ACA International's 71st Annual Convention and Exposition Opens

Credit and collection professionals from across the United States and around the world are gathering this week in Washington, D.C., for ACA International’s 71st Annual Convention and Exposition.

With four days packed full of educational sessions and workshops, networking events, vendor exhibits, advocacy on Capitol Hill and the collective knowledge of approximately 1,200 attendees, the ACA Convention began on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Opening-day events included ACA’s Collection Floor Management Seminar, an executive workshop about maximizing the value of a business, four super sessions, an opening general session honoring retiring former ACA CEO Gary Rippentrop, CAE, a performance by satirical troupe The Capitol Steps and a welcome reception in the ACA Expo Hall.

Credit and collection professionals attend the ACA Convention for a wide variety of reasons. Most participants are planning to take advantage of the 30 educational workshops, seminars and sessions. Many will find significant value in the Expo Hall, which is packed with vendors offering products and services designed to help attendees work more effectively. And, of course, with so many credit and collection professionals gathered in one location, attendees are exchanging ideas and solutions amongst each other.

“Nearly everything I learned about this business, I learned at ACA conventions and meetings,” 2009/10 President-Elect Martin Sher told new convention attendees at the First-Timers Welcome Reception. “The real value is everybody getting to know each other here. Network and talk to everybody and you’ll understand why.”

Whatever their reasons for attending, ACA convention attendees have many opportunities to expand their knowledge, make new connections and, ultimately, improve their businesses.