2026 Programming – Pawn Expo

PAWN EXPO PROGRAMMING

Network, Collaborate, & Be Inspired

PROGRAMMING

Live Selling to Move Pawn Shop Inventory

Presented By: Natalee Peppitt

Tuesday, July 21, 10:20am – 11:10am

Live selling is changing the way pawn shops move inventory. From Facebook Live to in-store streaming setups, real-time selling allows you to showcase products, engage buyers, and turn views into immediate sales. In this session, we’ll break down how pawn shops can use live selling strategically to reduce aged inventory, increase cash flow, and build a loyal online buying audience. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your current approach, you’ll leave with practical tactics, tools, and a clear plan to implement live selling in your shop.

The Firearms Market: What Pawn Brokers Need to Know

Presented By: Johnny Whiteside, John Bocker, Pierce Rainey, Chelsea Barnett
Tuesday, July 21, 10:20am – 11:10am

The firearms category presents both significant opportunity and heightened regulatory responsibility for pawn brokers. From evolving market demand and pricing cycles to complex federal, state, and local compliance requirements, today’s firearms environment demands informed, disciplined strategy. This session examines current market conditions, regulatory and risk-management considerations, and practical approaches to compliant buying, pricing, and inventory control. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to integrate firearms into their overall business model while meeting compliance obligations, reducing risk, and protecting profitability.

Inside the Peer Groups: Two Years of Real-World Lessons

Presented By: NPA Peer Group Leaders

Tuesday, July 21, 11:20am – 12:10am

For two years, NPA Peer Groups have brought together pawn professionals for honest, high-level conversations about what’s working — and what isn’t — in today’s market. This session brings Peer Group leaders together to share the most important takeaways, emerging trends, and practical strategies that have surfaced across multiple groups. Discover the operational shifts, leadership lessons, margin strategies, and industry insights that are shaping stronger, more resilient pawn businesses. If you want access to the collective intelligence of engaged operators, this is the session you won’t want to miss.

Turning Color Into Cash: Best Practices for Pawnbrokers

Presented by: Moris Adato

Tuesday, July 21, 11:20 am – 12:10 pm

Lab-grown diamonds have completely disrupted the natural diamond market, sending prices plummeting. The plus side? A renewed interest in colored stones. Learn to capitalize on the colored gemstones in your inventory, without needing to be a GIA Graduate Gemologist. We’ll discuss practical tips and tricks for pawnbrokers, industry best practices, marketing, and how to find the value hidden in the pile of colored gemstones you keep in the jar at the back of the vault.

Seen, Known, Trusted: Community Engagement Redefines Pawn

Presented By: Rob Barnett, Adam and Beth Anundi
Tuesday, July 21, 2:30pm – 3:20pm

In every market, trust is built locally. For pawn shops, community engagement isn’t just goodwill — it’s a powerful strategy for reshaping perception and strengthening long-term credibility. This session explores how consistent, authentic involvement in your community can transform how your business is seen, known, and trusted. From partnerships and sponsorships to visible leadership and outreach, we’ll examine practical ways pawn shops can move beyond transactions and become recognized as respected community businesses. Attendees will leave with a clear framework and actionable ideas to elevate their brand through meaningful local engagement.

AI Made Simple – A Practical Introduction for Pawn Brokers

Tuesday, July 21, 2:30pm – 3:20pm

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — but what does it actually mean for your pawn shop? This beginner-friendly session breaks AI down into simple, practical terms with no tech jargon and no hype. We’ll explore what AI is (and isn’t), how pawn shops are already experimenting with it, and where it can realistically save time or improve efficiency. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or completely new to AI tools, this session will give you a clear understanding of how AI works and several low-risk ways to start using it in your business immediately.

Sneakers in Pawn: Turning Hype into High Margin

Presented By: Ed Best
Wednesday, July 22, 4:00pm – 5:00pm

The sneaker resale market has exploded — and pawn shops are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the demand. From limited drops and collectible releases to everyday resale brands, sneakers can become a strong revenue driver when sourced and priced correctly. This session explores how to evaluate authenticity, identify high-demand brands, avoid common buying mistakes, and market sneakers effectively in-store and online. Learn how to turn cultural hype into consistent profit while managing risk and maximizing margin. If you’re looking to tap into one of the fastest-growing resale categories, this session will give you a practical roadmap to get started.

AI in Practice – What Pawn Brokers Are Learning So Far

Interactive Discussion

Wednesday, July 22, 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Many pawn brokers are beginning to experiment with AI tools — but what’s actually working? This interactive, peer-driven session brings together pawn professionals who are testing AI inside their operations. We’ll have an open discussion about real experiments, small wins, lessons learned, and areas that still feel uncertain. This is not a technical deep dive — it’s a practical conversation about how shops like yours are exploring AI today. Come ready to share, ask questions, and learn alongside your peers as we figure this out together.