Information Management Network is changing the venue for its ABS East conference this year to Orlando, Florida after being held for three years in Boca Raton. The event will take place at JW Marriott / Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes. The conference has also been slated for early November this year, which is a little later than prior ABS East conferences. This was done to avoid conflict "with heightened issuance activity at the end of September, and to avoid the peak of the hurricane season," according to a company release.
"Based on the feedback we've received from our attendees, and the difficulties in staging a southeast coastal event in September, it was clear that new timing and a fresh venue would be appreciated," said Jade Friedensohn, who is the conference producer for the event. "Orlando is reachable by direct flights from almost anywhere in the country, and is blessed with [a] wonderful climate in November. Of course, it's also renowned for its world-class entertainment, recreation, and family-themed attractions. With its exceptional accommodations, service, and conference facilities, the JW Marriott / Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes provides all the prerequisites for an outstanding event."
IMN's release said that the size of the resort has allowed IMN to book the largest space yet for a securitization conference. Aside from the aforementioned changes, IMN will also start ABS East 2006 on a Sunday afternoon, Nov. 5 with the main conference agenda beginning on Monday, Nov. 6, and ending on Wednesday, Nov. 8. "The change will allow attendees to consider early arrival on Friday or Saturday to enjoy the recreation and be able [to]return to their offices by mid-week," said Friedensohn. By contrast, previous conferences began on a Monday.
Operating in conjunction with ABS East, the one-day "Asset Backed Commercial Paper Forum" will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the conference center in the adjacent Ritz Carlton Hotel. The fifth annual forum designed specifically "for issuers and investors in the short-term commercial debt market, will offer [a] separate exhibition and meeting space from ABS East."
Friedensohn continued, "Now that we have scheduled dates and a great venue for this year's ABS East Conference, we can turn our full attention to working with our presenters and attendees to design an event that maximizes their experience and provides as many business building opportunities as possible. We will be making announcements about top quality agenda in the months to come."
