The Cooperator Expo Chicagoland returned to the Navy Pier Convention Center on November 15, 2016, bringing more than 2,000 people to meet and learn from the nearly 300 exhibitors lining the aisles, manning the free advice booths, and leading educational seminars. It was a full day of product and service demos, giveaways, and targeted networking opportunities. 

A One-Stop Shop

The all-in-one-day event at the pier was one of two such shows sponsored and organized by The Cooperator (for info on both the fall and spring Expos, visit www.ilexpo.com), and brought together an impressive cross-section of Chicagoland’s building and property managers, association board members and residents, service providers, vendors, and real estate professionals of all stripes. 

Board member Diana Dorman appreciated the density of information; “I really like that I could talk to several vendors of a particular product or service. I learn something new from every vendor I talk to.” 

According to Henry Robbins, executive VP and sales director for Yale Robbins, Inc., the parent company of The Chicagoland Cooperator, it’s the ability to find just about any service a multifamily building or homeowners association might need, all within a few yards of each other, that makes the Expo such an attractive event. “People are busy,” says Robbins, “they want to be able to walk the aisles and find everything they need in one place.” 

Board member Becky F. of Chicago says that as a relatively new board member, the Expo represented a treasure-trove of useful information on everything from law and legislation to greener energy. “I just became a homeowner a couple of years ago, and a board member last year, so I feel like I’m starting from scratch with a lot of this stuff. It was so great to be able to just get a sense of what’s out there in terms of resources, make some connections with professionals, and sit in on the seminars, which were really informative.” 

Other board members and residents echoed those sentiments. “It’s so convenient to have literally everything in one place like this,” says a veteran board member from Naperville. “This is the third year we’ve had members of our board attend, and it’s always proved to be really worthwhile. We’ve hired contractors that we’ve met here at the show, we’ve gotten information that has allowed us to make better financial decisions for our association, and it’s just been a real opportunity to meet and chat with other board members about how they handle similar challenges and issues in their communities.”  

All of that is by design, of course, says Yale Robbins,  president of Yale Robbins, Inc., Expo producer and publisher of The Chicagoland Cooperator. “Our team works hard year-round to offer attendees at all of our shows the most timely, relevant, and useful information and products. The people who come to the Expo are committed to running their buildings and associations efficiently, effectively, and ethically, and we’re here to help them do exactly that.” 

“Hearing from property management companies gave me hope that our condo association is on the right track!”
—  Valerie Booth, Board Member 

“I always enjoy seeing the new technology and methods we learn about at the Expo.” 
—  Neil Stout,  Board Member 

“The Expo offers a tremendous resource for condo association board members. Each time, I learn about something new.”
—  Margaret Jordan, Board Member 

“I like meeting with vendors and having their information on hand if I need them in the future.” 
 —  Daniel A. Domenella, Board Member 

Spring Forward!

If you weren’t able to make it to Navy Pier for last fall’s Expo, not to worry! The next Chicagoland Expo will be in the spring on Wednesday, May 10 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Next fall’s Chicagoland Expo will be on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. For more information, registration, and events visit www.il-expo.com.                            

Hannah Fons is senior editor of The Chicagoland Cooperator.