Feedback from recovery professionals who attended this year’s North American Repossessors Summit (NARS) highlighted how much the event was successful and demonstrated the ongoing improvement and evolution of the space.

Organizers of the event hosted by American Recovery Association indicated that the summit ushered in a “new era” for the recovery and remarketing industry. From a record-breaking attendance of nearly 600 attendees, including recovery and remarketing professionals and finance companies, to a wildly successful auction contributing $9,600 to the Recovery Agents Benefit Fund, organizers believe NARS has proven to be a “must attend” event.

“The new lender meetings were a tremendous benefit to both lenders and attendees,” said John Messiha, department manager repo operations at Capital One Auto Finance and one of Auto Remarketing’s inaugural group of Remarketing & Used-Car Industry’s 40 Under 40.

“There’s no better place to connect with talented recovery and remarketing professionals who would be a great asset to our teams,” Messiha added.

John Lewis elaborated about those points and more in a blog post published by masterQueue, which is powered by Intellaegis. Lewis is the president of Intellaegis and has served in moderator roles for the Re3 Conference at Used Car Week, as well.

 “There is a great deal of value and insight lenders can bring and gain,” and if (ARA consultant Les McCook) and his team continue to keep working on the agenda, educational topics, and networking opportunities between all forwarders, skip companies, repossessors (small and large) and all lenders who are pushing the work and managing these critical relationships, it’s a win for everyone,” Lewis wrote here.

“Additionally, we’re starting to see a larger impact in the industry by a variety of technology vendors, and when you put everyone together, great things can and are happening,” he continued. “Given the constant regulatory scrutiny, and especially in light of the tricky waters we all have to keep trying our best to navigate, events like this are critical and should be mandatory on every lenders calendar.”

NARS 2017 dates will be announced soon, ARA said.

The content at this year’s summit wasn’t just focused on skip-tracing and repossessing vehicles. The keynote address came from Vietnam veteran and four-time Super Bowl champ Rocky Bleier.

“Bleier brought the house down with his concluding presentation about perseverance and how the smallest to biggest things can help ensure you’re living out your purpose,” ARA said. “The football legend not only talked about success and what it takes to achieve it, but also brought the fruits of his labor for all to admire — his four Super Bowl rings.”