gaskell is now a global entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author. Whether building businesses or tackling some of the world’s most demanding expeditions, he pursues the same question: what becomes possible when ambition, discipline, and execution align?

 3:30PM – 4:15PM 
Buy the Commodity, Build the Edge
Shaye Wali, Baseline Software
AI has made building software cheap. But should private lenders build their own tech? This conversation is about what to buy, what to build, and where your real edge as a lender actually lives.		 Panel>> Draw Request Denied
Itay Elyasof, Alefy [Moderator]; Marcus Carter, La Mesa Funding Control & Escrow; Connor Donovan, Park Place Finance; Bryan Kester, Sitewire
Construction lending risk often starts before the first draw. This session examines how lenders can identify and mitigate problems early through stronger pre-closing due diligence, accurate budgets, effective draw management, clear communication, contingency planning, and thorough inspections.		 Panel>> Capital Has Changed. Have You?
Eric Abramovich, Roc Capital [Moderator]; Henry Chavez, Cathedral CPAs & Advisors; Brian Russell, Fidelis; Timothy Savina, Temple View Capital
Attracting capital is only the beginning. This session explores how lenders can build lasting investor confidence through strong reporting, operational maturity, transparency, and institutional-ready practices—creating the discipline needed to retain capital and strengthen long-term funding relationships.

4:30PM – 5:15PM
Panel>> Where Experience Becomes Liability
Jeff Tesch, RCN Capital [Moderator]; John Beacham, Toorak Capital Partners; John Faheem, Granite Risk Management; Briana Malkoon, Cardinal Capital Group
Experience is valuable, but only when you remain willing to question it. Veteran lending leaders share the lessons they’ve learned, the assumptions they’ve challenged, and the mistakes that changed their perspective. This candid conversation explores how to stay adaptable, recognize blind spots, and keep learning in an ever-changing industry.		 Panel>> Your Broker Problem Isn’t Brokers
Sarah Downey, LoanBidz [Moderator]; Paul Jackson, Residential Capital Partners; John V. Santilli, Unitas; Jacob Therrien, RCN Capital
Strong partnerships aren’t built on chemistry alone—they’re built on consistency, communication, and accountability. This panel explores what it takes to turn initial connections into lasting broker relationships, from setting expectations and measuring performance to navigating challenges and knowing when it’s time to walk away.		 Panel>> The (Fraudulent) Deal Looked Perfect…
Steven Ernest, Fortra Law [Moderator]; Maureen Aliotan, Monarch Sky Insurance; ; Sam Kaddah, Liquid Logics; Dr. Akhil Sahai, The Mortgage Office
Between rate compression, surging competition, and skyrocketing costs, lenders need to take a hard look at the bottom line … literally. Experts talk real strategy on cost control, outsourcing (vendors and offshore), and 2025’s belle of the ball: AI.

5:30PM – 6:00PM

Private Lender Roundtables Participants will break into groups according to their stage of business. Each group will be guided by discussion leaders with the goal of helping participants tackle strategy/tactical challenges and answering any questions they still have after the Main Day sessions. More details in the AAPL Annual Conference app!

  • Stage 1 Startup (0-2 Employees)
  • Stage 2 Grow (3-10 Employees)
  • Stage 3 Scale (10+ Employees)
  • Operations
  • Licensing Compliance

5:30PM-7:00PM

Networking Reception Continue conversations at this after-hours networking reception, where attendees, sponsors, and speakers can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a drink token.

9:00PM-12:00AM

2026 Official AAPL After-Party Hosted by RCN Capital and National Real Estate Insurance Group

Not ready to call it a night? Keep the energy going at the Official AAPL After-Party, hosted by RCN and National Real Estate Insurance Group, at F1 Arcade in the Caesars Forum Shops. Join fellow attendees for networking, cocktails, entertainment, and a high-octane racing experience after the main event.

Conference Overview & Schedule.

We carefully curate topics and speakers to add real value to attendees’ businesses. We promise: no pitch decks or sales presentations.

All activities are Pacific Time in Caesars Palace’s Conference Center – Promenade Level – unless otherwise noted. Schedule subject to change; stay up to date with the AAPL app!

MONDAY, NOV. 9
CERTIFICATION CLASSES &
VIP RECEPTION

9:00AM – 5:30PM

Certified Private Lender Associate
Certified Fund Manager 201
AAPL Members Only
Registration closes 12:00PM CST Friday,  Nov. 6
No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm Registration

9:00AM – 12:00PM

“The Efficiency Playbook for Private Lenders” with Shaye Wali & Gabriel Varela of Baseline Software

1:00PM – 5:00PM

“The Business of Being a Broker” with Scott Ward of Think Realty & Jeremy Altervain of Vault Financial 

2:00PM – 5:00PM

Pickleball Tournament Hosted by Best Lending Company

1:00PM – 5:00PM

Exhibitor Check-In & Setup
Exhibit Hall Floorplan (not to scale)

7:00PM – 10:00PM

Exclusive VIP Reception
Soleia at The Vanderpump Hotel
Only attendees with an RSVP on their ticketing will be permitted entry. No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm RSVP

TUESDAY, NOV. 10
MAIN SESSION DAY

7:30AM – 5:15PM

Registration & Exhibit Hall Open
Breakfast

8:30AM – 12:00PM

Morning Main Stage Sessions

12:00PM – 1:30PM

Lunch (Not Provided) / Women in Private Lending Lunch

1:30PM – 5:15PM

Afternoon Concurrent Breakout Sessions

5:30PM – 6:30PM

Private Lender Roundtables

5:30PM – 7:00PM

Networking Reception 

9:00PM – 12:00AM

After Party – F1 Arcade in the Caesars Forum Shops Hosted by AAPL, RCN Capital & National Real Estate Insurance Group

       This conference is the one in which key principals of every major institution show up. Effectively this is a room of #decisionmakers.”

Nema Daghbandan, Fortra Law, Sponsor 2016 - 2026

   The AAPL Annual Conference gives our team the chance to celebrate our industry while staying up-to-speed on best practices, legislative updates, new tax initiatives and technological break-throughs.  It has been fun to see AAPL grow the conference around a growing industry these past 10 years.”

Paul Jackson, Residential Capital Partners, Title Sponsor 2019 - 2026

   … Absolutely one of the best! It’s not one session; it’s not the same thing again and again. You can decide which track and what subject has really interested you. [2023 is] probably one of the most packed AAPL conferences that I’ve seen historically and definitely two and a half to three times bigger than any other conference I attended this year.”

Sam Kaddah, Liquid Logics, Sponsor 2015 - 2026

     Every year, Bridge Loan Network looks forward to attending the AAPL Conference because not only are we always meeting amazing potential clients, vendors, and partners but we also get an unmatched level of education and a pulse of today’s industry.”

Jacob Therrien, Bridge Loan Network, Sponsor 2018 - 2026

      I thought it was exceptionally well run. The venue was phenomenal. …The quality of attendees was really impressive. It was a really good mix of vendors but also other investors. The roundtables offered a really great opportunity to talk to other people and get a sense of best practices. So overall it was a phenomenal experience. In a world with more and more lending events, this is one that we will earmark prioritize coming to.”

Abbas Jessa, Wentwood Capital, 2023 Attendee

      I’m really appreciative that there’s a lot more avenues being offered to the medium-size shops and the up-and-coming organizations in the space. All aspects and all peoples in the industry [are represented]. I would definitely recommend anyone who is in the space to attend. I just love the direction it’s going, and I can’t say enough about the value that I get coming to this conference.”

Adonis Lockett, LNH Capital, 2023 Attendee

      I’m having a fantastic time. As an exhibitor I have been to so many conferences where there was not very much thought put into the exhibitor experience. For example, something very simple is coffee in the morning for the exhibitors. Very well thought out—the direction of traffic for interaction between the attendees and exhibitors has been fantastic. We’re looking forward to next year.”

Heather Kockler, Obie, Sponsor 2023

Sponsors.

Your sponsorship helps us champion the private lending profession and lift up the industry year-round. From legislative advocacy, to maintaining the industry’s ethical standards and bringing more and better value to our members, thank you for your support.

Let’s Talk Sponsorship

Title

CV3 Financial Services

Platinum

RCN Capital

Gold

Liquid Logics

Silver

Exhibitor & All Others

PMF - Private Mortgage Fund LLC
Scotsman Guide

WPL Luncheon

Speakers.

With more than 15 sessions and interactive roundtables, you’ll hear from experts on every facet of the private lending industry. Gain direct access to leading private lending professionals and service providers to learn the latest strategies transforming the industry.

Nema Daghbandan
Nema DaghbandanEsq. Partner, Fortra Law and CEO, Lightning Docs
Nema Daghbandan is the Founder and CEO of Lightning Docs and a Partner at Fortra Law, the nation’s largest private lending law firm. He specializes in understanding and serving the unique needs of private mortgage lenders.
Kevin Gaskell
Kevin GaskellKeynote Speaker
Recognized as “the man who fixes businesses,” Dr. Kevin Gaskell has led successful turnarounds as CEO of Porsche, Lamborghini, and BMW. Today, he is an investor, founder, bestselling author, and advisor to startups and established businesses worldwide. His latest book, Catching Giants, was shortlisted for Business Book of the Year.
Kevin Kim
Kevin KimEsq, Partner, Fortra Law
Kevin Kim leads Fortra Law’s Corporate & Securities practice, specializing in fund formation and securities offerings for private lenders, real estate investors, and developers. He has advised on hundreds of offerings and is a nationally recognized expert in mortgage fund formation.
Bill J. Tessar
Bill J. TessarCEO and President, CV3 Financial Services
Bill Tessar is a visionary lending leader with 40+ years of mortgage industry expertise. With a proven track record of scaling organizations to new heights, he launched CV3 in 2023—already surpassing $4B in funding—establishing it as a premier private lender serving the real estate investing community nationwide.

At #AAPLannual, you’ll find 45+ speakers — they are the Who’s Who of the private lending industry.

Eric Abramovich
Eric AbramovichRoc Capital
Jeremy Altervain
Jeremy AltervainVault Financial Services
Maureen Aliota
Maureen AliotaMonarch Sky Insurance
Geramie Amante
Geramie AmanteMortgage Automator
John Beacham
John BeachamToorak Capital Partners
This could be you!
This could be you!
Marcus Carter
Marcus CarterLa Mesa Fund Control
Megan Castleton
Megan CastletonConstructive Capital
Henry Chavez, CPA
Henry Chavez, CPACathedral CPA's & Advisors
Connor Donovan
Connor DonovanPark Place Finance
Itay Elyasof
Itay ElyasofAlefy
Steven Ernest
Steven ErnestFortra Law Firm
Ben Fertig
Ben FertigConstructive Capital
Briana Malkoon
Briana MalkoonCardinal Capital Group
Linda Hyde
Linda HydeAmerican Association of Private Lenders
Sam Kaddah
Sam KaddahLiquid Logics
Bryan Kester
Bryan KesterSitewire
Harry Kumar
Harry KumarInstaFi
Justin Land
Justin LandMerchants Mortgage & Trust Corporation
Tim Landwehr
Tim LandwehrAnchor Loans
Matt Lao
Matt LaoInspectify
Melissa Martorella
Melissa MartorellaFortra Law Firm
Aaron Metaj
Aaron MetajLima One Capital
Nichole Moore
Nichole MooreFortra Law Firm
Chad Murphy
Chad MurphyRichey May
Anush Nersisyan
Anush NersisyanCohnReznick
Penny Roach
Penny RoachTrinity Real Estate Solutions
Brian Russell
Brian RussellFidelis
Dr. Akhil Sahai
Dr. Akhil SahaiThe Mortgage Office
John V. Santilli
John V. SantilliUnitas Funding LLC
Timothy Savina
Timothy SavinaTemple View
David Schiffmayer
David SchiffmayerPCV Murcor
Michael Tedesco
Michael TedescoAppraisal Nation
Jacob Therrien
Jacob TherrienRCN Capital
Jeffrey Tesch
Jeffrey TeschRCN Capital
Brando Tessar
Brando TessarCV3 Financial Services
Shaye Wali
Shaye WaliBaseline Software
Jennifer Young
Jennifer YoungFortra Law Firm

Registration.

AAPL Members: $699 per ticket (up to your membership seat limit) and complimentary VIP Reception RSVP (capacity limited/advance RSVP required). Additional employees pay the non-member rate.

Membership Package: $999 includes one ticket, one year of AAPL membership, and complimentary VIP Reception RSVP (capacity limited/advance RSVP required).

Non-Members: $899 online, $999 at the door. VIP Reception: +$199 (capacity limited/advance RSVP required).

Important Registration Information.

Not finding the answers to your questions? Check out our FAQs.

>> Reserve Your Hotel
The 2026 AAPL Room Block is now open! Book your room now before the block sells out. Room block closes October 7, 2026.

Book Now

>> About Membership Bundles
Bundle AAPL membership with ticketing and save $100!

AAPL Membership Benefits

>> AAPL Certifications (Members Only)
Registration deadline is 12PM CST on Friday, November 6. You must purchase and pass Certified Fund Manager 101 (available online here) prior to attending CFM 201 at the conference.

About CPLA & CFM 201

>> Media Release
By registering, you agree to our Media Release & Liability Waiver.

Read the Release & Waiver

>> Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation/refund requests are subject to a $50 per ticket cancellation fee and must be received by 12:00PM CST on August 31, 2026. Refund will be less the amount of any bundled AAPL membership due to the digital nature of associated benefits. Conference attendee substitutions may be requested via email at contact@aaplonline.com and are subject to AAPL’s discretion.

We reserve the right to refuse, restrict, suspend, or terminate event participation at any time, for any reason, and without prior notice. Refunds and credits will be issued as required by law.