A Must-Attend Event for the Private Lending World: NPLA Conference 2026 in Miami Beach

The National Private Lenders Association (NPLA) Conference returns to sunny Miami, Florida from March 15–17, 2026, bringing together thousands of private lending professionals, capital providers, brokers, investors, and service providers for one of the most influential industry events of the year. Hosted at the iconic Loews Miami Beach Hotel, this year’s conference promises an unmatched blend of education, networking, innovation, and industry insight that few other events can rival.

A Premiere Gathering in the Heart of Miami

Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Beach, the NPLA Conference has established itself as the largest nonbank lending conference in the United States—a central hub where ideas flourish, partnerships form, and deals get done. The Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the official headquarters of the event, offers elegant accommodations, top-tier amenities, and a location that encourages attendees to soak up both professional and personal experiences.

With its mix of catered networking sessions, expert-led presentations, sponsor showcases, and world-class amenities, the conference is designed for every stakeholder in the private lending ecosystem—from startup lenders and brokers just breaking into the space, to seasoned institutional players navigating capital market complexities.

Registration Options Tailored to Every Professional

The NPLA Conference offers several ticketing tiers to fit different engagement levels:

General Admission grants full access to all presentations, the Exhibitors’ Hall, catered networking sessions, and parties. Attendees can also utilize the NPLA Conference Networking App to schedule meetings, connect with peers, and explore sponsor profiles.

Premier Tickets provide VIP perks including front-row seating and a personal 30-minute consultation with Jon Hornik, Esq., Executive Director of Private Lender Law, making this option a great choice for attendees who want a deeper, more personalized learning experience.

These options empower attendees to tailor their experience based on goals and budget, whether that’s immersive education, deal-making, or strategic networking.

More Than Just Seminars — A Full Experience

While many conferences focus solely on sessions and vendor halls, NPLA significantly broadens the experience:

Pre-Conference Activities and Social Events

The event kicks off even before the main programming with the NPLA Golf Tournament at Miami Beach Golf Club on March 15th. This casual yet powerful networking opportunity allows attendees to connect in a natural setting, forging relationships that can extend well beyond the greens.

Later that evening, the Kick-Off Cocktail Party and a Women’s Networking Event bring the community together for relaxed, organic conversations—ideal for those new to the industry and long-time professionals alike.

Dedicated After-Hours Entertainment

Each evening, attendees are invited to enjoy social events that mix business with pleasure. The Official After Party, hosted by Roc Capital at MILA Miami Beach, includes cocktails, dancing, and an opportunity to unwind after a day of intense learning and networking.

These social activities are more than fun—they’re strategic. Many deals, partnerships, and hiring decisions are initiated in these relaxed moments when industry leaders can connect candidly.

A Deep Dive Into Private Lending Trends and Strategies

The heart of the conference lies in its comprehensive educational agenda. Over two days, expert panels, workshops, and sessions delve into topics that will shape the private lending landscape in 2026 and beyond.

Here are some key sessions to look forward to:

Capital Markets 2026: Liquidity & Pricing

This opening session sets the tone for the conference by examining where capital is coming from, what lenders are paying for access to it, and how macroeconomic forces—like interest rate shifts and credit spreads—are influencing everything from DSCR and small balance commercial loans to securitizations and whole-loan sales.

Building for Scale: Capital, Credit & Operations

Growth presents strategic challenges. This panel helps lenders looking to expand without compromising credit integrity or operational efficiency. Topics include warehouse line readiness, borrowing base standards, underwriting discipline, and reporting cadence—critical components for scaling responsibly.

Product Strategy: Where Investor Demand Is Shifting

Understanding where borrowers are actually placing demand is crucial for product strategy. This session highlights active markets and products, from fix-and-flip and construction loans to blend products tailored for investors and DSCR borrowers.

Automation, AI & Infrastructure

Technology continues to transform private lending. This panel focuses on how automation, AI, and modern infrastructure tools—such as LOS/CRM systems, document automation, underwriting engines, and data integration—are driving efficiency and competitive advantage.

Risk, Fraud & Portfolio Management

With shifting market dynamics, risk management has never been more relevant. This session explores fraud prevention, construction risk, valuation issues, and comprehensive portfolio strategies to protect lenders and investors.

Industry Leaders and Key Voices

The agenda features thought leaders from across the private lending space. One of the most notable figures is Jon Hornik, Esq., who delivers the welcoming remarks and is deeply involved in shaping the conference experience. Hornik’s long tenure in private lending education, combined with his role at Private Lender Law, underscores the conference’s commitment to practical, actionable insights.

Beyond Hornik, external coverage suggests additional high-profile guests like Lesley Deutch of John Burns Research & Consulting and even nontraditional presenters like renowned mentalist Keith Barry to broaden the event experience and bring fresh perspectives to conference attendees.

Networking: The Conference Within the Conference

While the sessions deliver critical knowledge, the networking opportunities remain at the core of NPLA’s value:

Multiple dedicated networking sessions embedded throughout the days give attendees structured time to meet peers and sponsors.

The NPLA Conference Networking App acts as a virtual connector, enabling attendees to schedule meetings, view profiles, and access contact information.

Sponsor breakdowns and exhibitor showcases let professionals explore services and build business relationships in a dynamic environment.

The Bigger Picture: Why NPLA Matters in 2026

In an era marked by tightening credit markets, evolving regulation, and rapid technological change, the private lending sector finds itself at a crossroads. Events like the NPLA Conference provide an essential platform where innovation meets experience, and strategy meets execution.

Whether you’re a lender seeking capital partnerships, a broker looking to diversify product offerings, or a service provider building industry recognition, this conference delivers the tools and connections you need to thrive in 2026 and beyond.

Final Thoughts

The NPLA Conference 2026 in Miami offers far more than a standard trade show or summit. It’s a comprehensive professional ecosystem—with education, networking, entertainment, and strategic insights—built for a rapidly growing and increasingly sophisticated private lending marketplace. From high-impact sessions and expert panels to relaxed networking and unforgettable social experiences, this event stands as a milestone on the calendar for anyone serious about advancing in the private lending industry.