The Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) held their annual conference this month in Denver. Its mission, starting 30 years ago, is to “lead Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs, like PCV) and their partners to ensure that low-income, low-wealth, or other disadvantaged people and communities have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services.” I work for a CDFI as a lender who provides financing to growing small businesses who can’t, for a variety of reasons, obtain traditional bank financing. True to OFN’s continuing mission, I looked forward to the conferences to hear financial solutions where other organizations might only see roadblocks.
The People
This was my first exposure to OFN’s annual conference and I was truly impressed. My first inkling that I was attending a special event with a dedicated group happened upon entering the lobby. The sight before me included small groups, who I could overhear, discussing issues and programs rather than simply just chatting.
Not knowing anyone outside of my own company, I headed downstairs to check in where I was greeted by an even larger number of people, broken into groups of two or more, also actively engaged in specific CDFI conversations. At this point, I felt comfortable my time was going to be well spent and the content worthwhile. After checking in I began to interject myself into groups, whenever an opportunity arose. Without exception, everyone was welcoming, forthcoming with information, and eager to share something beneficial.
The Content
I was pleasantly surprised by the sessions. Each one included plenty of detail from presenters, and good time for Q & A from CDFI folks like myself. This format allowed me to feel as if I was a participant rather than just an audience member. Each and every session I attended included a selection of industry representatives who could personally speak to how the material related to their organization. The convenient smartphone app allowed me to verify my schedule, link to presenters, and review the sessions. It represented another level of professionalism and forethought, which at this point I had now begun to expect from OFN.
Would I Head Back To OFN?
Frankly, as a first-time attendee, I was dubious of how well my time would be spent. I’ve been to many conferences over the years, and often times they’re glorified networking events with very little substantive information. A great example of how OFN set itself apart was at a series of two-hour lunches with speakers. I went into that lunch only hoping to have a few minutes to visit with the people at my table. Thankfully, OFN allowed plenty of time for visiting, plenty of time for eating, but then left a strong amount of time for educational presenters and presentations. That made me look forward to the second lunch as another opportunity to learn from fellow CDFIs.
Was OFN worth the expense, the travel, and the time away from the office? Without a doubt: yes. I was welcomed by colleagues who were strangers only minutes before. I was given invaluable information to benefit small business development, all the while being entertained. Did I lose my voice? Yep. Were the days long? Absolutely! Twelve hours of attention and talking most certainly are. Would I attend again? I can’t wait. For me it was an invaluable opportunity to network, to learn from, and to ask, specific questions of others within the industry.
Robert Porter
Director of Lending