Part of The Originator Connect Network
Educate. Innovate. Motivate.
May
 
7
 — 
May 7, 2026
|
Irvine
CA

California's top gathering for mortgage pros.

The mortgage industry is going through a significant change. For mortgage origination professionals, it's a struggle to keep on top of all the changes, and to keep your sales strategies and marketing initiatives at their peak. You need to keep your pipeline filled, and you need the tools and directions to stay profitable, efficient, and effective. We've brought together the best in the business to create a top tier event specifically designed for mortgage origination pros.

May 7, 2026
|
Irvine
CA

California's top gathering for mortgage pros.

Sponsor or exhibit
External Link
Take a look to see what you can expect at this year's event.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Pre-Conference Events

1:00 pm — 4:00 pm

Session A

Build-A-Broker

Build-A-Broker is an in-person training event designed to help you establish the solid foundations of your business. This program is designed to show you the basics of setting up your business — from how to rent space, to what accounting programs are recommended — and will also cover topics including choosing your loan origination systems, how to pick a CRM system, and more.

Brokerage 101

Brokerage 101 focuses on the foundation for establishing your business, presented by experienced mentors. This course includes topics such as:

  • LO Compensation Basics
  • Choosing an accounting program and payroll provider
  • What is the right corporate form for you? (LLC vs. Corp.)
  • How to determine if your workers are employees or independent contractors.

Add To Your Portfolio

We have a panel of lenders to discuss innovative products you can use to set your brokerage up for success, such as:

  • Non-QM
  • Private Lending
  • Reverse Mortgages

Establishing a Competitive Advantage

Few brokerages can fully grow without offering more than the standard-vanilla residential home mortgage. We bring in product experts to discuss an array of diverse products such as:

  • Non-QM loans, and the pros and cons
  • Reverse Mortgages
  • Fix & Flip mortgages
  • and more

Brokerage 102

Brokerage 102 focuses on the additional foundational issues for establishing your business, with topics such as:

  • Policy & Procedures that every company needs, including BSA/AML, Sexual Harassment, and more
  • Marketing & Compliance — under RESPA, TILA, Reg. N, the CFPB, getting leads, co-marketing with Realtors, and more.
  • Compliance training, auditing, and testing.
Session B

Exhibit Hall & Sessions

Thursday, May 7, 2026

7:30 am

Session A

Registration Opens

Registration opens.

Session B

8:00 am — 8:40 am

Session A
Monarch Ballroom

Rediscovering Your Why: Staying Inspired When the Grind Gets Tough

When markets shift, margins tighten, and the daily grind takes over, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started this in the first place. This session explores how rediscovering your personal mission can restore clarity, focus, and long-term motivation. You’ll learn how a lack of clarity stalls growth—and how reconnecting with your “why” leads to better strategy, stronger habits, and more sustainable success. We’ll also share how Equity Smart applied this mindset internally to build infrastructure that helps loan officers operate at a higher level, professionally and personally. Walk away with practical insights to realign your business with your purpose, sharpen decision-making, and build a career that doesn’t just survive the grind—but grows through it.

Session B

8:40 am — 9:20 am

Session A
Monarch Ballroom

West Capital Lending Session

Session coming soon  

Session B
Irvine Ballroom

Expand Your Possibilities! Competing In A Jumbo Market

Join us for a powerful, informative, and motivational session designed to "elevate" your mortgage strategy, business approach, and mindset in today’s, evolving, Jumbo Market.

Learn valuable insights on how loan officers are thinking bigger and by thinking like a CEO—unlocking new levels of growth and opportunity in the Jumbo Market.

What does it take to succeed? How to Compete?  What is the difference-maker when it comes to those who are funding 20+ loans per month and those who are struggling? How do you align yourself for long-term success? We’ll share example after example of how you can succeed using the right tools and programs—and much more.

Learn:

  • How to secure “Builder” Preferred Lender status
  • How to secure “Realtor” Preferred Lender status
  • How to excel with “Jumbo” loans that offer powerful pricing  options
  • How to capture “Foreign National” business and how to capture No DTI/No Income Options - Even on (Primary, Second Home or Investment loans)
  • How to close more Jumbo loans even up to 90% LTV up to $5Million and even up to $10Million at lower LTVs with low rate, no point options that truly compete. 
  • Learn how to capture more preferred realtor relationships with  Buy Without Sell First programs.  No Point, Low Rate options that are far cheaper than using bridge loan options.  No need to list or sell first. No follow up QC to show departure property ever sold.  Permanent financing so no need to redo out of it. 

Learn how to grow your business from 1–2 loans per month to 15–38 in under 1–2 years (even in this market).

9:20 am — 10:00 am

Session A
Monarch Ballroom

The Circle Of Referrals - How To Grow Your Business 42% In 12 months

With over 27 years experience in the mortgage industry, Tim Davis, has condensed what top producers are doing into one simple concept, The Circle of Referrals.

In this session, you will learn

  • The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
  • How to Work the Circle of Referrals System
  • How to Grow a Team
  • How to Grow Your Database
  • The Six Keys of Business Growth
  • The Four Pillars of Every Business
  • The 48-hour rule
  • 10 Must Have Videos for Your Business
  • Plus much more.

Tim is the host of the daily podcast, The Originators Guide and the Founder of Personal Branding Mastery™ He has been a loan officer, company owner, and national coach to loan officers. If you are looking for a simple solution to grow your business, you will find it in the lessons from this session.

Session B
Irvine Ballroom

Ahead of the Curve: Non-QM Insights for a Changing Market

The Non-QM market continues to evolve—don’t get left behind. This session provides the tools and knowledge you need to stay ahead of industry shifts and future-proof your business. Through practical examples and proven strategies, you’ll gain confidence to lead in a dynamic environment.

Learning Objectives:

  • Stay competitive with forward-looking Non-QM strategies
  • Identify and capitalize on market opportunities
  • Deep dive into Non-QM programs and borrower needs
  • Address common questions and scenarios effectively

10:00 am — 10:40 am

Session A
Monarch Ballroom

The Rise of AI — The Future of Mortgage

Everyone in the mortgage industry is wondering: what will the rise of Artificial Intelligence mean? There's no need to guess, since there's already one company that's been running on AI-powered systems since 2018. Sun West Mortgage's sister company, Celligence, created an AI underwriting and processing platform that Sun West has been using to power its company for the past five years. Underwriting is now measured in minutes, and processing tasks are primarily automated. This has allowed Sun West to make better loan decisions, expand credit to more communities, and free originators to spend more time building business rather than babysitting files. In the past year, Sun West has opened its system -- called Angel AI -- to the origination community at large, and backs loan decisions made by its system "100%" -- meaning that if an originator gets a green light from Angel AI, Sun West will commit to closing the loan, period. Don't miss this incredible session looking inside a large mortgage lender running its operations fully on artificial intelligence. The future is already here. So now the question is: what's next?

Session B
Irvine Ballroom

Revive Your Pipeline: The Deals Banks Can’t Do

Non-QM loans continue to play a critical role in helping mortgage professionals serve borrowers who don’t fit traditional lending guidelines. As the market evolves, originators are seeing growing demand from self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and others whose financial profiles require more flexible solutions.

In this panel, industry leaders from Carrington Mortgage Services, Brokers Advantage Mortgage, and Park Place Finance will share insights into how Non-QM lending is evolving and what originators need to know to succeed in today’s environment. From product innovation to underwriting considerations and borrower trends, this discussion will explore how brokers can confidently use Non-QM options to close more loans and expand their pipeline.

Whether you’re new to Non-QM or looking to deepen your expertise, this session will provide practical insights into how these programs can help you serve more clients and grow your business.

10:40 am — 11:20 am

Session A
Monarch Ballroom

Building Your 4EVER Broker Business

Freedom Mortgage Wholesale, a supporter of the mortgage broker community, is Historically, Currently, and 4EVER Wholesale. Freedom is presenting a panel of experienced mortgage professionals sharing their unique histories, current approaches, and strategic perspectives on achieving future success. This discussion will explore how lasting businesses come to be. Get ready for interesting conversations with actionable insights to help you build a thriving 4EVER broker business. Let’s get building!

Session B
Irvine Ballroom

Residential Investment Loans Unlocked: Proven Strategies to Boost Earnings & Build Client Loyalty

Residential investment activity is booming, and offering the right financing solutions can be a game-changer for brokers looking to grow revenue and win more deals. In this session, you’ll learn how leading residential brokers leverage fix-and-flip loans, new construction financing and DSCR programs to help investor clients tackle ambitious projects and close faster.

In this session, you will:

  • Discover why residential investment loans are giving brokers a competitive edge
  • Explore real-world case studies that highlight measurable results
  • Deepen your knowledge of fix-and-flip and DSCR programs to expand your offerings
  • Learn actionable tactics to grow profits and client retention

Walk away with proven strategies to increase profitability, strengthen client trust, and position yourself as the go-to expert in this high-demand niche.

11:20 am — 12:00 pm

Session A
Monarch Ballroom

THINK BIG - ACT SMALL

Join Newfi Wholesale for a session all about how to stand out in 2026! Learn how long-lasting business growth is tied to intentional, small daily actions and explore…

  • the art of developing people-first relationships that go beyond the closing table
  • the importance of communicating and listening to serve and,
  • the impact of powerful programs and a relationship-building mindset can have on your business

We can’t wait to see you there!

Session B
Irvine Ballroom

20 Years in Mortgage Lending: Then and Now

Join us for a powerful, fast-paced journey through two decades of transformation in the mortgage industry. From paper files and fax machines to AI-driven underwriting and instant closings, we’ll explore how far we’ve come—and what’s coming next.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Key industry milestones and moments that shaped today’s mortgage world
  • How the portrait of the borrower has evolved and what that means for you
  • The role of technology and why people still matter more than ever
  • What brokers expect from modern lending partners in 2025
  • Why understanding our past helps avoid repeating mistakes and ready for the future

12:00 pm — 12:40 pm

Session A
Monarch Ballroom

Margin Matters: How To Grow Volume With Tech

In 2026, success belongs to brokers who run clean, efficient operations — not just busy ones. This session unveils operational rhythms powered by technology to help you scale without sacrificing client experience or sleep. We'll cover pipeline "triage" routines, delegation and role clarity in small teams, and how to prevent file-chasing and decision fatigue. Join Rocket Pro, as they reveal how Rocket Pro Navigate transforms from a tool into a strategic partner.

Session B

12:40 pm — 3:00 pm

Session A

Exhibit Hall Opens

Session B

3:00 pm — 3:40 pm

Session A
Monarch Ballroom

The Investor Loan Playbook: Inside the DSCR Opportunity

DSCR loans continue to open the door for real estate investors who don’t fit traditional income guidelines. For mortgage professionals, they represent one of the fastest-growing opportunities to expand their pipeline and serve a highly active borrower segment.

In this panel discussion, join leading lenders, Spring EQ and VISIO Lending as their top experts break down how DSCR loans work, what today’s investor borrowers are looking for, and how originators can confidently structure and close these deals. From underwriting considerations to common pitfalls and winning strategies, this session will provide practical insights to help you tap into the investor market and close more loans.

Session B
Irvine Ballroom

Solving the Senior Borrower Qualification Problem: The $14 Trillion Opportunity Most Originators Are Leaving on the Table

Senior homeowners are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. housing market—and the most routinely declined.

Despite holding over $14 trillion in home equity, millions of homeowners aged 55+ are unable to access financing through traditional HELOCs and bank products. Why? Debt-to-income constraints, fixed retirement income, rising rates, and rigid payment structures were never designed for this borrower profile.

This session exposes the structural flaw in today’s lending model and explains why qualified senior borrowers are being declined—not because of risk, but because of outdated underwriting assumptions.

More importantly, you’ll learn how forward-thinking originators are:

  • Converting DTI-declined borrowers into approvals
  • Unlocking larger loan amounts with sustainable payments
  • Thriving in high-rate environments
  • Building repeat, referral-driven senior lending pipelines

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why traditional HELOCs fail retirement-age borrowers
  • How to qualify asset-rich, income-constrained homeowners
  • How payment-flexible structures outperform rate-only solutions
  • How to turn “denied” files into profitable, compliant closings
  • How to tap a massive, underserved market your competitors are missing

3:40 pm — 5:30 pm

Session A

Exhibit Hall Opens

Exhibit hall reception.

Session B

Please note: Registration & event check-in will close approximately 1 hour before the conclusion of the event. Late arrivals may not be permitted to attend.
NMLS-Approved Continuing Education Class

Friday, May 8, 2026

8:15 am — 9:00 am

Session A

NMLS Class Registration Opens

Must have completed Exhibitor Passport and Federal I.D.

Session B

9:00 am — 5:00 pm

Session A

8-Hour NMLS-Approved CE Class

Optional — Must Pre-Register

Registration opens at 8 am, class beings promptly at 9 am. Anyone not already registered at 9 am will not be allowed to take the class. Partial credit cannot be offered.

Fulfill your complete 8 hour continuing education requirements for your NMLS license renewal! This is a separately-ticketed bonus offering. Make the most of your time this year by getting all your federally-required CE at the expo, in addition to a conference full of networking, education, opportunities and prizes.

Important Note: You must take the entire 8 hour class to qualify for credit. We cannot give partial credit. Class provided by MaxClass.

Class is taught by MaxClass (provider #1405088) and will teach the 7 Hour CORE (18443) & 1 Hour California State Elective (18423).

IMPORTANT: In addition to pre-registration, in order to qualify for admission to the free NMLS License Renewal Class, you must have attended the expo and had your Exhibit Hall passport marked by all exhibitors. Only one Exhibit Hall passport given per person.

Session B

This NMLS-approved CE Course is free with pre-registration. In addition, attendees must attend the main event and complete their Exhibit Hall Passports to earn eligibility. Attendees may not purchase entry to NMLS class. Learn more about free NMLS-Approved Continuing Education Courses.
Agenda subject to change.
Exhibit Hall Passport

Complete your NMLS-approved CE for free.

We're thrilled to be able to provide free CE courses at our events. To qualify to attend, you must fulfill these requirements:

1

Complete your first half of class.

You'll complete your first half of class when you arrive, before we break for the exhibitor showcase.

Pre-register to attend the course.

You can pre-register during checkout; simply select yes on this option. Registration for the course cannot be added at the event.
2

Complete your Exhibit Hall Passport.

Visit with each exhibitor to have them stamp your passport. We'll provide your passport when you arrive.
3

Trade in your Passport for the second half of your class.

Trade in your completed passport, attend the second half of class, and earn your credits.

Trade in your Passport for entry to the class.

Bring your completed passport with you to the course, you'll hand this in to the instructors for entry.
NMLS-approved CE class is free with pre-registration. In addition, attendees must attend the exhibit hall during the main event and complete their Exhibit Hall Passports to earn eligibility. Passports must be presented the morning of the NMLS class, admission will not be granted without a completed passport. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Attendees may not purchase entry to the class. Seating is limited.
Paid registrants have full access to the class on its scheduled day. No refunds are provided for cancellations. Registration promotion codes or discounts only grant entry to the class. At midday break, students will be given the opportunity to visit sponsors and exhibitors, and to get their re-entry "passport" marked by all vendors. Students who do not present a completed "passport" when signing in for the afternoon session will not be granted entry and will forfeit any credits for the program. Students without a completed passport may be allowed to complete the class upon paying the full fee on site. Conference instructors and producers have final say.

Your Speakers

Speakers coming soon.

Meet your future partners.

Sponsors

No items found.

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting?

See available options

Exhibitors

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting?

See available options

Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport

18800 MacArthur Blvd
Irvine
CA
 
92612
The event will be held at the address listed above.
Need to stay the night? Enjoy discounted room rates when you
book through us.
Booking link coming soon
Book your stay
External Link

Discounted room rates are limited and are available first-come, first-serve — please reserve early.

Innovate. Educate. Motivate.

The mortgage industry is going through a significant change. For mortgage origination professionals, it's a struggle to keep on top of all the changes, and to keep your sales strategies and marketing initiatives at their peak. You need to keep your pipeline filled, and you need the tools and directions to stay profitable, efficient, and effective. We've brought together the best in the business to create a top tier event specifically designed for mortgage origination pros.

Registration

Where

Hotel Name
000 Hotel Address Line 1
City
ST
 
06117

When

The main event day is 

Tuesday, December 8

, when we will have education sessions and time to visit the exhibit hall. 

The NMLS class will be held

Wednesday, December 9, 

but attending the main event is required to attend.

What to Know

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Need a promo code?

Subscribe to the Originator Connect Network below to receive your welcome code to register for this, or any other OCN event, for free.*

Thank you!
Use this code at checkout to zero out the cost of registration:
EVENTSFREE
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
*Free registration is open to NMLS licensees and support staff only. Final eligibility is determined by show producer.

Originator Registration

$125
$150
California Mortgage Expo — Irvine
 | 
May 7, 2026
May 7
 —
Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport
 | 
18800 MacArthur Blvd
,
Irvine
,
CA
 
92612
 | 
,
,
 
Access to exhibit hall
Access to education sessions
Preregistration option for NMLS-Approved CE Class
NMLS-Approved CE Class
Preregistration option for Build-A-Broker
Event registration is temporarily offline, please check back later.

Valid NMLS licensed brokers, originators, and their support staff may register at the door.
OCN Logo
The
California Mortgage Expo — Irvine
is produced by the Originator Connect Network, connecting brokers & originators to the story of their success at events across the nation.
Learn moreExternal Link
*Free registration open to NMLS licensees and support staff only. Show producer reserves the right to determine eligibility to attend. NMLS Licensees, please register above. For non-licensed processors or underwriters, please use your company's NMLS number. To attend as a non-exhibiting vendor, please
register here.register here.
Walk-in registrations are exempt to all promotional codes and may be a higher rate. Ticket price subject to change.
NMLS-approved CE class seating is limited. Preregistration is required, seats are first-come, first-serve and cannot be reserved.
*Registration is open to NMLS licensees only. Show producer reserves the right to determine eligibility.

Paid registrants have full access to the class on its scheduled day. No refunds are provided for cancellations. Registration promotion codes or discounts only grant entry to the class. At midday break, students will be given the opportunity to visit sponsors and exhibitors, and to get their re-entry "passport" marked by all vendors. Students who do not present a completed "passport" when signing in for the afternoon session will not be granted entry and will forfeit any credits for the program. Students without a completed passport may be allowed to complete the class upon paying the full fee on site. Conference instructors and producers have final say.

Where

Hotel Name
000 Hotel Address Line 1
City
ST
 
06117

When

The main event day is 

Tuesday, December 8

, when we will have education sessions and time to visit the exhibit hall. 

The NMLS class will be held

Wednesday, December 9, 

but attending the main event is required to attend.

What to Know

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Can't make it?

FAQ

How do I apply a promo code for my tickets?

If you have a promo code, there will be an option for you to put it in on the very last page before checkout. You must hit the button that says "Apply Promotion," which will complete your reservation if you have a free code. Please DO NOT put in your credit card information.

Can I register other people?

Yes, you can register up to 10 NMLS licensed originators. Please input every registrant's individual information, as we use this information to create the name badges and check in at registration on the day of the event.

Can I visit the exhibit hall if I am not registered?

Unfortunately, no. You must register to have access to any part of the show at any point.

Can I attend even if I don't have an NMLS number?

The show is primarily designed for NMLS licensees. Processors and underwriters may use their company NMLS number. Others without an NMLS number (or non-active NMLS licensees) may attend, but have to register as a paid non-exhibiting vendor. If you don't have an NMLS number but you don't think you are a vendor, please reach out to us. Show producers have the right to determine final eligibility.

I am a sponsor or exhibitor, where can I find the toolkit and exhibiting information?

The exhibitor information is sent to the email provided during the registration or purchase of a booth or sponsorship. Please check this email for information about access to our exhibitor toolkit. If you need this information resent, please email info@ambizmedia.com for assistance.

I registered for the show but not the continuing education class, can I still take it?

Unfortunately, we cannot add or modify an existing registration. Class space is limited and you must pre-register to allow us to get an accurate head count. We are often able to accommodate requests made on the day of the show because some registrants will cancel or otherwise not participate. But only pre-registered attendees are guaranteed access to the class.

Need more help?

NOTE: This message form is for additional help, and is NOT registration. To register, please click here.
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