Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The SFNet Annual Convention 2026 will be held on November 10-11 at the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. This event is a key gathering for secured finance professionals, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into industry trends.
Attendees will include leaders from asset-based lending and factoring, making it an essential event for those looking to connect and learn. SFNet Annual Convention 2026 takes place in Chicago, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: SFNet Annual Convention 2026 runs 10-14 November 2026 at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, physically connected to McCormick Place in the South Loop.
- 2Sector Focus: Programming and the exhibit floor centre on asset-based lending, factoring, supply chain finance, and the legal, field examination, insurance and technology services that support secured lenders.
- 3Organiser: The Secured Finance Network (SFNet), the US trade body for the secured finance industry, publishes the agenda, registration and sponsorship details on sfnet.com.
- 4Who Attends: Decision-makers from bank and non-bank lenders, factoring companies, ABL underwriting and portfolio teams, restructuring counsel, field examiners and fintech vendors.
- 5Entry: Registration is completed online through SFNet; delegate places and sponsor/exhibitor packages are listed on the organiser site.
Why visit
Attendees will gain access to industry insights and networking opportunities with key decision-makers. This convention gathers secured finance professionals for networking and industry insights. The event is organised by the Secured Finance Network, with more details available at sfnet.com. The SFNet Annual Convention 2026 will be held on November 10-11 at the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. This event is a key gathering for secured finance professionals, offering unparalleled.
Why exhibit
SFNet's 82nd Annual Convention puts your brand in front of asset-based lenders, factoring companies, funds and the advisors and service providers that sit around them in the secured finance ecosystem. Registration is completed online through SFNet; delegate places and sponsor/exhibitor packages are listed on the organiser site.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Asset-based lenders looking for new business opportunities
Factoring firms seeking to expand their networks
Financial consultants interested in industry trends
Legal professionals specializing in secured finance
Technology providers for financial services
Investment firms exploring secured lending options
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Companies providing asset-based lending solutions
Firms offering factoring services
Financial technology providers
Consulting firms specializing in secured finance
Legal advisors in financial transactions
Insurance providers for secured loans
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Asset-based lending platforms and borrowing-base management systems
Factoring and receivables finance software
Collateral monitoring, field examination and appraisal services
Loan management, servicing and portfolio reporting technology
Legal, restructuring and bankruptcy advisory for secured lenders
Credit insurance, trade credit and risk mitigation products
Supply chain finance and reverse factoring programmes
Warehouse lending, treasury and securitisation services
Credit analytics, KYC and compliance tooling for lenders
Turnaround and special situations advisory
Location & Facilities
Venue
Marriott Marquis
Chicago, United States
Facilities
Parking
Marriott Marquis in Chicago 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: Marriott Marquis in Chicago 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 Marriott Marquis for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Chicago, United States
Why it matters
Attendees will gain access to industry insights and networking opportunities with key decision-makers. This convention gathers secured finance professionals for networking and industry insights.
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.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago's main international gateway and the better choice for long-haul arrivals. CTA Blue Line trains run from the terminal complex into the Loop, where you transfer to the Green Line for Cermak-McCormick Place
Approx. 20 mi / 32 km to McCormick Place and the Marriott Marquis Chicago
to venue
Approx. 35-55 min by road, longer in weekday rush hour
by car
Chicago Midway International Airport
Closer to the South Loop and mostly served by domestic carriers. CTA Orange Line connects Midway to the Loop for a transfer to the Green Line
Approx. 12 mi / 19 km to McCormick Place and the Marriott Marquis Chicago
to venue
Approx. 25-40 min by road
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Marriott Marquis Chicago
upper-upscale
McCormick Place campusThe convention venue hotel, directly connected to McCormick Place and the closest option for session and exhibit-floor access. Book early; convention-week availability tightens.
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place
midscale
McCormick Place3-star, about 230 m from the venue; breakfast and parking at a charge, free Wi-Fi, indoor pool and fitness center.
Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place
midscale
McCormick Place3-star with free breakfast and free Wi-Fi, guest rating around 4.2. Walkable to the convention campus, which matters in November cold.
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
midscale
South Loop3-star with parking, indoor pool and hot tub, guest rating around 4.0. Roughly 15-20 minutes on foot or a short ride to the Marriott Marquis.
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
budget
Grant Park / South Loop2-star with restaurant, business center and fitness center, guest rating around 3.8. Lowest-cost walkable option in the South Loop cluster.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forCTA Blue Line, O'Hare (ORD) to Clark/Lake, then Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place
Cheapest reliable ORD transfer. Buy a Ventra ticket at the station or tap a contactless card; allow 70-90 minutes with luggage and the Loop transfer.
metro
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forCTA Orange Line, Midway (MDW) to the Loop, then Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place
Midway has its own Orange Line terminus, so the ride is simple; budget 45-60 minutes to the venue with a transfer.
rail
Estimated costUSD 12-28 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forMetra Electric District to McCormick Place station
Commuter rail from downtown stations such as Millennium Station; McCormick Place has its own Metra stop, useful if you stay north of the Loop.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-60 one way plus tip and tolls - confirm the meter at pickup
Best forChicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Marriott Marquis
35-55 minutes in normal traffic; longer on weekday mornings. Taxi ranks sit outside each ORD terminal.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 30-40 one way plus tip - confirm the meter at pickup
Best forChicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Marriott Marquis
25-40 minutes; the shortest airport-to-venue ride of the two Chicago airports.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 40-55 from ORD and USD 25-35 from MDW before surge - confirm in the app
Best forORD or MDW to Marriott Marquis Chicago (app pickup zones)
Both airports have designated rideshare pickup areas; allow extra time to reach them with luggage and expect surge pricing during convention arrivals.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 30-40 per day for self-parking - confirm the posted rate at the gate
Best forMcCormick Place parking, Lot A (connected to the Marriott Marquis)
Lot A links directly to the Marriott Marquis Chicago, which is the practical option if you drive in from the suburbs for a single day.
walk
Estimated costNo fare - 5-20 minutes on foot depending on hotel
Best forSouth Loop and McCormick Place cluster hotels to the Marriott Marquis Chicago
Indoor or covered connections exist between parts of the McCormick Place campus; in November wind, check the route before choosing a hotel outside the cluster.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Chicago in mid-November is late autumn turning to early winter: daytime highs typically 8-11 C (46-52 F), overnight lows around 1-4 C (34-39 F), with gusty wind off Lake Michigan making it feel colder. Rain or wet snow is possible, and daylight fades by late afternoon. Pack a windproof coat, layers, gloves and an umbrella for the walk between the Marriott Marquis and the McCormick Place halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile coverage is strong across downtown Chicago and the McCormick Place campus. Most international visitors use a US eSIM or their home plan's US roaming add-on rather than buying a physical SIM. Venue and hotel Wi-Fi is typically available but can be congested during sessions, so bring a hotspot or tether for demos. US power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A/B plugs; European and UK devices need a plug adapter and a voltage-compatible charger. Corporate VPNs usually work, but test remote access to your lending or CRM systems before travel.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Secured finance delegates typically wear business formal or smart business attire for sessions and receptions; the exhibit floor is slightly more relaxed but still suit-and-shirt territory.
Tipping
US service norms apply in Chicago: 18-20% on restaurant bills and bar tabs, USD 2-5 per bag for hotel porters, and a dollar or two per drink. Card terminals usually offer preset tip options.
Venue scale
McCormick Place is a large campus and the Marriott Marquis connects into it; build 10-15 minutes into your schedule between sessions, and keep a coat for the outdoor walk if your hotel sits outside the connected cluster.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ORD
Target ORD for long-haul international arrivals; it has the widest nonstop choice from Europe and Asia and a straightforward CTA or taxi transfer to McCormick Place. Compare MDW only for domestic connections or materially cheaper fares, factoring in a shorter ride to the venue. Arrive by 9 November to clear the opening day, and build a buffer for late-autumn weather delays; a sampled Sydney-ORD round trip for the 10-14 November window showed economy fares from about USD 984, with London and Tokyo routings around 8 hr 45 min and 11 hr 50 min nonstop respectively.
Visa
Foreign nationals travelling to the United States for the SFNet Annual Convention generally need a B-1 business visitor visa unless eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (up to 90 days).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Apply early; carry your SFNet registration confirmation, invitation letter if issued, and hotel confirmation for US Customs and Border Protection.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Approx. 35-55 min by road, longer in weekday rush hour; Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): Approx. 25-40 min by road. Allow road or rail time to Marriott Marquis; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Marriott Marquis: McCormick Place campus: Marriott Marquis Chicago; McCormick Place: Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place; McCormick Place: Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Chicago, including designated airport pickup zones at ORD and MDW. Expect roughly USD 40-55 from O'Hare to the Marriott Marquis and USD 25-35 from Midway before surge pricing; convention arrival windows and evening receptions can push fares higher. Confirm the pickup point in the app, especially at McCormick Place where the campus has several entrances.
Public transit: The CTA 'L' serves the venue area via the Green Line stop at Cermak-McCormick Place, a short walk from the Marriott Marquis Chicago. From O'Hare, take the Blue Line into the Loop and transfer to the Green Line; from Midway, take the Orange Line and transfer. Metra Electric District trains also stop at McCormick Place station for downtown connections. Fares are about USD 2.50 per 'L' ride, with a higher airport premium fare from O'Hare; pay with a Ventra card or contactless bank card and confirm current fares on the CTA site.
Parking: Self-parking is available in McCormick Place lots, with Lot A directly connected to the Marriott Marquis Chicago and in-and-out access per the hotel's parking arrangements. Budget roughly USD 30-40 per day for event parking and confirm the posted rate at the gate, since rates change and special event pricing can apply during convention week.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. 8-11 C (46-52 F) daytime highs and 1-4 C (34-39 F) overnight in mid-November Chicago
Seasonality: Late autumn brings gusty Lake Michigan wind, a realistic chance of rain or wet snow, and short daylight hours; lakefront blocks around McCormick Place feel noticeably colder than the sheltered streets.
Packing: Bring a windproof coat, sweater layers, gloves and a compact umbrella, plus comfortable shoes for the McCormick Place campus. Indoor halls are heated, so choose removable layers you can shed between sessions and the exhibit floor.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at SFNet Annual Convention 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14 before travel
Confirm your SFNet registration and badge name, check whether your firm's member rate applies, and save the confirmation on your phone for the port of entry.
Day 12 before travel
Book flights into Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and aim to land on 9 November so you are settled before the opening sessions at the Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Day 10 before travel
Reserve a hotel in the McCormick Place or South Loop cluster and ask whether the property connects by walkway to the Marriott Marquis.
Day 7 before travel
Check ESTA eligibility or B-1 visa status, passport validity, and print the convention registration and hotel booking for US immigration.
Day 5 before travel
Build a meeting shortlist from the SFNet attendee roster or event app, focused on the ABL, factoring, legal and field examination counterparties relevant to your portfolio.
Day 3 before travel
Decide your ORD transfer (CTA Blue Line plus Green Line, taxi or rideshare), download a transit app, and check the Lake Michigan wind and rain forecast.
Day 2 before travel
Pack business formal for sessions plus comfortable shoes; the McCormick Place campus involves long indoor walks between halls and the hotel.
Day 1 before travel
Charge devices, activate a US eSIM or roaming plan, and download any session or networking app SFNet publishes.
Arrival day
Collect your badge, walk the route between your hotel and the convention floor, and confirm your first morning meeting point.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Marriott Marquis
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2SFNet Annual Convention 2026 registration concourse
Marriott Marquis
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Marriott Marquis
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$250.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$400.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether SFNet Annual Convention 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For SFNet 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 mandate touches asset-based lending, factoring or the funders and service providers around them.
Best for
Secured-finance lenders, factors, funds and advisors comparing counterparties and technology at SFNet's 82nd Annual Convention.
Timeline
Register from July 14, 2026 when SFNet opens convention registration, then book Chicago travel for 10-12 November.
Risks
Registration pricing was not visible in the captured pages; confirm with SFNet before finalising budget.
exhibit
You want direct exposure to the institutions and advisors who attend the annual convention in Chicago.
Best for
Commercial-finance technology vendors, law firms, insurers and other service providers selling into the secured finance ecosystem.
Timeline
Several months ahead of the 10-11 November 2026 dates for sponsor or exhibitor placement and marketing materials.
Risks
Sponsor tier and stand pricing were not published in the captured SFNet pages.
skip
Your product line and buyer base fall outside asset-based lending and factoring.
Best for
Consumer-credit, retail-banking or non-financial product teams with no tie to secured lending or factoring.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Asset-based lending (ABL)
- A facility secured primarily by a borrower's working assets - accounts receivable, inventory, equipment - where availability moves with a collateral formula rather than a fixed term schedule.
- Factoring
- The purchase of a company's accounts receivable at a discount, giving the seller immediate cash while the factor takes over collection and credit risk.
- Borrowing base
- The collateral-linked ceiling on what a borrower may draw, calculated from eligible receivables and inventory after reserves and ineligibles.
- Advance rate
- The percentage of eligible collateral value a lender is willing to fund, set by collateral quality, dilution history and industry risk.
- Dilution
- The portion of gross receivables lost to credits, returns, discounts or write-offs; lenders track it to set ineligible thresholds and reserves.
- Field examination
- An on-site lender review of a borrower's books, records and collateral to test the accuracy of borrowing-base reporting and the quality of pledged assets.
- UCC Article 9
- The uniform US state statute governing secured transactions, including how a lender perfects a security interest in personal property and where it must file.
- Intercreditor agreement
- A contract between two or more lenders that ranks their claims, payment priority and enforcement rights over shared collateral.
- Supply chain finance
- Reverse-factoring programmes in which a buyer's credit standing lets its suppliers finance approved invoices early, often on a bank or fintech platform.
- Warehouse line
- A credit facility extended to a non-bank lender that funds receivables or loans before they are pooled, securitised or sold to permanent investors.
- Days sales outstanding (DSO)
- The average time a borrower takes to collect receivables; it drives working capital need and how much of the borrowing base is actually revolving.
- Turnaround and special situations lending
- Financing for companies in stress or restructuring, usually with tighter collateral monitoring, covenants and milestone-based availability.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- SFNet Annual Convention 2026 Chicago
- SFNet Annual Convention Chicago 2026
- Chicago United States
- Finance Chicago 2026
- Finance Conference Chicago
- Asset-based lending solutions
- Factoring services
- Financial technology solutions
- Consulting services for secured finance
- digital transformation expo
1 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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Secured Finance Network
- event_website
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