Credit Congress is the prime opportunity each year by which to establish and strengthen relationships that will multiply your professional resources. Make the most of this year’s offerings and create new and valuable connections. Here are some wonderful avenues:

Don’t miss dinner, drinks and networking at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory event hosted by NACM designation holders and GSCFM alumni. On deck for Saturday, May 17th is a unique chance to tour the facility. See where the famous Louisville Slugger bats are made for today’s pros and browse the legendary collection of baseball memorabilia. The designation holders and alumni host this enjoyable evening, but all are welcome to attend. An additional fee of $59 covers the cost of dinner and admission to the museum and factory tour. For additional information on this event, please visit NACM’s Credit Congress pages online.

Grab your clubs and join us at the Quail Chase Golf Club for the 3rd Annual Scholarship Foundation Golf Outing. Quail Chase is much more than a typical public golf course. It offers country club privileges, U.S.G.A. standards and amenities. Designed by worldrenowned golf course architect David Pfaff, Quail Chase features a gently undulating terrain extending through lush groves of Scotch pine, maple, oak and dogwood trees. The Outing begins bright and early on Sunday morning, May 18th. A fee of $125 covers transportation to the course, greens fees and an awards luncheon at Quail Chase immediately following your time on the links. All proceeds from the event go to the NACM Scholarship Foundation.

CFDD is pleased to sponsor a Mentor Training Workshop during the conference. This in-depth workshop will provide the tools needed to become a more effective mentor, as well as explore ways to set up a mentor program for an organization. The session is open to everyone interested in becoming a mentor and giving back to their profession what they have gained from it. An additional fee is required to participate in this session.

The NACM Scholarship Foundation will also be raising funds once again through a Silent Auction during this year’s Credit Congress. A diverse selection of items will be available on-site on which to bid. With each winning bid, you’ll receive a unique item and know that your contribution to the NACM Scholarship Foundation helps to make an investment in the future of our profession. If you are interested in donating an item for the auction, please contact the NACM Meetings Department.

NACM’s international arm, Finance, Credit and International Business (FCIB), will host its annual luncheon for those involved in international credit on Monday, May 19th. Don’t miss this forum to network with international credit and trade finance executives as they take note of the Global Economic Outlook: Opportunities & Threats. There is a $65 fee for this luncheon and informative presentation.

The Credit and Financial Development Division (CFDD) will host its Annual Awards and Officer Installation Luncheon on Tuesday, May 20th. Each year, CFDD National and its chapters award educational scholarships for dedicated credit and financial professionals. Exceptional members and chapters are also recognized during this luncheon tradition. There is an additional fee of $55 to attend this luncheon.

The International Utilities Group (IUG), a group dedicated solely to utility credit and its role in the business environment, will kick off its 2008 meeting by hosting its Annual Utility Members Luncheon on Monday, May 19th. Members of the IUG are encouraged to attend to re-connect with fellow members and welcome new ones! A $55 fee is required.

For the seventh year in a row, NACM will recognize the volunteer leaders with a special, by invitation only, luncheon. The Leadership Luncheon, graciously hosted by American Check Management, is held on Wednesday, May 21st. We applaud those hardworking members who distinguish themselves as leaders, locally and nationally, and who have dedicated their time, energy and expertise over the past year to our organization and the credit profession.

Be sure to attend the Grand Opening Reception, the Beer & Browse Reception and the Closing Night Party. These festivities are open to full delegates as a part of the registration fee. The Opening Reception, held on the evening of May 18th, welcomes delegates as they visit with vendors and greet their colleagues over drinks and appetizers in the Expo Hall. The Beer & Browse Reception is another great opportunity to unwind and chat with exhibitors in the Expo Hall on Monday evening, May 19th. The Closing Night Party, Crossing the Finish Line, wraps up the convention on Wednesday night, May 21st, with an evening of invigorating music and filling cuisine. Cross the Finish Line with us as we look back on an amazing week of learning and networking!

Register for these networking events on the registration form or, for anyone already registered for the conference, by using the second chance form.