TAA’S 2018 EDUCATION CONFERENCE
I
n the midst of Fiesta and a city celebrating its 300th
anniversary, the 2018 Education Conference & Lone
Star Expo looked ahead at what to expect Next in the
rental housing industry.
Mark your calendar now for #TAA2019, April 10-12 in Houston.
The Texas Apartment Association’s 2018 Education Confer-
ence & Lone Star Expo in historic San Antonio focused on
the future of the rental housing industry and challenged
participants to prepare to Be What’s Next.
More than 4,000 participants were on hand for TAA’s annu-
al Conference, with more than 2,500 professionals regis-
tered or bringing in Expo-only passes for the Conference,
which also attracted about 1,500 supplier partners.
Here’s a look at some of the Conference highlights:
Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation Room
To Grow Ambassador Neci Shepherd with Madera Res-
idential sang the national anthem at the Opening Ses-
sion April 26. When the sound to Neci’s mic cut out part
way through, the 2,000+ members in the audience sang
along to complete the anthem. Hands down, the one of
the most memorable and proud moments for everyone
attending.
Former Dallas quarterback and Emmy-nominated televi-
sion sports analyst Tony Romo chatted with local media
personality Roman Garcia during the General Opening
Session April 26.
The TAA Education Foundation showcased its updated
“Room To Grow” campaign and introduced a new video
highlighting the success of Courtland Audain, an early
graduate of a TAAEF Apartment Professionals Program.
Conference attendees participated in a Community
Service Experience for volunteers on April 26 at Haven
for Hope, an organization helping the homeless. The San
Antonio Apartment Association partnered with TAA on this
event.
TAAEF awarded two scholarships to students at the Univer-
sity of North Texas, held a special session for Foundation
donors and raffled a 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia. Neci Shep-
herd was the winner of the vehicle raffle.
Networking events included the kickoff party April 26 on
the San Antonio River Walk and the Installation & Awards
Dinner and Black & White Gala on April 27.
TAA’s new officers and Executive Committee members
were installed April 27, along with the new officers of the
Product/Service Council for next year.
Seven professional award winners were recognized April 27.
Plans are already in motion for TAA’s 2019 Education Con-
ference & Lone Star Expo, April 10-12 in Houston. Mark your
calendar now! #TAA2019
Conference-goers had about 60 concurrent educational
seminars to choose from, including mini-sessions added
Thursday and Friday and four “silent seminars” inside the
Lone Star Expo on Friday. (Seminar presentations are
available on the Conference app and in the conference
section of the TAA website.)
Both days of the Lone Star Expo enjoyed healthy crowds,
with visitors checking out new products and services in 416
booths.
www.saaaonline.org | May/June 2018
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