The Pitbull Conference, the largest private lending conference in the U.S., has rebranded and will now be known as the NPLA Conference, according to a recent announcement from Jonathan L. Hornik and Marlboro-based Private Lender Law, the practice group of LaRocca Hornik Rosen & Greenberg.
Hornik, the new owner of the conference and the National Private Lenders Association, or NPLA, said the strategic mission shift will mark the beginning of a monumental evolution for the industry.
“This will revolutionize the private lending industry and bring a whole host of positive changes eagerly anticipated by leaders in the space — providing much-needed networking and education support during these tumultuous times,” Hornik said.
The new conference name solidifies the connection between the National Private Lenders Association — the private lending industry’s leading voice — and the longest-running private lender conference in the nation.
“Our new name and visual identity reflect our commitment to education, networking and entertainment,” Hornik said. “People come to this conference to do business and make deals, and our rebranding attests to the conference’s high caliber and commitment to networking and dealmaking. The conference’s mission to provide top-quality networking opportunities and real-time content will remain central.”
To that end, the new site will detail what attendees can expect for the NPLA Conference’s upcoming 58th edition, taking place June 19-21 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.
“This will be an unforgettable three-day event laser-focused on elevating the core principles of networking, education and entertainment,” Hornik added.
The afternoon networking sessions have been expanded, and entertainment of all types will be included. Hornik said there will be opportunities to make business connections. Moreover, there will be exceptional educational opportunities, an area in which the conference is especially well known for its excellence.
“The NPLA membership will be involved in panels, presentations and every other aspect of the 58th NPLA Conference,” Hornik said. “Moving forward, the NPLA will power both the primary association and conference.”
The 58th edition of the NPLA conference promises high-quality entertainment alongside best-in-class information sessions. The event will open with a charity poker tournament, followed by a VIP cocktail party June 20 and late-night after-party June 21. Golf tournaments are part of the agenda, as well.
“The rebranded NPLA conference will continue to prioritize relationship building through entertainment,” Hornik said. “Opportunities to drink, dine and break bread with others in the private lending space will abound.”
Hornik and Private Lender Law completed their acquisition of the NPLA and the conference in November 2022. Hornik emphasized that the conference played a vital role in his own success story.
“All of my meaningful business relationships come from decades of attending the conference,” Hornik said. “I’m grateful to the conference for helping to grow Private Lender Law into the largest U.S. full-service private lending law firm, and I’m ecstatic to build the NPLA Conference into an event where others in the space can continue to experience the same benefits. Our new positioning is the launch pad for continued growth and success.”
For more information, and to register, visit the newly launched conference website at NPLAconference.com.