IACC Reaches for New Heights with 35th Annual Convention

As the holiday season approaches, people all around the office are dreaming of the gifts they’ll give and receive in December. But commercial collection professionals know the most exciting gifts will be opened January 19-21, 2006 during the 35th Annual Convention of the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC) at the Royal Palm Hotel, Miami Beach, Fla.

Every year since 1971 industry leaders have gathered for the commercial sector’s premier event, to give and receive ideas that improve their businesses. “The IACC annual convention has developed over the recent years into a ‘must-attend’ meeting for anyone pursuing success in the commercial collections industry. For tactical advice such as how to compensate a sales person, or the latest on skiptracing methods?not to mention the networking and quality relationships you’ll build?all in a warm location in January, you just can’t find a better value,” said IACC past president Jim Bessenbacher, Jr.

This year’s agenda features a cocktail & dinner cruise on a luxury yacht on Biscayne Bay, and optional networking opportunities such as a golf outing and a tour of Villa Vizcaya, a landmark home featuring 16th century Italian Renaissance-style architecture and gardens. The information-packed schedule of sessions includes:

• Bankruptcy – With the new bankruptcy law going into effect in October 2005, it is important for everyone in the collection industry to understand what the law means for them. By January, the law will have been effective for three months, and trends may already be emerging.
• How to Bring More Prosperity to Your Business – The goal of this session is to inform of possible hurdles that are keeping you from being as prosperous as you can be. It will open your eyes to how you respond to certain situations, as well as allow you to identify what may be holding you back.
• Valuing Your Agency/Practice – This session will be a valuable overview on exit strategies; continuity after sudden key man loss; business pressures and knowing whether or when you should sell.
• Predictive Dialers in a Commercial Collection Setting – Join Bob Myers from Global Connect as he discusses the future of the dialer. What can the predictive dialer do for you and your company? Listen to him talk about the pros and cons of the tool and share your experiences with your fellow industry professionals.
• Attorney-Agency Rap Session: Expectations and Reality – How do you create a win-win situation, and how can you provide the best service and live up to the expectations of the creditor? Is there a way for the two sides to make each others’ jobs easier? Our presenters will discuss what the attorneys and collection agencies expect from each other.

Registrations received by Dec. 4, 2005 will qualify for discounted fees of $369 for IACC members and $559 for nonmembers. After Dec. 4 registration fees are $444 for members and $671 for nonmembers. To download the registration form online, visit the IACC Web site at http://www.commercialcollector.com/ScriptContent/meeting5.cfm Please note hotel reservations should be made early. Space is limited and room availability is not guaranteed through the conference registration deadline. To receive the group rate, be sure to mention you are with the “International Association of Commercial Collectors” when contacting the hotel.