Twice a year, The Cooperator Expo - Chicagoland, brings together scores of vendors and service providers to share information on new products, services, and best practices for multifamily communities – but that's not all it does! The region's biggest and best trade event also assembles a well-curated roster of free educational seminars. Seminar speakers and panelists are experts in their fields, and address the issues important to board members, property managers, condo, HOA and co-op decision-makers, and apartment building owners, ranging from everyday noise complaints to high-stakes mortgage transactions and new legislation. This year's Spring Expo, returning to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on Wednesday, May 9^th from 10am to 3:30pm, continues The Chicagoland Cooperator's commitment to continuing education and professional enrichment for anyone making decisions on behalf of their community. Expo seminars are always popular and frequently attract standing-room-only audiences, so get registered for the expo at spring.ilexpo.com, and be sure to come early to claim your seat!

The 2018 seminar lineup will include:

ASSOCIATION LOANS IN TODAY'S WORLD -10:45am-11:45am, Room 1

Presented by: Cervantes Chatt & Prince, P.C.
This CAMICB CE Credit course targets managers who are looking for more information on association loans and the process for obtaining one. Managers will learn how to assess whether an association is eligible to take out a loan, as well as the parameters and limitations in doing so, including restrictions on special assessments and exceptions. They will also learn strategies to make their associations more attractive to a lenders. Finally, managers will learn about the loan process from start to finish.

DROWNING IN WATER BILLS – HOW YOUR HOA CAN REDUCE COSTS BY 30% - 12:45am-11:45am, Room 2
Presented by: DRF Trusted Property Solutions
It's no secret that many condo and HOA communities are struggling with increasing water costs. This seminar will provide insight into ways your community can reduce consumption, improve the efficiency of domestic water systems, and save serious money (up to 30 percent or more in many cases!) by identifying other opportunities to stop the flood.

MAJOR ROOF PROJECTS – CRUCIAL STEPS, ENERGY CODES, AND NAVIGATING INSURANCE HAIL CLAIMS - 12:45am-1:45pm, Room 1
Presented by: Custom Installations
Your roof serves as the first line of defense against whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at your building. An aging, neglected, or improperly maintained roof can lead to leaks, mold, and a host of other costly problems. That's why it's vital for your building's roof to be both well-constructed and well-maintained. Come learn about basic roof anatomy, new energy-saving standards and products, and how to navigate a major roof project when the time comes.

REVVING UP ADVANCED ANNUAL COLOR - 1:45pm-2:30pm, Room 2
Presented by: Acres Group
This CAMICB CE Credit seminar will aid in the planning of ‘premium’ annual flower and seasonal color ordering. We will look at the unique differences between seed-grown and vegetative produced annuals. We will also focus on many recommendations of annual flowers to choose from for best curb appeal and performance.

TROUBLE IN PARADISE – DIPLOMACY, PEOPLE SKILLS, AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION – 2:30pm-3:30pm, Room 1
Presented by: The Chicagoland Cooperator
Even the most harmonious community faces occasional issues, be it friction between board members, complaints about management, or a feud between neighbors. To avoid everyday conflict escalating into long-term grievances -- or even litigation -- it’s vital that boards, managers, and residents themselves work to head off problems before they wind up in court. This seminar will offer practical, real-world tips on how to do just that.

As you can see, it's a full day of interesting, informative content and the opportunity to hear directly from industry pros and peers about issues impacting building communities across the city. Visit The Cooperator Expo - Chigacoland website for additional info, directions, and events, and we'll see you at the show! spring.ilexpo.com