The 2012 Credit Congress in Grapevine, TX went dark late last week. After nearly a week of educational sessions, networking and reunions, NACM closed up shop on the best-attended Credit Congress in five years...but not before the annual Closing Night Party.

Long a chance for credit professionals attending the conference to let their hair down after a busy few days, the delegates once again were treated to a high-energy concert of country originals and pop song covers by the LoCash Cowboys, whose appearance was sponsored by United TranzActions (UTA). Prior to the set, UTA's Dean Middleton once again gave out a couple of traditionally sought-after prizes to two randomly drawn members: a luxury Caribbean Cruise each, which were made possible by Talbott Travel (a division of NACM Tampa). Congrats to the winners: Robyn Lee and James Clem, CCE. Middleton would return to the stage as the center of attention when the Cowboys brought him up on stage for some backing vocals, dancing and a little comedy involving a Rolex and some dollar bills for a song.

Of course, organizers will try once again to raise the bar at the 2013 closing night party for Credit Congress, which will be held May 19-22 in Las Vegas.

-Brian Shappell, CBA, NACM staff writer