2026 Annual Conference Education
Check out the educational programs at the region’s premier event for cooperatives, condominiums and homeowner associations.
April 15 & 16, 2026 at Valley Forge Casino
Annual Conference Breakout Sessions
Education Sponsors
Breakout Sessions I Wednesday, April 15, 2026 3:00 PM to 3:50 PM
Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
Leadership and emotional intelligence go hand in hand as a Community Manager. Without emotional intelligence, CAMs could spiral down very quickly halting effective communication with the Board of Directors along with Homeowners. As CAMs we have to see out the Community Documents and what the Board directives are and sometimes, its not easy or Homeowners will argue. Knowing how to control your emotions will make you a strong Manager, leader the BOD looks to for recommendations. Not only the BOD and your community, but your colleagues will as well.
Presented By: Jessica Stropas, CMCA, AMS, Associa Mid-Atlantic, AAMC
Board Member / Manager Partnership: How to Work as a Team
A successful community depends on a strong, collaborative relationship between its board members and manager. When roles are clear, communication is open, and trust is established, the entire community benefits. In this interactive breakout session, a board member and a community manager present together to offer a balanced, real-world perspective on how boards and managers can work as an effective team. Attendees will explore best practices for defining roles and responsibilities, fostering productive communication, navigating challenges, and aligning goals to achieve the best outcomes for their communities. Participants will leave with practical insights, actionable strategies, and a deeper understanding of how collaboration between board leadership and management leads to stronger governance, smoother operations, and long-term community success.
Presented By: Cindy Queen, CMCA, AMS, Property Management Inc. & Barbara Dolhansky, Arrowhead Lake Community Association
What to Do While Waiting - Restoration Basics
When disaster strikes, knowing what to expect and how to respond in those critical first moments can make all the difference. This educational session walks attendees through the essential steps of the restoration process—from the initial emergency response and what to expect while help is on the way, to the fundamentals of handling water, fire, and biohazard-related incidents.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of the different categories of water damage, the tools and equipment used in mitigation, best practices for securing fire-damaged scenes without jeopardizing investigations, and key health and safety considerations when responding to biohazard situations. Designed for property managers, maintenance teams, and facility professionals, this session provides practical knowledge to help protect people, property, and operations during unexpected emergencies.
Presented By: Mike Spera & Beth Bencivenni, RestoreCore
Breakout Sessions II Wednesday, April 15, 2026 4:00 PM to 4:50 PM
Resale Resilience: How to Follow the Resale Certificate Law and Retain Your Sanity
This is an INTERACTIVE session to provide information AND to answer your questions.
Expected topics:
· Who must provide what Resale information?
· When is it due?
· What if you get it wrong?
· Do you inspect the property being sold?
· Penalties for delays.
· Who can charge to prepare a Resale Certificate, and are there $$$ limits?
Presented By: Marshal Granor, Granor & Granor, P.C.
Deep Dive: Navigating the Choices for Electronic Voting and Overcoming Challenges
Program description:
Take a deep dive into the realm of electronic voting. After a brief discussion on the authority for electronic voting and service level choices, we will take a deep dive into reviewing the items to consider when crafting an e-voting resolution and another deep dive to discuss overcoming e-voting challenges.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will leave this session equipped with valuable insights to guide them in selecting the right e-voting vendor. They will gain a comprehensive understanding of key considerations when drafting e-voting resolutions or rules, along with the knowledge needed to address common myths and misconceptions about electronic voting.
Presented By: Cathi Sleight, VoteHOANow
Productivity in a Chaotic World
Program description:
Time is one of those things we all wish we had more of, but we can’t create it, only manage it better.The days feel shorter, the demands greater, and the to-do lists never-ending. In the midst of this chaos, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stuck in a constant state of reaction. This lecture is designed to equip you with practical tools and strategies to take back control of your day. From time blocking and prioritization to managing distractions and creating healthy boundaries, you’ll learn how to be more intentional with the time you do have. It's time to be more productive, present, and at peace in both your professional and personal life.
Learning Objectives
• Understanding the causes of the chaos and challenges with productivity
• Discuss strategies for maximizing productivity
• Review productivity tips, tricks, and hacks to add to your arsenal
• Create a road map for how to implement these habits into your daily life both in and out of the office .
Presented By: Matt Wright, Clearview Washing
Breakout Sessions III Thursday, April 16, 2026 – 10:40 AM to 11:30 AM
The R.E.S.T. Workshop
Building on Nina Nesdoly’s keynote Rest to Success: The Neuroscience of Work-Life Balance, this interactive workshop helps you turn insight into action. You’ll apply the R.E.S.T. Method™ to your own work and leadership through a series of exercises and reflections. You’ll learn to spot early signs of burnout in yourself, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and create a personalized R.E.S.T. Plan you can return to anytime you feel.
Presented By: Nina Nesdoly
Building Maintenance: Condition Assessments & Inspections
Program Description:
This session will explore the critical role that condition assessments and routine inspections play in ensuring the longevity, safety, and operational efficiency of buildings. Through real-world case studies, technical insights, and industry best practices, attendees will gain an understanding of how Falcon engineers approach building assessments, what deficiencies they commonly identify, and how those findings inform proactive maintenance planning.
From high-rise residential and commercial buildings to older infrastructure in need of capital planning, the presentation will break down the process and value of a comprehensive inspection—from the initial visual assessment through the development of actionable repair recommendations and capital improvement strategies. Learning Objectives Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the purpose and process of building condition assessments and inspections, including what systems are evaluated, how findings are documented, and how to use the results to prioritize maintenance, ensure compliance, and plan capital improvements..
Presented By: Kendall Eberhardt, PE, The Falcon Group
Chasing Ghosts: Collecting Assessments When the Owner Has Disappeared or Died
Program Description:
Communities can face significant challenges when a Unit Owner passes away, leaving assessments unpaid and responsibilities unclear. This session explores the complex and practical issues that arise in these situations and provides actionable strategies for managing ongoing assessments and more. Attendees will gain insight into strategies to minimize financial loss and maintain operational stability when ownership transitions are uncertain or delayed.
Presented By: Elliot Berton, Esq., Gawthrop Greenwood
