LEAD
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INVITATION-ONLY EVENT - YOU MUST HAVE RECEIVED A PERSONALLY ADDRESSED EMAIL INVITATION DIRECTLY FROM THE ALFN IN ORDER TO REGISTER AND ATTEND THIS EVENT. ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL DECISION-MAKERS.
LEAD, the annual ALFN Executive Leadership Summit, will provide invited attendees the opportunity to connect with top level decision-makers from lenders, servicers, and investors, as well as attendees from ALFN members including law firms/foreclosure trustees and service providers. This two-day invitation-only event takes place each Spring at some of the most beautiful top-rated destination-resort locations.
Attendees will gain invaluable insights from keynote speakers, participate in sessions and discussions on critical leadership topics, and enjoy exclusive networking opportunities.
LEAD isn’t about your typical industry topics and speakers, but instead focuses on showcasing some of the most well-known, brilliant, and successful leaders of our time.
Elevate your leadership skills and forge strategic partnerships at this transformative event that will continue to shape the future of our industry. Attendance is limited, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of an exclusive group of attendees, and experience an executive-level leadership summit that is unlike anything else in our industry!
WHO CAN ATTEND LEAD?
- Clients – Servicers, Investors, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and other invited clients. Each client may bring 1 guest that is their spouse/significant other. Only clients that receive a personal invitation from the ALFN are eligible to attend, which is limited to the highest-level decision-makers. Invitations to attend are non-transferable, and ALFN needs to approve any substitutions before an invite is sent.
- Client & Client Guest Expenses Covered by ALFN – ALFN will cover the expenses for each client and their spouse/significant other guest, to include registration fees, ground transportation (for ALFN arranged shuttles from the SBA airport at designated times only), airfare (coach class/economy level fare) and hotel room & tax including the nightly resort fee & tax (3 nights).
- Client & Client Guest Expenses Covered by ALFN – ALFN will cover the expenses for each client and their spouse/significant other guest, to include registration fees, ground transportation (for ALFN arranged shuttles from the SBA airport at designated times only), airfare (coach class/economy level fare) and hotel room & tax including the nightly resort fee & tax (3 nights).
- ALFN Members
- Law Firm & Foreclosure Trustee Members – May send 1 individual per firm/company (must be an in-house W2 employee). If spots remain available after the first round of invitations are completed, then ALFN may open invitations to a 2nd individual from each firm/company. This additional attendee incentive will be offered to ALFN ASSURE Rewards Members, starting with Tier 3 rewards members, followed by Tier 2, then Tier 1. Member attendees may bring 1 guest (must be a spouse/significant other), with a la carte pricing offered for the guest attendee.
- Associate Members – Only associate members that are a sponsor of LEAD for $15,000 may attend. Member attendees may bring 1 guest (must be a spouse/significant other), with a la carte pricing offered for the guest attendee. Sponsorship includes 1 comp. registration, and may include a second registration either complimentary or at 50% off, which is determined by the sponsoring associate members 2026 annual sponsorship package status (attendees must be an in-house W2 employee of the associate member company). View the full sponsorship details here.
- Law Firm & Foreclosure Trustee Members – May send 1 individual per firm/company (must be an in-house W2 employee). If spots remain available after the first round of invitations are completed, then ALFN may open invitations to a 2nd individual from each firm/company. This additional attendee incentive will be offered to ALFN ASSURE Rewards Members, starting with Tier 3 rewards members, followed by Tier 2, then Tier 1. Member attendees may bring 1 guest (must be a spouse/significant other), with a la carte pricing offered for the guest attendee.
EVENT PRICING
ALFN Members, Clients and Client Spouses/Significant Others will receive an all access pass when registering, which includes 4 sessions with special guest speakers, meet-and-greet photo opportunity with keynote speakers, an individual Insights Discovery Leadership Assessment, 2 group breakfasts, 2 group lunches, 2 group dinners, morning yoga or nature walk, and 2 networking activities. A detailed description of all group networking activities is available here.
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ALFN Law Firm/Foreclosure Trustee Member - $6,900
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ALFN Associate Member - Registration included in $15K sponsorship package, must sponsor to attend
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ALFN Member Spouse/Significant Other - A La Carte Pricing (pay for the meals, sessions and activities they want to participate in, all at the ALFN's cost, no upcharge)
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Client - $0
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Client Spouse/Significant Other - $0
EVENT SCHEDULE
MONDAY, MARCH 9
Check-in at the ALFN Registration & Information Desk in the Directors Lounge near the Ballroom to receive your name badge & items provided by our sponsors.
4:00 - 6:00 PM – ALFN Registration & Information Desk – Directors Lounge
TUESDAY, MARCH 10
Check-in at the ALFN Registration & Information Desk in the Directors Lounge near the Ballroom to receive your name badge & items provided by our sponsors.
7:00 - 7:45 AM – Eco Nature Walk (prior registration is required) – Bacara Trail (meet in the main lobby)
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM – ALFN Registration & Information Desk – Directors Lounge
8:00 - 9:30 AM – Breakfast Available (full breakfast provided) – Ballroom A & B
8:45 - 9:00 AM – Opening Remarks – Ballroom A & B
9:00 - 10:00 AM – Guest Speaker Presentation & Interactive Insights Discovery Leadership Assessments Group Workshop: Part 1 – Understanding Your Leadership Style – Stephanie Farias, Founder and CEO of Thrive Learning and Development – Ballroom A & B
Stephanie Farias is a dynamic facilitator and leadership coach with nearly 20 years of experience designing and leading strategic talent development initiatives in corporate organizations. Some of her clients include: Microsoft, Facebook, Nike, Netflix, Visa, TMobile, Lidl, Merck, Labcorp, Dell, GSK, Bloomberg and many more. As the founder of THRIVE Learning & Development, Stephanie specializes in leadership development, team effectiveness, and communication, helping organizations unlock the full potential of their people. She is passionate about using self-awareness to transform leadership, communication, and teamwork, fostering authentic relationships that drive trust, collaboration, engagement, and productivity in today’s dispersed workplace.
The Self-Aware Leader – Part 1: Understanding Your Leadership Style
Step into a dynamic leadership experience with the Insights Discovery Leadership Assessment! This session will give you a clear, personalized view of what makes your leadership style unique and how it impacts the way you communicate, collaborate, and drive results. Join us to connect with peers, deepen your self-awareness, and leave inspired to elevate your leadership and engage your teams!
10:00 - 10:15 AM – Refreshment Break – Ballroom Foyer
10:15 - 11:15 AM – Keynote Speaker Presentation – Frank W. Abagnale – AI, Cyber-Security, and Fraud: Navigating the Rapidly Evolving World of Sophisticated Scams – Ballroom A & B
Frank W. Abagnale is one of the world’s most respected authorities on the subjects of cybercrime, identity theft, scams, forgery and secure documents. Frank Abagnale is a bestselling author and fraud prevention expert who has been associated with the FBI for over four decades, and is the subject of the movie Catch Me If You Can. “Abagnale’s lecture may be the best one-man show you will ever see.” - Tom Hanks, Two-Time Academy Award Winner.
AI, Cyber-Security, and Fraud: Navigating the Rapidly Evolving World of Sophisticated Scams
When Frank Abagnale talks about cybersecurity, he discusses in detail how AI is being used as a weapon against corporations, financial institutions, and businesses. He shows how today’s criminals are able to create extremely impressive credentials, steal data, apply for jobs online using someone else's credentials for a work-at-home opportunity; how AI has changed social engineering tactics and is used to hack businesses such as the casinos, insurance companies, healthcare companies and even airlines. Frank Abagnale has always believed that technology and automation breeds crime. This unique program gives audiences the proper tools for fighting back. Known for his early life portrayed in the hit movie Catch Me If You Can, Abagnale takes the last third of his speech to share the fascinating and unforgettable story of his past — and his lesser-known path from parole to working relentlessly for more than 45 years to protect others from fraud. Audiences leave genuinely inspired by Abagnale’s deeply personal stories about what truly changed his life.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM – Meet-and-Greet Photo Opportunity with Keynote Speaker – Directors Lounge
Activity Conclusion Time (4:30 or 5 PM) until 6:00 PM – Free Time
6:00 - 8:00 PM – Opening Reception & Dinner – The Bluff
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
7:00 - 7:45 AM – Eco Nature Walk (prior registration is required) – Bacara Trail (meet in the main lobby)
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM – ALFN Registration & Information Desk – Directors Lounge
8:00 - 9:30 AM – Breakfast Available (full breakfast provided) – Ballroom A & B
8:45 - 9:00 AM – Attendee Raffles (must be present to win) – Ballroom A & B
9:00 - 10:00 AM – Guest Speaker Presentation & Interactive Insights Discovery Leadership Assessments Group Workshop: Part 2 – Your Leadership Profile: Insights for Greater Impact – Stephanie Farias, Founder and CEO of Thrive Learning and Development – Ballroom A & B
Stephanie Farias is a dynamic facilitator and leadership coach with nearly 20 years of experience designing and leading strategic talent development initiatives in corporate organizations. Some of her clients include: Microsoft, Facebook, Nike, Netflix, Visa, TMobile, Lidl, Merck, Labcorp, Dell, GSK, Bloomberg and many more. As the founder of THRIVE Learning & Development, Stephanie specializes in leadership development, team effectiveness, and communication, helping organizations unlock the full potential of their people. She is passionate about using self-awareness to transform leadership, communication, and teamwork, fostering authentic relationships that drive trust, collaboration, engagement, and productivity in today’s dispersed workplace.
The Self-Aware Leader – Part 2: Your Leadership Profile: Insights for Greater Impact
Join us for the next chapter in elevating your leadership impact! In this highly interactive session, you’ll use the Insights Discovery Transformational Leadership profile to take a focused look at your strengths and challenges across eight critical leadership dimensions. Together, we’ll explore how these dimensions shape your influence, decision-making, and ability to lead through complexity. You’ll leave with practical strategies for flexing your leadership approach in response to shifting conditions, evolving priorities, and the diverse needs of your team.
10:00 - 10:15 AM – Refreshment Break – Ballroom Foyer
10:15 - 11:15 AM – Keynote Speaker Presentation – Josh Linkner – The Music of Business Ballroom A & B
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally-recognized innovation expert. “In today’s fiercely competitive global marketplace the most important resource any business has is the creative thinking of its people. Josh Linkner lays out a road map that will guide individuals, teams, and companies to higher levels of creativity. It is a journey that will lead to better ideas and breakthrough thinking.” - Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company.
The Music of Business
In times of rapid change and uncertainty, the most effective leaders don’t rely on rigid plans—they learn to improvise. The Music of Business keynote explores the surprising parallels between jazz and modern leadership, revealing how creativity, collaboration, and adaptability fuel extraordinary results.
Professional jazz guitarist and successful entrepreneur Josh Linkner brings this powerful metaphor to life, using live jazz to demonstrate how high‑performing teams innovate in real time. By connecting the spontaneous, expressive world of jazz with the realities of business, Josh unlocks the creative strategies used by some of the world’s most innovative organizations and leaders.
This dynamic keynote goes far beyond a traditional presentation. It’s an immersive, energizing experience that challenges conventional thinking and inspires leaders and teams to collaborate more deeply, think more creatively, and perform at a higher level—especially when the stakes are high.
Ideal for leaders and teams who want to:
You will leave with:
The Music of Business is an unforgettable reminder that when we embrace creativity and trust one another, we don’t just adapt to change—we lead it.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM – Meet-and-Greet Photo Opportunity with Keynote Speaker – Directors Lounge
Activity Conclusion Time (4:30 or 5 PM) until 6:00 PM – Free Time
6:00 - 8:00 PM – Closing Reception & Dinner – Ocean Lawn
Check-in at the ALFN Registration & Information Desk in the Directors Lounge near the Ballroom to receive your name badge & items provided by our sponsors.
4:00 - 6:00 PM – ALFN Registration & Information Desk – Directors Lounge
TUESDAY, MARCH 10
Check-in at the ALFN Registration & Information Desk in the Directors Lounge near the Ballroom to receive your name badge & items provided by our sponsors.
7:00 - 7:45 AM – Eco Nature Walk (prior registration is required) – Bacara Trail (meet in the main lobby)
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM – ALFN Registration & Information Desk – Directors Lounge
8:00 - 9:30 AM – Breakfast Available (full breakfast provided) – Ballroom A & B
8:45 - 9:00 AM – Opening Remarks – Ballroom A & B
9:00 - 10:00 AM – Guest Speaker Presentation & Interactive Insights Discovery Leadership Assessments Group Workshop: Part 1 – Understanding Your Leadership Style – Stephanie Farias, Founder and CEO of Thrive Learning and Development – Ballroom A & B
Stephanie Farias is a dynamic facilitator and leadership coach with nearly 20 years of experience designing and leading strategic talent development initiatives in corporate organizations. Some of her clients include: Microsoft, Facebook, Nike, Netflix, Visa, TMobile, Lidl, Merck, Labcorp, Dell, GSK, Bloomberg and many more. As the founder of THRIVE Learning & Development, Stephanie specializes in leadership development, team effectiveness, and communication, helping organizations unlock the full potential of their people. She is passionate about using self-awareness to transform leadership, communication, and teamwork, fostering authentic relationships that drive trust, collaboration, engagement, and productivity in today’s dispersed workplace.
The Self-Aware Leader – Part 1: Understanding Your Leadership Style
Step into a dynamic leadership experience with the Insights Discovery Leadership Assessment! This session will give you a clear, personalized view of what makes your leadership style unique and how it impacts the way you communicate, collaborate, and drive results. Join us to connect with peers, deepen your self-awareness, and leave inspired to elevate your leadership and engage your teams!
10:00 - 10:15 AM – Refreshment Break – Ballroom Foyer
10:15 - 11:15 AM – Keynote Speaker Presentation – Frank W. Abagnale – AI, Cyber-Security, and Fraud: Navigating the Rapidly Evolving World of Sophisticated Scams – Ballroom A & B
Frank W. Abagnale is one of the world’s most respected authorities on the subjects of cybercrime, identity theft, scams, forgery and secure documents. Frank Abagnale is a bestselling author and fraud prevention expert who has been associated with the FBI for over four decades, and is the subject of the movie Catch Me If You Can. “Abagnale’s lecture may be the best one-man show you will ever see.” - Tom Hanks, Two-Time Academy Award Winner.
AI, Cyber-Security, and Fraud: Navigating the Rapidly Evolving World of Sophisticated Scams
When Frank Abagnale talks about cybersecurity, he discusses in detail how AI is being used as a weapon against corporations, financial institutions, and businesses. He shows how today’s criminals are able to create extremely impressive credentials, steal data, apply for jobs online using someone else's credentials for a work-at-home opportunity; how AI has changed social engineering tactics and is used to hack businesses such as the casinos, insurance companies, healthcare companies and even airlines. Frank Abagnale has always believed that technology and automation breeds crime. This unique program gives audiences the proper tools for fighting back. Known for his early life portrayed in the hit movie Catch Me If You Can, Abagnale takes the last third of his speech to share the fascinating and unforgettable story of his past — and his lesser-known path from parole to working relentlessly for more than 45 years to protect others from fraud. Audiences leave genuinely inspired by Abagnale’s deeply personal stories about what truly changed his life.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM – Meet-and-Greet Photo Opportunity with Keynote Speaker – Directors Lounge
- There will be a meet-and-greet photo opportunity directly following the keynote presentation. Everyone may not receive a photo, as we will have a hard stop at 12 PM. These are very quick step-and-repeat photos (5 seconds each), no retakes allowed. Please limit conversations with the keynote speaker, so we can get as many photos taken as possible.
- If you ordered a boxed lunch on your event registration form, you may pick up your boxed lunch in the ballroom foyer from 11:15AM-12 PM. If you didn’t order a boxed lunch, there are restaurants available at the resort and in-room dining options.
Activity Conclusion Time (4:30 or 5 PM) until 6:00 PM – Free Time
6:00 - 8:00 PM – Opening Reception & Dinner – The Bluff
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
7:00 - 7:45 AM – Eco Nature Walk (prior registration is required) – Bacara Trail (meet in the main lobby)
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM – ALFN Registration & Information Desk – Directors Lounge
8:00 - 9:30 AM – Breakfast Available (full breakfast provided) – Ballroom A & B
8:45 - 9:00 AM – Attendee Raffles (must be present to win) – Ballroom A & B
9:00 - 10:00 AM – Guest Speaker Presentation & Interactive Insights Discovery Leadership Assessments Group Workshop: Part 2 – Your Leadership Profile: Insights for Greater Impact – Stephanie Farias, Founder and CEO of Thrive Learning and Development – Ballroom A & B
Stephanie Farias is a dynamic facilitator and leadership coach with nearly 20 years of experience designing and leading strategic talent development initiatives in corporate organizations. Some of her clients include: Microsoft, Facebook, Nike, Netflix, Visa, TMobile, Lidl, Merck, Labcorp, Dell, GSK, Bloomberg and many more. As the founder of THRIVE Learning & Development, Stephanie specializes in leadership development, team effectiveness, and communication, helping organizations unlock the full potential of their people. She is passionate about using self-awareness to transform leadership, communication, and teamwork, fostering authentic relationships that drive trust, collaboration, engagement, and productivity in today’s dispersed workplace.
The Self-Aware Leader – Part 2: Your Leadership Profile: Insights for Greater Impact
Join us for the next chapter in elevating your leadership impact! In this highly interactive session, you’ll use the Insights Discovery Transformational Leadership profile to take a focused look at your strengths and challenges across eight critical leadership dimensions. Together, we’ll explore how these dimensions shape your influence, decision-making, and ability to lead through complexity. You’ll leave with practical strategies for flexing your leadership approach in response to shifting conditions, evolving priorities, and the diverse needs of your team.
10:00 - 10:15 AM – Refreshment Break – Ballroom Foyer
10:15 - 11:15 AM – Keynote Speaker Presentation – Josh Linkner – The Music of Business Ballroom A & B
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally-recognized innovation expert. “In today’s fiercely competitive global marketplace the most important resource any business has is the creative thinking of its people. Josh Linkner lays out a road map that will guide individuals, teams, and companies to higher levels of creativity. It is a journey that will lead to better ideas and breakthrough thinking.” - Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company.
The Music of Business
In times of rapid change and uncertainty, the most effective leaders don’t rely on rigid plans—they learn to improvise. The Music of Business keynote explores the surprising parallels between jazz and modern leadership, revealing how creativity, collaboration, and adaptability fuel extraordinary results.
Professional jazz guitarist and successful entrepreneur Josh Linkner brings this powerful metaphor to life, using live jazz to demonstrate how high‑performing teams innovate in real time. By connecting the spontaneous, expressive world of jazz with the realities of business, Josh unlocks the creative strategies used by some of the world’s most innovative organizations and leaders.
This dynamic keynote goes far beyond a traditional presentation. It’s an immersive, energizing experience that challenges conventional thinking and inspires leaders and teams to collaborate more deeply, think more creatively, and perform at a higher level—especially when the stakes are high.
Ideal for leaders and teams who want to:
- Experience something truly different from a standard keynote
- Strengthen collaboration, creativity, and collective performance
- Stand out and lead with originality, confidence, and purpose
You will leave with:
- A fresh leadership mindset inspired by the principles of jazz
- Practical tools for collaborative creativity and innovative thinking
- A powerful understanding of how to break through barriers and push boundaries
- Renewed creative confidence and inspiration to pursue bold ideas and meaningful impact
The Music of Business is an unforgettable reminder that when we embrace creativity and trust one another, we don’t just adapt to change—we lead it.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM – Meet-and-Greet Photo Opportunity with Keynote Speaker – Directors Lounge
- There will be a meet-and-greet photo opportunity directly following the keynote presentation. Everyone may not receive a photo, as we will have a hard stop at 12 PM. These are very quick step-and-repeat photos (5 seconds each), no retakes allowed. Please limit conversations with the keynote speaker, so we can get as many photos taken as possible.
- If you ordered a boxed lunch on your event registration form, you may pick up your boxed lunch in the ballroom foyer from 11:15AM-12 PM. If you didn’t order a boxed lunch, there are restaurants available at the resort and in-room dining options.
Activity Conclusion Time (4:30 or 5 PM) until 6:00 PM – Free Time
6:00 - 8:00 PM – Closing Reception & Dinner – Ocean Lawn
EVENT DETAILS
March 10-11, 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort
Santa Barbara, CA
Register Here (only for individuals that received a personal invite to register from the ALFN)
LEAD Summit Attendee List
ASSOCIATE MEMBER PARTNERS
Click here to review sponsorship opportunities (limited to ALFN Associate Members Only), or contact Susan McMillan (formerly Susan Rosen).
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March 10-11, 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort
Santa Barbara, CA
Register Here (only for individuals that received a personal invite to register from the ALFN)
LEAD Summit Attendee List
ASSOCIATE MEMBER PARTNERS
Click here to review sponsorship opportunities (limited to ALFN Associate Members Only), or contact Susan McMillan (formerly Susan Rosen).
ATTENDEE POLICIES