My 12-Year Journey Building AAPL Twelve years ago, I walked into my first American Association of Private Lenders event with a notebook, a head full of ideas, and a simple question: What could this industry become if we all worked together? Back then, there was no common ground, no shared standards, and certainly no united [...]
Interest rate fluctuations and compression. Economic uncertainty. Trigger-shy capital. Tariffs, inflation, forecasted labor and supply shortages. Bird flu. Sophisticated fraud schemes. Technology advancements youāre not equipped to implementābut your competitor is. Borrowers ghosting you. Co-worker drama. You missed a key detail in that file, and now the deal has gone to hell. Everyone elseās perfect [...]
Meaningful and intentional continuing education is an essential tool enabling lenders to navigate challenges, mitigate risk, and grow their businessesāall while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and accountability. AAPL has long recognized the role education plays in strengthening our community. Thereās a reason our three pillars are education, ethics, and advocacyāwith education placed first. [...]
Yearās end is characterized as a time of reflection ā¦ a slower pace ā¦ a moment to catch a much-needed breath. Fall and early winter recall cozy moments by a fire, warm sweaters, and quality time with loved ones. And yet, as we open the fall season and head into what many consider to be [...]
Despite the transition private lending has been experiencing, itās gratifying to see that our industry has matured and even grown, proving its staying power and role in filling an essential gap among more traditional financial services. As new private lenders enter the space and established businesses grow, where do they find the personnel to underpin [...]
AAPL has formed a member-led fraud steering committee and launched additional initiates to combat fraud in the private lending industry. Because technology has made it easier than ever to perpetuate all kinds of fraud, lenders must defend themselves on multiple fronts. Borrower fraud is one area where our industry stands to lose the most. Whether [...]
We may be ringing in a New Year, but thereās no need to make it a New You. The conversations coming out of our annual conference almost exclusively point in one direction: Success in 2024 will not be gained by finding new frontiers, gutsy pivots, or anything else that may resemble a shiny penny. The [...]
No, not for food. Professionally, are you hungry? Eager to dive into your next deal, project, task? Looking for the next opportunity for your business, your career? Are you invigorated, energized, ready? If your answer is ānope,ā take a moment. Right now. Whatās the block? Is there a change you can makeāhowever smallāthat youāve been [...]
Anyone can claim to be a leader, but the key question is this: Will your teamāand success for your businessāfollow? Good leadership is like the light, permeating into every aspect of the business. Poor leadership, on the other hand, is like the shadow, darkening many areas of the organization. What is the cause and effect [...]
As 2020 closes, any reflection of the past months reaches the same conclusion: This. Year. Has. Been. Hard. The thing thatās held us together is that regardless of whatās going on in the wider world, we know our members and the industry count on us to keep going. Especially during the coronavirus crisis, we have [...]
Membership Questions?
Call 913-888-1250
Nominations are open until August 30, 2025, with voting from September 9-30, 2025.Ā Weāll announce recipients at our Annual Conference.Ā Ā
Member of the Year (MOTY): This award goes to a member based on their deep expertise, unique value, and strong commitment to clients and the industry.
Rising Star: Rising Stars are members who have accomplished outstanding growth in their company or industry sector over the past year.
Community Impact: Recipients improve their local communities or our industry through volunteering, development programs, or civic efforts.
See past award winners, award rules, and participate in the 2025 nomination and voting process here.
VIP RECEPTION // Enjoy cocktails and hors dāoeuvres while catching up with VIPs from across the country, all overlooking the gorgeous Las Vegas Strip. AAPL Members may RSVP during conference registration at no additional cost; for non-members it is $199/ticket.
NETWORKING BREAKFASTS & SESSION BREAKS // Early-risers will appreciate plentiful coffee and a selection of pastries, protein, and more ā along with the opportunity to talk shop in a quieter atmosphere. Session breaks feature an energetic environment with a variety of snacking options.
AFTER-HOURS RECEPTION // Continue conversations with fellow attendees, sponsors, and speakers in the Exhibit Hall while enjoying complimentary hors dāoeuvres and two drink tokens.
OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY // For those who hate to say goodnight, each year a few sponsors plan a little something extra to wrap up your day … or help segue from all-business to all-fun. We’ll mark the party as official and provide information about how to attend.
AAPL APP // The app is your insiders’ guide to getting the most out of #AAPLANNUAL and includes your personalized schedule, conference navigation system, and more! Download now!
Grand PrizeĀ ā Custom Championship Belt & VIP Admission toĀ Power RoomĀ event in St. Augustine, FL (February 27th – March 1st,Ā 2023)
2ndĀ Place ā 2023 AAPL Annual Conference Bundle to include Individual Membership, 1 Conference Ticket and 1 VIP Reception pass.
3rdĀ PlaceĀ ā 1 year AAPL Individual Membership