MILANO II | September 10
9:45 — 11:00 a.m. CT
Terms of Sale and Cost of AR
Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O’Lakes
In this session, we will be discussing the cost of carrying accounts receivable. This will include both the real and recognized costs, along with the hidden costs. In addition, during this session, the cost of extended terms will be discussed, and how you can build strategies around those requests.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
How to Handle Difficult Conversations
Diana Crowe, NACM Southwest
At one point in our lives or another, we’re going to be in a position that requires us to have a difficult conversation. Understanding WHY these conversations have to happen, HOW to actually have the conversation, and WHAT guidelines we should follow will help ensure the conversation goes as smoothly as possible AND brings about the desired results. This session reviews all these elements and incorporates techniques for doing them effectively.
1:30 – 2:45 p.m. CT
Cost-Effective and Efficient Ways to Mitigate Risk and Prioritize Collections
Rich Steinkoenig, NACM Connect
Our panel will discuss the different strategies that credit professionals use to drive their working capital and mitigate future risk. The session will include leveraging your NACM benefits and the benefits that our partners offer to help your credit team drive working capital and mitigate future risks. Participants will share best practices and strategies that have brought them success.
3:15 – 4:30 p.m. CT
Where is Chapter 11 Headed in 2026 and Beyond?
Andrew Behlmann, Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP; Colleen Restel, Partner, 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 discuss 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.
MILANO II | September 10
9:45 — 11:00 a.m. CT
Terms of Sale and Cost of AR
Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O’Lakes
In this session, we will be discussing the cost of carrying accounts receivable. This will include both the real and recognized costs, along with the hidden costs. In addition, during this session, the cost of extended terms will be discussed, and how you can build strategies around those requests.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
How to Handle Difficult Conversations
Diana Crowe, NACM Southwest
At one point in our lives or another, we’re going to be in a position that requires us to have a difficult conversation. Understanding WHY these conversations have to happen, HOW to actually have the conversation, and WHAT guidelines we should follow will help ensure the conversation goes as smoothly as possible AND brings about the desired results. This session reviews all these elements and incorporates techniques for doing them effectively.
1:30 – 2:45 p.m. CT
Cost-Effective and Efficient Ways to Mitigate Risk and Prioritize Collections
Rich Steinkoenig, NACM Connect
Our panel will discuss the different strategies that credit professionals use to drive their working capital and mitigate future risk. The session will include leveraging your NACM benefits and the benefits that our partners offer to help your credit team drive working capital and mitigate future risks. Participants will share best practices and strategies that have brought them success.
3:15 – 4:30 p.m. CT
Where is Chapter 11 Headed in 2026 and Beyond?
Andrew Behlmann, Partner, Lowenstein Sandler LLP; Colleen Restel, Partner, 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 discuss 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.
MILANO II | September 11
8:30 – 9:45 a.m. CT
Automation in Construction Credit
Chris Ring, NACM’s Secured Transaction Services
Automation is transforming credit departments, but knowing which tasks to automate in construction credit is key to maximizing efficiency without sacrificing control. This session will offer practical insights on which aspects of your construction credit processes benefit most from automation, and which tasks should remain hands-on.
10:15 – 11:30 a.m. CT
The Art of Negotiation
Marc Davenport, Caine & Weiner
Negotiation isn’t about pressure — it’s about mastering conversations that lead to win-win outcomes. For credit and collections pros, this session delivers sharp strategies to move stalled payments, tighten terms, and sharpen your skills. Get ready to boost your performance, overcome resistance, and drive real results.
12:45 – 2:00 p.m. CT
Use Data to Align Management and Boost Your Value
Brian Suthoff, Truverto
”In God we trust. All others must bring data.” This quote from W. Edwards Deming points to the importance of measurement, data, and analysis. Clean customer data and analytics increase efficiency, lower risk, demonstrate your value, and help other managers make informed decisions. We’ll review key indicators (DSO, DBT, ADD, CEI), their uses, and ways to automate and improve customer and trade data.
MILANO II | September 11
8:30 – 9:45 a.m. CT
Automation in Construction Credit
Chris Ring, NACM’s Secured Transaction Services
Automation is transforming credit departments, but knowing which tasks to automate in construction credit is key to maximizing efficiency without sacrificing control. This session will offer practical insights on which aspects of your construction credit processes benefit most from automation, and which tasks should remain hands-on.
10:15 – 11:30 a.m. CT
The Art of Negotiation
Marc Davenport, Caine & Weiner
Negotiation isn’t about pressure — it’s about mastering conversations that lead to win-win outcomes. For credit and collections pros, this session delivers sharp strategies to move stalled payments, tighten terms, and sharpen your skills. Get ready to boost your performance, overcome resistance, and drive real results.
12:45 – 2:00 p.m. CT
Use Data to Align Management and Boost Your Value
Brian Suthoff, Truverto
”In God we trust. All others must bring data.” This quote from W. Edwards Deming points to the importance of measurement, data, and analysis. Clean customer data and analytics increase efficiency, lower risk, demonstrate your value, and help other managers make informed decisions. We’ll review key indicators (DSO, DBT, ADD, CEI), their uses, and ways to automate and improve customer and trade data.