Equipment Finance Connect 2026 kicks off today, bringing together lenders, dealers, economists and fintech leaders to discuss the future of equipment finance, technology innovation and market trends shaping the industry.  

View the full event agenda here. 

As the equipment finance industry navigates shifting interest rates, tighter credit conditions and rapid technology adoption, executives and industry experts will examine how lenders and dealers are adapting operations, improving efficiencies and positioning for growth. 

The two-day event will feature presentations, panel discussions, fireside chats and technology demonstrations focused on market conditions, digital transformation, compliance and evolving dealer-lender relationships. 

The conference opens with a presentation on the 2026 market and funding outlook led by Martin Lavelle, senior business economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Lavelle will discuss interest rates, business credit health, financing margins and equipment finance performance amid ongoing industry bankruptcies.  

Other featured speakers include: 

• Kirk Mann, executive vice president and head of transportation and vendor solutions at Mitsubishi HC Capital America; 

• Andy Suhy, chief executive officer of Premier Equipment Solutions; and 

• Mehul Madia, special counsel at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton. 

The event will also spotlight innovation through tech demonstrations from Aloan, Cosmos AI, DataCRaiM, Ekho and The Origination API.  

During the conference, speakers will address questions including: 

• How are current interest rates and credit conditions affecting dealer and lender profitability? 

• What role can technology play in improving dealer-lender workflows and customer experiences? 

• What effect are AI infrastructure investments and digital platforms having on equipment finance operations? 
• How are lenders adapting compliance strategies amid new regulatory requirements and bankruptcy trends?

• How are rental utilization trends reshaping financing, fleet management and equipment operations? 

Equipment Finance Connect 2026 concludes Tuesday, May 19. Follow ongoing coverage at equipmentfinancenews.com.