ROOM B Chicago  | October 15 | Wednesday

Where is Chapter 11 Headed in 2026 and Beyond?

Bruce Nathan, Lowenstein Sandler LLP; Michael Papandrea, Lowenstein Sandler LLP

Large U.S. companies filed chapter 11 cases at the fastest pace in 15 years in 2024, according to S & P Global Market Intelligence, and increased filings are expected to continue through the rest of 2025 and in 2026. The speakers will first discuss this increase, the affected industries (including the increase in manufacturer/industrial filings), and the reasons for the increase, including, most recently, the adverse impact of tariffs and the risk of a global trade war. The speakers will then consider the impact of repeat chapter 11 filings (Chapter 22), the leading bankruptcy venues for large commercial chapter 11 filings, the continued trend toward fast-paced chapter 11 cases, the critical role that creditors’ committees play in maximizing recoveries for trade creditors, and recent developments concerning limiting exposure on preference claims. The speakers will then review the recent slowdown in subchapter V small business bankruptcy filings, the explanation for this slowdown, and recent Subchapter V case law that is a mixed bag for creditors.

Emerging Trends in the Credit Department – Top AR Department Trends in 2025 & Beyond

Nauman Hafeez, NetNow; Eli Costea, NetNow

Survey Insights & Current Landscape
– Analysis of 400+ responses revealing top challenges in credit evaluation and risk management
– Collections and AR management dominate the current workload allocation
– Role of Credit Directors and CFOs in driving departmental change
Technology & Innovation Focus
– AI, automation, and advanced data analysis are transforming credit operations
– Modern fraud prevention strategies and solutions
– Building and implementing successful business cases for technology investments
Strategic Planning & Industry Evolution
– Shifting priorities and resource allocation for credit departments in 2025
– Evolution of Credit & Collections landscape and emerging trends
– Actionable strategies for credit leaders to adapt and succeed

A Panel Discussion on Payment Processing Challenges and Remedies

Matt Fluegge, United Tranzactions; Wanda Borges, Esq., Borges & Associates LLC; Rich Weiss, CBA, Jaeckle Distributors; Terri Eggebeen, Fechheimer Brothers Co; Caroline Perkins, CCE, Mickey Thompson Tires

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly digital B2B environment, efficient and secure payment processing is more critical than ever. This panel discussion brings together finance, operations, and legal experts to explore the evolving landscape of payment collection and processing. Panelists will share real-world experiences and insights on how their organizations have improved Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), navigated common payment challenges, and implemented strategic decisions around payment terms and accepted methods.
Key discussion points:
Top Payment Challenges: Common frustrations in collecting payments and the innovative solutions companies are using to overcome them.
Payment Policy Decisions: Criteria for determining when to require payment upfront versus extending terms, and how companies choose which payment types to accept.
Fraud Prevention: Real-life fraud scenarios and the proactive measures taken to mitigate future risks.
Surcharging Strategies: The financial impact of credit card processing fees, the legal and customer service considerations of implementing surcharges, and how companies are navigating this complex issue.

Private Equity Risk and Reward

Ryan Steiner, Olympic Steel, Inc.

This presentation aims to equip credit managers, particularly those dealing with unsecured loans, to protect themselves from risks associated with private equity (PE) owned customers, a topic often overlooked despite its critical importance. Explore the differences between private equity investment processes, distinguishing between “cultivation” (growth-focused) and “slash and burn” (debt- and extraction-focused) strategies. Understanding these approaches is crucial, as PE-owned companies are significantly more likely to face bankruptcy, necessitating proactive research into their portfolios, holding periods, and past exits, along with diligent credit checks and direct financial inquiries to assess risk.

ROOM B Chicago  | October 15 | Wednesday

Where is Chapter 11 Headed in 2026 and Beyond?

Bruce Nathan, Lowenstein Sandler LLP; Michael Papandrea, Lowenstein Sandler LLP

Large U.S. companies filed chapter 11 cases at the fastest pace in 15 years in 2024, according to S & P Global Market Intelligence, and increased filings are expected to continue through the rest of 2025 and in 2026. The speakers will first discuss this increase, the affected industries (including the increase in manufacturer/industrial filings), and the reasons for the increase, including, most recently, the adverse impact of tariffs and the risk of a global trade war. The speakers will then consider the impact of repeat chapter 11 filings (Chapter 22), the leading bankruptcy venues for large commercial chapter 11 filings, the continued trend toward fast-paced chapter 11 cases, the critical role that creditors’ committees play in maximizing recoveries for trade creditors, and recent developments concerning limiting exposure on preference claims. The speakers will then review the recent slowdown in subchapter V small business bankruptcy filings, the explanation for this slowdown, and recent Subchapter V case law that is a mixed bag for creditors.

Emerging Trends in the Credit Department – Top AR Department Trends in 2025 & Beyond

Nauman Hafeez, NetNow; Eli Costea, NetNow

Survey Insights & Current Landscape
– Analysis of 400+ responses revealing top challenges in credit evaluation and risk management
– Collections and AR management dominate the current workload allocation
– Role of Credit Directors and CFOs in driving departmental change
Technology & Innovation Focus
– AI, automation, and advanced data analysis are transforming credit operations
– Modern fraud prevention strategies and solutions
– Building and implementing successful business cases for technology investments
Strategic Planning & Industry Evolution
– Shifting priorities and resource allocation for credit departments in 2025
– Evolution of Credit & Collections landscape and emerging trends
– Actionable strategies for credit leaders to adapt and succeed

A Panel Discussion on Payment Processing Challenges and Remedies

Matt Fluegge, United Tranzactions; Wanda Borges, Esq., Borges & Associates LLC; Rich Weiss, CBA, Jaeckle Distributors; Terri Eggebeen, Fechheimer Brothers Co; Caroline Perkins, CCE, Mickey Thompson Tires

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly digital B2B environment, efficient and secure payment processing is more critical than ever. This panel discussion brings together finance, operations, and legal experts to explore the evolving landscape of payment collection and processing. Panelists will share real-world experiences and insights on how their organizations have improved Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), navigated common payment challenges, and implemented strategic decisions around payment terms and accepted methods.
Key discussion points:
Top Payment Challenges: Common frustrations in collecting payments and the innovative solutions companies are using to overcome them.
Payment Policy Decisions: Criteria for determining when to require payment upfront versus extending terms, and how companies choose which payment types to accept.
Fraud Prevention: Real-life fraud scenarios and the proactive measures taken to mitigate future risks.
Surcharging Strategies: The financial impact of credit card processing fees, the legal and customer service considerations of implementing surcharges, and how companies are navigating this complex issue.

Private Equity Risk and Reward

Ryan Steiner, Olympic Steel, Inc.

This presentation aims to equip credit managers, particularly those dealing with unsecured loans, to protect themselves from risks associated with private equity (PE) owned customers, a topic often overlooked despite its critical importance. Explore the differences between private equity investment processes, distinguishing between “cultivation” (growth-focused) and “slash and burn” (debt- and extraction-focused) strategies. Understanding these approaches is crucial, as PE-owned companies are significantly more likely to face bankruptcy, necessitating proactive research into their portfolios, holding periods, and past exits, along with diligent credit checks and direct financial inquiries to assess risk.

ROOM B Chicago  | October 16 | Thursday

Standby Letters of Credit Bootcamp

Thomas Fawkes, Partner, Tucker Ellis LLP; Brian Jackiw, Partner, Tucker Ellis LLP

Standby letters of credit represent one of the most powerful tools in a credit professional’s toolbox to provide payment assurance in the event of a customer default. What makes them particularly attractive, compared to other credit enhancements, is that they are “bankruptcy-proof,” meaning that they can be accessed in the event of a bankruptcy and therefore provide creditors with substantial protection against bankruptcy losses. In order for them to be effective, however, they must be properly structured and their requirements must be strictly followed. During this presentation, Thomas Fawkes and Brian Jackiw from Tucker Ellis LLP will provide an overview of standby letters of credit, including how they are created, how they operate, and the steps creditors must take to ensure that they are honored.

Challenges and Successes for Emerging Leaders

Brittany Yvon, CBA, CICP, Seaboard International Forest Products; Angela Kinsel, Echo Electric; Matt Mezger, CBA, Uline

Join a dynamic panel of emerging leaders as they share the challenges and successes they’ve experienced in the credit management profession. This session, designed by emerging leaders for emerging leaders, will explore how to advocate for and drive innovation within your organization. This open forum will provide valuable insights for those looking to shape their future in credit management while learning from peers who are already making an impact.

Understanding Bankruptcy Trends: How Unsecured Creditor Data Shapes Effective Credit Solutions

James Brown, BK Wire

Monitoring companies’ losses through unsecured creditor data provides critical insights into bankruptcy trends and financial vulnerabilities in today’s volatile market. By analyzing this data, credit professionals can identify patterns of risk and adjust credit policies proactively. During this session, BKwire experts will explore certain bankruptcies and how bankruptcy and unsecured creditor insights reveal signs of financial distress, enabling attendees to enhance credit risk management strategies. Attendees will learn to leverage bankruptcy data to anticipate market shifts, mitigate losses, and seize opportunities, with practical examples drawn from recent bankruptcy filings.

ROOM B Chicago  | October 16 | Thursday

Standby Letters of Credit Bootcamp

Thomas Fawkes, Partner, Tucker Ellis LLP; Brian Jackiw, Partner, Tucker Ellis LLP

Standby letters of credit represent one of the most powerful tools in a credit professional’s toolbox to provide payment assurance in the event of a customer default. What makes them particularly attractive, compared to other credit enhancements, is that they are “bankruptcy-proof,” meaning that they can be accessed in the event of a bankruptcy and therefore provide creditors with substantial protection against bankruptcy losses. In order for them to be effective, however, they must be properly structured and their requirements must be strictly followed. During this presentation, Thomas Fawkes and Brian Jackiw from Tucker Ellis LLP will provide an overview of standby letters of credit, including how they are created, how they operate, and the steps creditors must take to ensure that they are honored.

Challenges and Successes for Emerging Leaders

Brittany Yvon, CBA, CICP, Seaboard International Forest Products; Angela Kinsel, Echo Electric; Matt Mezger, CBA, Uline

Join a dynamic panel of emerging leaders as they share the challenges and successes they’ve experienced in the credit management profession. This session, designed by emerging leaders for emerging leaders, will explore how to advocate for and drive innovation within your organization. This open forum will provide valuable insights for those looking to shape their future in credit management while learning from peers who are already making an impact.

Understanding Bankruptcy Trends: How Unsecured Creditor Data Shapes Effective Credit Solutions

James Brown, BK Wire

Monitoring companies’ losses through unsecured creditor data provides critical insights into bankruptcy trends and financial vulnerabilities in today’s volatile market. By analyzing this data, credit professionals can identify patterns of risk and adjust credit policies proactively. During this session, BKwire experts will explore certain bankruptcies and how bankruptcy and unsecured creditor insights reveal signs of financial distress, enabling attendees to enhance credit risk management strategies. Attendees will learn to leverage bankruptcy data to anticipate market shifts, mitigate losses, and seize opportunities, with practical examples drawn from recent bankruptcy filings.