Events

AAPL Annual #16: Insights, Strategy, and Connection

November 4, 2025 For more than seven years, Kat Hungerford has played a central role at the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL), where she manages the organization’s digital systems, editorial content, and programming — including for the industry’s flagship event: the AAPL Annual Conference. In this exclusive conversation with The Elite Officer, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming AAPL Annual #16 (Las Vegas, November 10–11, 2025) — a two-day event built around innovation, insight, and connection. 900+ of our industry peers come back again, and again, and again—making this not only the largest event for the industry, but one that annually breaks its own record. That speaks clearer than I ever could about why this is the one event you shouldn’t miss. — Kat Hungerford STRATEGY, GROWTH & CAPITAL Uriel: Kat, it’s great to have you here — and congratulations on your outstanding work with AAPL. You’ve been part of the organization’s growth for years, so I’m curious: if you had to sum up this year’s conference in just one word, what would it be? Kat: Thank you, Uriel. And the word of the day is adaptability. “Ever-changing, ever-evolving” is a trope in every industry these days, but that’s because it’s also the one constant. Our programming reflects that need to help professionals prepare, pivot, and grow. Uriel: Adaptability — I like that. It feels like the perfect theme for what’s happening in private lending right now. Speaking of adapting and planning ahead, which of the strategic sessions would you say really set the tone for 2025? Kat: We work incredibly hard to ensure sessions contain actionable takeaways and points of interest for every single attendee, dialing into both the macro and micro trends within lenders’ businesses and externally to our industry and beyond. It’s the greatest compliment to hear complaints about not being able to pick between breakouts (which is also why all our sessions are recorded) And pro tip: If you’re stuck, pick the session you think you’ll have the most questions. Before afternoon concurrent breakouts, we start the conference at the macro level, so be sure to have boots on the ground starting 8:30AM on Tuesday with these presentations: “The 2026 Playbook”, presented by Nema Daghbandanand Kevin Kim from Fortra Law, gives lenders a clear roadmap for the year ahead, backed by data from what we’ve seen so far. “Future-Proof Capital”, led by William Tessar(CV3 Financial Services) and Eddie Wilson (AAPL), focuses on building resilient funding models that thrive through market cycles. Our keynote — “The Corporate Credit Outlook”with John Bringardner from Debtwire — will set the tone for macroeconomic trends impacting the industry. TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY Uriel: Technology seems to have a bigger role than ever this year — almost like it’s no longer just a supporting tool, but part of the core strategy for lenders. Kat: If you’re wondering why, it’s because in our estimation, we’ve hit a nexus between availability, accessibility, and adoption. These days, cutting-edge isn’t limited to big budgets—which is both a potential advantage and a threat. You’ll see both sides of that coin discussed in the tech-focused sessions we’ve earmarked: “AI Adoption and Operational Efficiency”with Ben Fertig (Constructive Capital) explores automation, fraud prevention, and measurable ROI. “Emerging Technologies in Private Lending”with Shaye Wali and Jonathan Keebler (Baseline Software) takes a deep dive into AI, blockchain, and tokenization. And the “From Overhead to Opportunity”panel focuses on cost control, outsourcing, and smart automation to boost profitability. RELATIONSHIPS, TRUST & LEADERSHIP Uriel: I love that balance between strategy and innovation — but at the end of the day, lending is still a people business. Many of this year’s sessions seem to highlight that human side — relationships, leadership, and how teams actually make it all work. Kat: Math still has to math, technology must work, but people will always be at the heart of a business’s success or failure. Several sessions tap into the human side of the resources equation. “Borrower Trust = Lending Power”with Tim Landwehr (Anchor Loans) explores how transparency and authenticity drive borrower loyalty. “Brokers: Not a Four-Letter Word” –led by John Santilli with speakers from Vault Financial, Marchants Mortgage & Trust, and Doss La—redefines the lender-broker dynamic, showing how collaboration creates efficiency. And “The Professional Pivot”— led by Carrie Cook (Ignite Funding) with speakers from CV3, Appraisal Nation, and CohnReznick — covers personal branding, career reinvention, and lessons from bold leadership moves. COMPLIANCE, RISK & REGULATION Uriel: Beyond the human side, there’s always the part that keeps everyone on their toes — compliance. It’s one of those topics that never stops evolving. What’s new or different in that area this year? Kat: Two sessions really stand out. “Don’t Blacklist Your Way to Cour,”moderated by Steve Ernest, Esq. (Fortra Law), examines the legal risks of shared blacklists and the fine line between caution and overreach. During one of my first committee meetings seven years ago, we were asked to create a shared blacklist. This session will share why that remains a “no,” but provide other avenues toward the underlying need that serve to protect our members and industry. Then, “Valuations & Inspections: Factual, Fluffed, or Faked?”, moderated by Craig Stack(Truepic) with experts from Roc Capital, PCV Murcor, and Cathedral CPAs, focuses on maintaining valuation integrity and detecting fraud in due diligence. MARKET INSIGHTS & DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS Uriel: And for those looking to understand broader market movements? Kat: “It’s an Avocado Toast Nation” is one of my favorites — moderated by Ray Sturm (Blue Lake) with Jeffrey Tesch (RCN Capital), Hernan Hernandez (Bedrock Servicing), and Chad Murphy (Richey May). It’s a creative discussion about how shifting demographics and generational housing needs are reshaping lending strategies.Also, “Institutional Capital Blinders?” brings together top executives like John Beacham (Toorak Capital Partners), Kirill Bensonoff (New Silver), and Ryan Sailor (Diya) to debate the future of institutional capital and its impact on independent lenders. NETWORKING & COMMUNITY Uriel: AAPL is known for fostering real connections. How will that play out this year? Kat: One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced as our conference continues to grow is maintaining that feeling of being able to attend and find the right people who will truly help take your business