NARS 2026 Draws Record Attendance

Raises Over $41,000 for Industry Charity, and Sets the Stage for an Exciting 2027

The North American Repossessors Summit (NARS) 2026 brought together more than 900 professionals from across the recovery industry for three days of education, collaboration, and connection. Centered around this year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Bridging Gaps, Elevating Standards,” the event delivered a dynamic agenda designed to foster transparency, innovation, and leadership within the industry.

Attendees participated in general sessions, breakout discussions, and hands-on training covering key topics such as invoicing transparency, compliance, leadership development, marketing and credit union partnerships, and legal considerations in video evidence.

Some highlights included an engaging panel discussion, “Let’s Talk Dollars,” which encouraged open dialogue between forwarders, agents, and lenders, as well as in-depth training sessions like “Unlock More Than Cars” and “Repossession Accounting Made Easy.” The live repossession demonstration, industry panels, and educational sessions provided practical, real-world insights, while networking events throughout the week strengthened relationships across all sectors of the industry.

Off-site and social events were equally impactful. The annual golf tournament, hosted at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Course, brought participants together for friendly competition and fundraising. The Opening Cocktail Party, Casino Night Masquerade, and the Universal CityWalk Bash provided memorable opportunities for connection and celebration—including many standout karaoke moments.

Watch a recap of the excitement and fun:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvlCqjNMQ1M

One of the most meaningful outcomes of NARS 2026 was its charitable impact. Through fundraising efforts and attendee generosity, a total of $41,276 was raised for the Recovery Agents Benefit Fund (RABF), a 501(c)(3) organization that supports recovery agents and their families facing financial hardship due to injury, illness, or loss. These funds play a critical role in assisting families with essential expenses, including burial costs during times of unexpected tragedy.

The event also recognized excellence across the industry during the annual Awards Ceremony and Live Auction. Congratulations to the 2026 award winners:

Field Agent of the Year: Barry Gibrick – Nationwide Recovery Inc
Service Representative of the Year: Dawn Psaromatis – Truly-Wow!
Vendor Representative of the Year: Elena Carroll – PAR North America
Agency Owner of the Year (East): Nathan Gottshalk – Northwest Repossession LLC
Agency Owner of the Year (West): Jason Reed – Nations Recovery Services, Inc.
Female in Leadership: Alexandra Sunseri – South Bay Remarketing Services
Lender in Leadership: Dion Gage – Exeter Finance
Agent in Leadership: Luke McArthur – Northwest Repossession
MVP (East): Wendy Sousa – International Recovery Systems
MVP (West): Rudy Sandoval – Speedy Recovery Inc.
Art Christensen Award: Vaughn Clemmons – Automobile Recovery Bureau
Industry Contribution Award: Kevin Armstrong – CURepossession; Brennen Hamilton – Insightt.io

NARS 2026 also featured the presentation of the ARA Medal of Fortitude, honoring Jamie King (International Recovery Systems) and Alfredo Martin (Nationwide Recovery). This distinguished recognition is awarded to recovery professionals who, while lawfully performing their duties, have sustained life-threatening injuries as the result of a violent criminal act. It honors extraordinary courage under attack, the will to survive against grave danger, and the strength to continue forward after profound adversity—recognizing not just survival, but the character and resilience that define this profession.

View photos from NARS 2026:

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Looking ahead, organizers announced that NARS 2027 will take place April 14–16, 2027, at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando, Florida, located near Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk. In an exciting addition, the ARA 63rd Annual Convention will be held in the same location on April 13, creating a full week of industry engagement and collaboration.

Enjoy a quick video of what to expect at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AifTytGhmWk

With strong attendance, impactful education, meaningful fundraising, and a renewed focus on collaboration, NARS 2026 reinforced its role as a leading event for the repossession industry—and set an exciting tone for the future.

For updates on room block information, agenda announcements, and more, please visit reposummit.com in the coming months.

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About the American Recovery Association (ARA):
The American Recovery Association is the world’s largest association dedicated to the advancement and professional development of the recovery and remarketing industry. ARA provides compliance support, education, and advocacy for hundreds of recovery professionals nationwide. ARA is the founder and host of the annual three-day North American Repossessors Summit (NARS) — the largest repossession conference in the industry. For more information, go to repo.org or call (972) 755-4755.