NEW ORLEANS — NABD is coming to the Big Easy.

The National Alliance of Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers is having its first major event in New Orleans, and organizers of this year's East Coast BHPH Conference highlighted that early bird discounts are available through Oct. 4.

Rates through that date are $495 for a single attendee or $890 for two operators. After the point, the single-attendee fee rises by $300 while the cost for two people jumps by $500.

Meanwhile, NABD pointed out that room rates for the conference location — the Hyatt Regency New Orleans Superdome — are $169 per night while supplies last.

NABD's East Coast Conference takes place from Nov. 3 through 5. The agenda includes a wide array of training opportunities and discussions about best practices focused on topics ranging from underwriting and collections to compliance, capital, inventory acquisition and more.

NABD founder Ken Shilson emphasized how important it is for BHPH dealers of all kinds to keep up with what's happening nowadays, especially as finance companies and other vehicle contract providers are making deals with buyers with softer credit histories.

"I think we're in a very challenging time," Shilson said. "Dealers who are highly leveraged are having a real tough time, saying, ‘Do we fight them, join them, hold them, or fold them?' That's the scenario we are in.

"But it's an opportunity time. You've got to be proactive. You can't just sit back and say, ‘This will all blow over.' You might be out of business by then," Shilson went on to say.

And beyond the industry dialogue, the allure of the Big Easy is already drumming up plenty of interest in NABD's East Coast Conference.

"The response to New Orleans has been very positive," Shilson said. "We're even hearing people from West Coast say, ‘Well if it's in New Orleans, I'm coming.'"

More information about the conference and the opportunity to register and secure accommodations can be found at bhphinfo.com.