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 ClassesVIP Nightclub ReceptionExcellence Awards • 15+ Educational Sessions & PanelsPrivate Lender Roundtables • Packed Vendor HallNetworking ReceptionOfficial After Party

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

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.

Considering 2025 Annual Conference Sponsorship?

We are now sold out of booth space but have opened a waitlist and additional 2025 event sponsorship opportunities. 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.

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.

MONDAY, NOV. 10
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. 7
No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm Registration


1:00PM – 5:00PM

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


5:00PM – 8:00PM [ACTIVITY RSVP REQUIRED]

Anchor Loans High Roller Reception
Keep your feet on the ground or join the view in the air during this casual mixer hosted by Anchor Loans at the LINGQ's High Roller Observation Wheel. RSVP here by November 7.


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

Exclusive VIP Reception
Drai's Nightclub at The Cromwell
RSVP Required during conference registration
No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm RSVP

TUESDAY, NOV. 11
MAIN SESSION DAY


7:30AM – 5:00PM

Registration & Exhibit Hall Open
Breakfast


8:30AM – 11:45AM

Morning Main Stage Sessions


11:45AM – 1:00PM

Lunch (Not Provided – On Your Own)


1:00PM – 4:45PM

Afternoon Concurrent Breakout Sessions


5:00PM – 6:00PM

Private Lender Roundtables


5:00PM – 7:00PM

Networking Reception


7:00PM – 9:00PM

Official After Party TBA


9:ooAM – 12:00PM

The Efficiency Playbook for Private Lenders
Streamline your lending operations from "lead" to "close." In this hands-on session, Shaye Wali from Baseline Software shares proven strategies to eliminate bottlenecks, simplify workflows, and build a scalable foundation for growth. Walk away with a practical resource you can implement immediately (literally—session attendees will receive the playbook).


9:ooAM – 5:30PM

Certified Private Lender Associate
Certified Fund Manager 201
AAPL Members Only, Registration Required
Registration closes 12:00PM CST Friday, Nov. 7
No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm RSVP


1:00PM – 5:00PM

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


5:00PM – 8:00PM [ACTIVITY RSVP REQUIRED]

Anchor Loans High Roller Reception
Keep your feet on the ground or join the view in the air during this casual mixer hosted by Anchor Loans at the LINGQ's High Roller Observation Wheel. RSVP here by November 7.


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

Exclusive VIP Reception
Drai's Nightclub at The Cromwell Hotel

No Walk-Ups for ANYONE: 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.

Below is our 2024 Conference schedule to demonstrate the day's general structure and session subject matter. The 2025 schedule will be released early October to ensure the event covers the industry's most on-demand and topical educational content.

7:30AM – 5:00PM

Attendee Registration & Exhibit Hall Open


8:30AM – 8:50AM

2025 State of the Association and Excellence Awards
Eddie Wilson, Chairman, and Linda Hyde, President, American Association of Private Lenders
2025 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 – 9:30AM

The Corporate Credit Outlook – Volatility and Opportunity
John Bringardner, Executive Editor, Debtwire
Corporate credit markets have had a rollercoaster year, swinging from the depths of despair in the wake of April's "Liberation Day" tariff announcements, to a record wave of refinancing activity this fall – with a few major defaults along the way. Bringardner, an influential voice in credit markets and distressed debt, will share his expert insights on the evolving landscape of private lending, credit risk, and macroeconomic trends shaping the alternative finance sector. .


9:30AM – 10:30AM

The 2026 Playbook: Success Blueprints for Private Lenders of all Sizes
Nema Daghbandan, Esq. and Kevin Kim, Esq., Partners, Fortra Law
This dynamic session is packed with fresh market insights and proven strategies designed to give private lenders of every size a competitive edge. Discover the latest data shaping the industry and walk away with practical, actionable steps to fuel growth and set your business up for success in 2026 and beyond.


10:45AM – 11:45AM

Future-Proof Capital: Navigating Market Cycles and Building Enduring Lending Models
William J. Tessar CV3 Financial Services and Eddie Wilson, Chairman, AAPL
Join two of the industry's most influential leaders as they explore capital strategies that withstand shifting market cycles. From origination funding and warehouse lines to securitizations and loan sales, William and Eddie will analyze today's capital availability and terms, discuss balance sheet diversification tactics, and share insights to help you secure stability, resilience, and competitive advantage.


11:45AM – 1:00PM

Lunch (Not Provided)


1:00PM – 1:45PM

Borrower Trust = Lending Power: Building Brand in a Crowded Market
Rayman Mathoda, Anchor Loans
Rayman Mathoda 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>> Too Big to Scale
James Gaskin, Renovo Financial; Melissa Martorella Esq., Fortra Law; More TBA
In a hyper-competitive market, the secret to sourcing the best deals might just be to go small. Let's talk about lender models that emphasize local as a vital element in growth strategy: office branches, boots-on-the-ground employees, local vendors, and more.
Panel>> What A Drop 
Ernesto Rostoker, BRI Private Lending; Kevin Shipman, Crebrid LLC; More TBA
From FHA loan mortgage assistance changes and Fed rate adjustments to oval office tariff action and ICE deportations, this year has been a hotbed of policy activity. Politics aside, let's dig into the practicalities of what this all really means for day-to-day lender operations.

2:00PM – 2:45PM

AI Adoption and Operational Efficiency
Ben Fertig, Constructive Capital
Learn from Constructive Capital's example about how lenders of all sizes can leverage today's AI tech to support brokers and clients, enhance fraud prevention, manage risk, and safely automate processes. This session will also explore the real ROI, transparency requirements, and other long-term considerations.
Panel>> Institutional Capital Blinders?
Jeffrey Tesch, RCN Capital [Moderator]; John Beacham, Toorak; Kirill Bensonoff, New Silver; More TBA
Wall Street and secondary market appetite for private loans has never been higher. But are we soon to be at risk for an influx reminiscent of institutional iBuyers? We'll host a candid conversation on capital and how to remain viable as the industry matures.
Panel>> The Professional Pivot
Carrie Cook, Ignite Funding [Moderator]; Jack Helfrich, CV3 Financial; Michael Tedesco, Appraisal Nation; More TBA
Some of the industry's biggest names have made bold moves in recent years—but these aren't shakeups: They're what happens in any established industry. This discussion will span personal branding, career shifts, ethical headhunting, business pivots, and more.

3:00PM – 3:45PM

Emerging Technologies in Private Lending
Shaye Wali & Jonathan Keebler, Baseline Software
Private lending is entering a new phase as technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain change how lenders operate. This panel will explore how these tools are shaping the industry today and what they mean for the future. Panelists will discuss how AI is improving processing, underwriting, risk assessment, and borrower communication, while also noting its current limits. They will examine how blockchain can add transparency and security to loan processes and whether tokenization can be a realistic and cheaper alternative to securitization. The session will give you a clear, straightforward view of which technologies are worth paying attention to and how they can help lenders stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Panel>> It's An Avocado Toast Nation
Jeffrey Tesch, RCN Capital; More TBA
These days we breathe market and economic numbers. But what about the people behind them? Changing demographics, attitudes, and housing needs are transforming our nation—learn what's happening now, and where the opportunity is.
Panel>> Valuations & Inspections: Factual, Fluffed, or Faked?
Craig Stack, Truepic [Moderator]; Eric Abramovich, Roc Capital; Henry Chavez, Cathedral CPA's & Advisors; Marc Tatarcuk, PCV Murcor
Accurate property valuation is the bedrock of every deal. But the three-comp, subjective process is rife with simple oversights, intentional misrepresentation, and actual fraud. This solutions-driven discussion will explore what's happening now and how to mitigate risk.

4:00PM – 4:45PM

Panel>> Don't Blacklist Your Way to Court
Steve Ernest, Esq., Fortra Law, [Moderator]; Tyler Bohn, Deephaven; Sam Kaddah, Liquid Logics; More TBA
With shady vendors, bad borrowers and other do not lend challenges, it's time to talk the elephant in the room. Shared blacklists mean risk: truth in lending, anti-trust, defamation, and more. Learn the right way to protect your business while staying compliant.
Panel>> Brokers: Not a Four-Letter Word
Christopher Donovan, Doss Law; More TBA
A few years ago, it might as well have been—but in today's market, brokers are everyone's favorite five-letter word: an asset. Ahem. The right brokers. Learn how to vet, onboard, track performance, and incentivize your MVPs to earn more and better deals in your pipeline.
Panel>> From Overhead to Opportunity
Marcus Carter, La Mesa Fund Control [Moderator]; Marco Castaneda, Velocity Mortgage; Sourabh Chirimir, The Mortgage Office; More TBA
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.

5:00PM – 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

5:00PM-7:00PM

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


7:00PM-9:00PM

2025 Official After-Party Not ready to turn in? Attend AAPL's Official After Party , details TBA.


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.

MONDAY, NOV. 10
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. 7
No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm Registration


1:00PM – 5:00PM

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


8:00PM – 10:00PM

Exclusive VIP Reception
Location TBA
RSVP Required
Registration closes 12:00PM CST Friday, Nov. 7
No Walk-Ups: Check the AAPL Conference App to Confirm RSVP

TUESDAY, NOV. 11
MAIN SESSION DAY


7:30AM – 5:00PM

Registration & Exhibit Hall Open
Breakfast


8:30AM – 11:45AM

Morning Main Stage Sessions


11:45AM – 1:00PM

Lunch (Not Provided)


1:00PM – 4:45PM

Afternoon Concurrent Breakout Sessions


5:00PM – 6:00PM

Private Lender Roundtables


5:00PM – 7:00PM

Networking Reception


7:00PM – 9:00PM

After Party TBA


       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 - 2025

   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 - 2023

   … 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 - 2023

     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 - 2023

      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.

We are now sold out of booth space but have opened a waitlist and additional 2025 event sponsorship opportunities. 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.

Title

CV3 Financial Services

Platinum

RCN Capital

Gold

Liquid Logics

Silver

Exhibitors & Others

Olympia Financial
PMF - Private Mortgage Fund LLC
PMF - Private Mortgage Fund LLC
Scotsman Guide

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 DaghbandanPartner, Fortra Law
Nema Daghbandan is a Partner at Fortra Law, representing mortgage lenders, brokers, and loan servicers. He specializes in business purpose mortgage loan documents and compliance for commercial, residential, construction, and multi-family transactions.
Bill J. Tessar
Bill J. TessarCEO and President
Bill Tessar is a visionary lending leader with 35+ years of mortgage industry expertise. With a proven track record of scaling organizations to new heights, he launched CV3 in 2023—funding nearly $3B in just two years—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
Christy Young Barger
Christy Young BargerCornerstone Licensing Services
John Beacham
John BeachamToorak Capital Partners
Kirill Bensonoff
Kirill BensonoffNew Silver
Tyler Bohn
Tyler BohnDeephaven
Thayne Boren
Thayne BorenSekady
John Bringardner
John BringardnerDebtwire
This could be you!
This could be you!
Marcus Carter
Marcus CarterLa Mesa Fund Control
Marco Castaneda
Marco CastanedaVelocity Mortgage
Megan Castleton
Megan CastletonConstructive Capital
Henry Chavez, CPA
Henry Chavez, CPACathedral CPA's & Advisors
Sourabh Chirimir
Sourabh ChirimirThe Mortgage Office
Merced Cohen
Merced CohenCV3
Carrie Cook
Carrie CookIgnite Funding
Christopher Donovan
Christopher DonovanDoss Law
Steven Ernest
Steven ErnestFortra Law Firm
Ben Fertig
Ben FertigConstructive Capital
 Jeffrey T. Furtado
Jeffrey T. FurtadoMortgage Automator
David Grey
David GreyAnchor Loans
Jack Helfrich
Jack HelfrichCV3
Linda Hyde
Linda HydeAmerican Association of Private Lenders
Kat Hungerford
Kat HungerfordAmerican Association of Private Lenders
Sam Kaddah
Sam KaddahLiquid Logics
Jonathan Keebler
Jonathan KeeblerBaseline Software
Kevin Kim
Kevin KimFortra Law Firm
Justin Land
Justin LandMerchants Mortgage & Trust Corporation
Melissa Martorella
Melissa MartorellaFortra Law Firm
Rayman Mathoda
Rayman MathodaAnchor Loans
Brian David Mielke
Brian David MielkeThe Servion Group
Nichole Moore
Nichole MooreFortra Law Firm
Chad Murphy
Chad MurphyRichey May
Justin Parker
Justin ParkerRCN Capital
Ernesto Rostoker
Ernesto RostokerRBI Private Lending
Jared Reyes
Jared ReyesMerchants Mortgage & Trust Corporation
Andres Saias
Andres SaiasRBI Private Lending
Kevin Shipman
Kevin ShipmanCrebrid LLC
Brett Sims
Brett SimsRenovo Financial
Craig Stack
Craig StackTruepic
Marc Tatarcuk
Marc TatarcukPCV Murcor
Michael Tedesco
Michael TedescoAppraisal Nation
Jacob Therrien
Jacob TherrienBridge Loan Network
Jeffrey Tesch
Jeffrey TeschRCN Capital
Shaye Wali
Shaye WaliChief Executive Officer
Eddie Wilson
Eddie WilsonChairman, AAPL
Jennifer Young
Jennifer YoungFortra Law Firm

Registration.

AAPL member tickets are always $699 with free RSVP to our VIP Reception. You may select up to the number of seats in your AAPL membership; all additional employees should be registered at the non-member rate.

Non-member tickets to the main day of the conference are $899 online and $999 as a walk-up. Non-Member RSVP to the VIP Reception is an additional $199.

VIP Reception ticketing for both members and non-members typically reaches space capacity a week before the event. Only attendees with an RSVP on their ticketing or with prior written (email) authorization by AAPL staff are permitted entry.

Important Registration Information.

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

>> Reserve Your Hotel
The 2025 AAPL Room Block is open! It WILL sell out, book now to ensure your reservation. To book outside our block, visit Caesars Palace's room reservations.

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

>> AAPL Certifications (Members Only)
Registration deadline is 12PM CST on Friday, November 9. You must purchase and pass Certified Fund Manager 101 (available online here) prior to attending CFM 201 at the conference.

>> Media Release
By registering, you agree to our Media Release & Liability 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, 2025. 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.