Miami, Florida –Held over November 9-11 at the Fontainebleau Hotel, the 2016 72nd Annual CFA Convention hosted an incredibly popular variety of speakers and panels. There were over 1,000 attendees, a sold-out Exhibit Hall, and tied a record number of sponsors.

The 2016 convention saw sunny skies and highs in the low eighties all three days. This beautiful weather paired with the unmatched locale created the perfect atmosphere for guests and allowed for an outdoor opening networking reception. Attendees were drawn from all around the country to experience a few days of renowned speakers, topical panels and fun networking.

2016 CFA Convention Highlights

The headlining speakers at this year’s convention included high-profile political opponents Governor Jeb Bush and Governor Martin O’Malley, moderated by Terrence Shephard, News Director at WLRN. Their discussion on the results of Tuesday’s election dealt with their insights as former candidates, as well as their views on the future of the country.

The Keynote Speaker Presentation. Left to Right: Martin O’Malley, Terrence Shepherd, Jeb Bush.
The Keynote Speaker Presentation. Left to Right: Martin O’Malley, Terrence Shepherd, Jeb Bush.

Attendees and their guests enjoyed a Thursday lunch with Venus Williams, International Tennis Champion. This lunch focused on what it means to be a champion and how Venus has made is as far as she has in sports, business, and writing. The concluding lunch event starred former CIA agent James Olson. Steven Gold, CEO of Allied Financial and Convention Committee Chairperson, states, “he was an incredible speaker who left the audience speechless as we listened to a true patriotic hero.”

 

Venus Williams and Steven Gold
Venus Williams and Steven Gold
James Olson, former spy for the CIA
James Olson, former spy for the CIA

 

Allied Financial and the 2016 CFA Convention

Chaired by Allied Financial’s Steven Gold, the 2016 convention was a testament to the lending community’s investment in the future, from finance to national security and far beyond.

Seven Gold opened the convention with welcoming remarks to industry professionals and their guests.
Seven Gold opened the convention with welcoming remarks to industry professionals and their guests.

Mr. Gold founded Allied Financial — a leading lender in their industry — almost a decade and a half ago. He is an active member of the Commercial Finance Association currently serving on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. In addition to serving as this year’s Committee Chair for the annual convention, he is also the Chairperson of the Chapter Leader’s Committee. He served as President of the Atlanta Chapter for nearly 3 years and remains active as the longest tenured Board Member of the Chapter. He is also an active member of the Turnaround Management Association and the Georgia Bankers Association.