AI in Lending: Navigating Opportunity, Compliance, and Change in the 7(a) Community
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego
February 4–5, 2026
Intimate Members-Only Event
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, and while adoption in the financial section is still emerging, the 7(a) lending community isn’t sitting on the sidelines. This unique Member Meetup which will bring together lenders AI experts, SBA representatives, other officials in the federal sector and you! Together we will explore what prudent lending looks like in the age of AI.
Through candid conversations, breakout discussions, and peer-to-peer exchange, we’ll focus on real-world use cases, compliance considerations, and the challenges lenders face as they begin integrating AI into origination, underwriting, credit, servicing, and operations.
Who Should Attend:
Executive-level leaders, decision-makers, and professionals actively working on (or preparing for) AI integration in their organizations.
Agenda
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
5:30 – 6:30 PM | Sunset Social
Kick off the Meetup with drinks, light bites, and (hopefully) a gorgeous San Diego sunset. This sponsor-supported social is the perfect chance to enjoy the views, make introductions, and start building connections before diving into the next day’s sessions.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
8:00 – 8:30 AM | Grab & Go Breakfast
Start your day with fresh coffee and breakfast as you connect with peers.
8:30 – 9:30 AM | Main Stage: Setting the Course
Kick off the Meetup with a facilitated dialogue on where AI stands in 7(a) lending today, what “prudent adoption” looks like, and what’s on the horizon for lenders, SBA, regulators, and borrowers.
9:45 – 10:30 AM | Main Stage: The Conversation Continues
A deeper dive into real-world use cases, risks, and compliance considerations — designed to frame the questions and opportunities we’ll unpack in Idea Labs later.
10:45 – 12:00 PM | Idea Labs: Concurrent Sessions
Smaller, interactive groups where participants share experiences, dissect challenges, and surface best practices for AI integration.
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Brainfood: Networking Lunch
Step outside for lunch and conversations. Light prompts will be provided to spark dialogue around AI adoption, but the focus is on connecting and recharging before the afternoon sessions.
1:00 – 2:15 PM | Idea Labs: Concurrent Sessions
New set of interactive groups where participants share experiences, dissect challenges, and surface best practices for AI integration.
2:30 – 3:30 PM | Main Stage: Closing Perspectives
Come back together for closing reflections. Industry leaders share their takeaways, followed by group discussion on what prudent, responsible AI adoption looks like for the future of the 7(a) industry.
Join Us Live
Member Meetup Registration
Included in Registration:
- Sunset Social (Feb 4)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- All sessions
Limited to 2 attendees per organization (3 if you are a Sustaining Lender)
By October 31
$745
After October 31
$895
The Venue
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
1441 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
Room Rate:
$229 plus a reduced resort fee of $20/day
Hotel Cutoff Date:
January 14 @ 5pm
