Mark your calendars...the 1^st Annual PPMA Conference & Trade Show is set for Tuesday, April 9, 2002. The event will be held at the Canad Inn at Polo Park and there will be a number of elements that will appeal to all of our members and their staff as well as other industry stakeholders.

The conference focuses on a number of seminars within the setting of a trade show featuring a luncheon with an industry related keynote speaker. We encourage everyone to register early for the conference and for associate members to book their tradeshow booths as soon as possible. A trade show registration form is included in this months newsletter or one can be obtained from Wally Ruban or myself, Don Preteau of Shaw Cable (480-3434).

Seminars covering a variety of topics including fire safety, security and rent controls will be held throughout the day, with 4 seminars taking place at 3 different times. Property owners and managers are encouraged to register their caretakers for all seminars of interest. The cost per seminar will be $5 for PPMA members and their employees and $10 for non-members. A full day rate is also available. Registration forms will be available at the end of January.

Associate members and suppliers will have an opportunity to showcase their products and services in a trade show room. Booths are 10’ x 8’ in size and are priced at $175 each for members and $275 for non-members. The price includes a curtained off area, 1 table and 2 chairs. Electrical outlets will be available on a first come-first served basis with a limited number available.

Refreshments for the conference will be located in the trade show area, generating a constant flow of traffic for exhibitors. Exhibits will also be partially accessible through the luncheon area.

Another highlight of the day is the luncheon with keynote speaker, Derek Lobo, who has been in the apartment industry for over 15 years. Derek has spoken at the Multi-Housing World Trade Show and many other trade shows, he is an instructor for the Ontario Real Estate Association and is the former Editor in Chief of "The Multi-Unit Report". Derek’s involvement in apartment associations is vast. He was the president of the Hamilton Apartment Association, he has also worked with many other associations raising money and recruiting members.

The price for the luncheon is $20 for PPMA members and $30 for nonmembers. A full day pass can also be purchased for $30 (only available to PPMA members and their employees) and includes 3 seminars and the luncheon.

Hope to see you all there.

Don Preteau