Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The ELFA Annual Convention 2026 is the premier event for the equipment leasing and finance industry, taking place from October 25 to 27 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. This convention will feature dynamic programming, including keynote speakers and networking opportunities, attracting over 1,200 industry leaders.
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and developments in equipment leasing and finance. ELFA Annual Convention 2026 takes.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The ELFA Annual Convention 2026 will take place from October 25 to 27 at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert, CA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This premier event gathers over 1,200 leaders from the equipment leasing and finance industry.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA).
- 4Entry: Registration is required, with various pricing options available for members and non-members.
Why visit
ELFA Annual Convention is a focused gathering for equipment leasing and finance decision-makers, including bank lessors, independent finance companies, captives, brokers and service providers.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the ELFA Annual Convention allows your company to showcase its solutions to a concentrated audience of industry decision-makers. This premier event gathers over 1,200 leaders from the equipment leasing and finance industry. Attendees include CEOs, COOs, and Presidents from leading equipment leasing companies.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
CEOs and COOs from equipment leasing companies
Finance professionals seeking industry insights
Equipment manufacturers and suppliers
Investors in the leasing sector
Regulatory and compliance officers
Consultants and advisors in finance
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Equipment leasing service providers
Financial institutions and banks
Technology solutions for leasing
Insurance providers for equipment finance
Consulting firms specializing in finance
Market research firms in equipment leasing
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Leasing software solutions
Financial services for equipment leasing
Insurance products for leased equipment
Market research and analytics tools
Consulting services for finance
Training and certification programs
Location & Facilities
Venue
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, California, 92260
Facilities
Parking
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
October 25 to 27, 2026:8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
General admission
Member Attendee before Aug 21
2311General admission
Member Attendee after Aug 21
2397General admission
Non-Member Attendee before Aug 21
4614General admission
Non-Member Attendee after Aug 21
4794
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Palm Desert, United States
Why it matters
On 2026-10-25 to 2026-10-27, ELFA Annual Convention 2026 in Palm Desert covering Leasing software solutions, Financial services for equipment leasing, Insurance products for leased equipment, Market re gives trade buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Palm Springs International Airport
Primary gateway for attendees staying near the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Pre-book rideshare, taxi or rental car and confirm hotel transfer options before travel
TBA
to venue
Confirm current transfer time; PSP serves the Coachella Valley and Palm Desert corridor
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Indian Wells Resort Hotel
3-star
Indian Wells / Palm DesertGoogle Hotels listing showed a steep discount versus usual rate; amenities include paid breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center and bar. Guest rating 3.8.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert
3-star
Palm DesertAll-suite chain hotel in Palm Desert; free breakfast, paid Wi-Fi and parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, pet-friendly, fitness center. Guest rating 3.3.
Hampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert
3-star
Palm DesertMidscale hotel with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking, pools, hot tub, pet-friendly, fitness center. Guest rating 4.3 - the strongest guest score among the captured Palm Desert listings.
Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort
3-star
Palm DesertFree breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, pet-friendly. Guest rating 4.3.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus (SunLine Transit)
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forCoachella Valley local routes serving Palm Desert, including stops near JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
SunLine Transit is the valley's public bus operator and publishes routes and schedules. Moovit lists JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa as a bus-served stop.
Rideshare / taxi
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forHotel in Palm Desert or Palm Springs to the Desert Springs venue corridor
Valley distances are car-oriented; use rideshare apps or a rental car for direct hotel-to-venue transfers.
Airport transfer (PSP to Palm Desert)
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from PSP to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forPalm Springs International Airport (PSP) to JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Rome2rio lists the PSP to resort connection; pre-book or use the app on arrival.
Weather
Palm Desert is a low-desert Coachella Valley climate: hot, dry days and cool evenings, with very little rainfall. Pack light layers for air-conditioned halls, sun protection for midday walks between venues and hotels, and a light jacket for evening temperatures. Check the local forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress code
Business casual is standard for Palm Desert conferences and trade events; resort-casual works for evening receptions.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in US restaurants and for hotel and transport staff; budget for it in your per-diem.
Car-oriented valley
The Coachella Valley is spread out and built around driving; plan rental car or rideshare for hotel-to-venue and evening trips.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PSP
Book into PSP where possible. The Google Flights capture for a 25 October 2026 JFK to PSP search returned only generic US domestic sample itineraries with December and January dates (for example Dallas to Las Vegas from $43 nonstop, Chicago to Las Vegas from $133 nonstop), so treat those numbers as indicative fare bands, not quoted fares for this event. Re-run the search with the confirmed event dates before booking.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): Confirm current transfer time; PSP serves the Coachella Valley and Palm Desert corridor. Allow road or rail time to JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: Indian Wells / Palm Desert: Indian Wells Resort Hotel; Palm Desert: Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert; Palm Desert: Hampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Palm Desert; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.
Parking: On-site parking is available at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs commonly in the upper 20s to mid 30s Celsius (80s-90s F) in the shoulder season, with cooler desert nights; check the forecast for your exact travel dates.
Seasonality: Palm Desert is arid year round with very limited rainfall; the main seasonal considerations are intense summer heat and strong midday sun rather than rain.
Packing: Bring breathable business-casual clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime transfers, a light layer for air-conditioned halls and cool evenings, and comfortable walking shoes for large resort venues.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at ELFA Annual Convention 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
14 days out
Confirm US entry status (visa or ESTA where applicable), passport validity and the name on your ELFA Annual Convention registration.
12 days out
Book flights into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and reserve a Palm Desert or Indian Wells hotel; PSP is the closest commercial gateway for the Desert Springs venue corridor.
10 days out
Complete ELFA Annual Convention registration in the correct member or non-member category and save the confirmation email.
7 days out
Review the official ELFA schedule at elfaonline.org/schedule and mark sessions relevant to equipment finance, capital markets and portfolio management.
5 days out
Arrange airport-to-hotel transport: rideshare or taxi from PSP, a rental car, or SunLine Transit routes serving Palm Desert if you are staying on a bus line.
3 days out
Check the Palm Desert forecast and pack light layers for air-conditioned meeting rooms plus sun protection for midday walks.
2 days out
Download any badge or mobile confirmation, confirm hotel check-in details and share your arrival time with colleagues or clients you plan to meet.
1 day out
Reconfirm your first-day route to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and keep time for registration and any evening reception.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2ELFA Annual Convention 2026 registration concourse
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 2311 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 2311 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether ELFA Annual Convention 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For ELFA Annual Convention 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Leasing software solutions and Financial services for equipment leasing solutions and benchmarking suppliers at ELFA Annual Convention 2026 in Palm Desert.
Min. budget
$5,294.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Leasing software solutions and Financial services for equipment leasing products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$23,823.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Palm Desert show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- ELFA
- Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, the US trade association whose Annual Convention convenes lessors, lenders, captives, brokers and service providers in equipment finance.
- Equipment finance
- Financing of productive equipment through leases, loans, conditional-sale agreements and structured facilities, used by businesses to acquire trucks, technology, healthcare systems, construction machinery and industrial assets.
- Lessor
- The entity that owns equipment and grants its use to a lessee under a lease, often retaining residual-value risk and tax ownership.
- Lessee
- The business or public entity that uses equipment under a lease and makes periodic payments instead of buying the asset outright.
- Residual value
- The estimated value of leased equipment at the end of the lease term, a core underwriting input for pricing, risk and end-of-term options.
- Syndication
- Selling or sharing portions of an equipment lease or loan with other funders to manage concentration, capital use and origination volume.
- Capital markets funding
- Debt and securitisation channels that equipment finance companies use to fund originations, including warehouse lines, asset-backed securities and private placements.
- Portfolio performance
- Tracking delinquency, losses, prepayments and yield across an equipment finance book to judge credit quality and pricing discipline.
- Captive finance company
- A finance arm owned by an equipment manufacturer or dealer that supports sales of its own products through leasing and lending.
- Coachella Valley
- The desert region in Southern California that includes Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Indian Wells and Indio, where the venue corridor sits.
- PSP
- IATA code for Palm Springs International Airport, the main commercial gateway for the Coachella Valley and Palm Desert.
- SunLine Transit
- The public bus operator serving the Coachella Valley, including routes through Palm Desert.
- Desert Springs corridor
- The Palm Desert area around the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, where the cited transit and hotel captures concentrate.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- equipment leasing conference
- finance events in Palm Desert
- ELFA events
- ELFA Annual Convention 2026 Palm Desert
- ELFA Annual Convention Palm Desert 2026
- ELFA 2026
- ELFA Palm Desert 2026
- Palm Desert United States
- Finance Palm Desert 2026
- Finance Conference Palm Desert
1 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
1
ELFA
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
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