ELFA - Equipment Leasing and Finance Association - Equipping Business for Success

Equity Forum

July 09 - July 10, 2024
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, PA

Equity Forum

July 09 - July 10, 2024
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, PA

Equity Forum

July 09 - July 10, 2024

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, PA



Together Towards Tomorrow!

The ELFA Equity Committee is thrilled to invite you to the Equity Forum, taking place on July 9-10th at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, PA. The theme for this year’s event is Together Towards Tomorrow - Embracing Diversity, Ensuring Equity, and Bridging the Generational Gap. The Equity Forum promises to be an inspiring event where we'll come together to tackle pressing issues surrounding diversity, equity, and intergenerational collaboration. Join us for an exciting and enlightening experience that promises to spark meaningful dialogue and drive positive change.

Here's what you can expect:

  • Engaging Keynote Speakers: Gain insights from renowned experts who are leading the charge in creating a more inclusive society.
  • Thought-Provoking Panel Discussions: Participate in interactive sessions featuring diverse perspectives and experiences.
  • Practical Workshops: Take part in hands-on workshops focusing on actionable strategies for promoting equity in various settings.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations committed to driving positive change.
  • Showcase of Best Practices: Discover innovative initiatives and successful efforts to bridge generational gaps and foster understanding.
  • Resources for Continued Growth: Access valuable resources and tools to continue your journey towards building a more equitable future.

NEW in 2024: Emergence2024 will also take place July 11-12th at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, PA. Receive a $75 discount if you register for both events. Don’t miss out!

For questions contact Janet Fianko at jfianko@elfaonline.org. Choose a Package

Who Should Attend?

Entry-level employees can gain valuable insights into equity issues early in their careers and network with more experienced colleagues and industry leaders, fostering mentorship, inclusion and career development.

Mid-level professionals can deepen their understanding of equity-related challenges and opportunities within the equipment leasing and finance industry and can learn about best practices and innovative approaches for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations.

Senior-level executives play a crucial role in driving equity initiatives within their organizations and shaping industry-wide strategies. Participation in the Equity Forum provides senior executives with opportunities to gain insights from thought leaders, experts, and practitioners in the field and demonstrate their commitment to equity and social responsibility, which can enhance their company's reputation and brand.

Sponsorships!

Why should I sponsor this event?

Your sponsorship offers several important benefits, including increased visibility, leadership status and a reputation as an industry supporter. You gain opportunities to engage one on one with the next generation in the industry and it allows attendees to form positive opinions about your company when your business is tied to goodwill events. It’s also a great opportunity to engage and grow your reputation and image as a change agent in the industry. Studies have shown the current workforce loves brands that care about spreading positive messages and helping the community. Linking your business to a worthy cause like The Equity Forum can draw new talent, brand loyalty and lasting support and media attention.

To receive more information about sponsoring, please contact Steve Wafalosky at 440-247-1060 or stevew@cvmpmedia.com.


Registration Fees

Price Description Amount
Attendee - Member Price $540.00
Attendee - Non Member $1080.00
Equity Committee Member $495.00
ETAC Mem Emerg C'ttee Mem and Equity Forum Attend $495.00
Speaker $220.00
Speaker - Non Member $220.00

View cancellation and other policies

Schedule

Download the conference schedule for session descriptions and a list of speakers.

Available Functions

Tuesday - July 09
  Dietary Restictions
  Dine Around
Note: An email will be sent out prior to the conference with instructions for choosing your desired restaurant.
Wednesday - July 10
  Charity Network Event
July 10th Charity and Networking Event Sponsored by ETAC and the Equity Committee. This event will be capped at 30 attendees.

Speakers

Robert Boyer CLFP

President
First Commonwealth Equipment Finance


Robert Boyer is currently President of First Commonwealth Equipment Finance, a division of First Commonwealth Bank. Most recently, he was Senior Director and Senior Vice President at TCF Capital Solutions, a division of TCF Bank. Prior to that, he was the President of BB&T Commercial Equipment Capital Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T), now Truist.

He is the 2024 ELFA Board Chair.

Rob has held a variety of positions throughout his career, including Sales Executive, Syndications Manager, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Syndications and Executive Vice President. He has served as Treasurer of the ELFA Board and is a member of its Executive Committee. Previously, he chaired ELFA’s Membership Committee and Small Ticket Business Council Steering Committee. He also has served as a Director for the Certified Leasing and Finance Professional Foundation (CLFP).

Rob has been working in the equipment finance industry since 1995. He holds a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University and attended the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking.


Christianne Garofalo

Partner
Equiida


Christianne Garofalo is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ San Francisco office, West Coast leader of Heidrick Consulting, and head of the Diversity & Inclusion Practice in the Americas. For more than 20 years, she has helped organizations activate talent by using cutting-edge practices that engage, retain, and deploy an organization’s most valuable resource—it’s people.

Miles Herman

Chief Executive Officer
LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.





Mr. Herman is President and Chief Operating Officer of LEAF since its formation in 2011 and held a similar position at LFC starting in 2001.  Mr. Herman has more than 25 years of operations experience at commercial finance and leasing companies in various senior executive operational roles with Fidelity Leasing, Inc. and its successor, the Technology Finance Group of CitiCapital Vendor Finance, as well as Tokai Financial Services, LSI Leasing Services, Inc. and Master Lease Corporation.  Mr. Herman holds a B.S. degree Honors from Villanova University.


DelRoy Stauffer CLFP

VP, Sales
Odessa



David Stephens

Development and Engagement Manager
Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation


From flipping burgers in rural Oklahoma to working in the United States Senate, David Stephens learned the importance of finding mentors who influenced his career and life's direction. Driven by a vision of equality and change, he strives to be a connector to foster a more unified nation that benefits everyone. David has joined the industry as an Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation team member. You can always find him in line waiting for an iced coffee or talking about the one time he ran a half-marathon.


Sponsors

Hotel Information

The Equity Foum will be held at the Hilton Philadelphia Penn’s Landing, 201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Rooms at the hotel are available to conference attendees at a discounted rate of $219 +tax. The discounted room rate is available until EITHER the room block sells out OR the discounted rate expires on June 19, 2024, at 6:00pm ET. Check in time is 4:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00 am.

Make hotel reservations through the online link below or by calling reservations at 1 (800) 774-1500.

Make hotel reservations online here: www.hilton.com/reservations

REMEMBER The discounted rate has been extended and now expires on August 1, 2024, at 6:00pm ET. Reservations made after this date are based on hotel availability and may be at a higher rate.

Steps from waterfront activities on the Delaware River, the hotel is a mile from the Liberty Bell, the convention center, Reading Terminal, and the Museum of the American Revolution. Adjacent to Spruce Street Harbor Park and walking distance to shops and galleries in Old City - you will enjoy river views and easy walking distance to restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

Getting There

The Hilton Philadelphia Penn’s Landing is located 12 miles/20 minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Parking
Parking is available at $37 per day for self-parking. Non-Hotel guests are not guaranteed parking.

RiverLink Ferry
The RiverLink Ferry dock is located just outside the hotel doors. The Ferry takes passengers across the Delaware River to Camden, NJ, on a 15-minute ride. Ferry schedules and ticket information may be found at https://www.riverlinkferry.com/. The Ferry ticket booth and boat entrance is located at Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106. The booth and entrance are adjacent to the Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
201 South Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Get directions