CTAA'S first Trade Show and Exhibition draws more than 225 attendees.

The Connecticut Apartment Association (CTAA) hosted its first annual Trade Show and Exhibition on Sept. 18, 2003, at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn.

The one-day event, which featured 50 exhibitors and attracted more than 225 attendees, hosted sessions on fair housing, leasing, tenant/landlord laws, legislative issues, resident retention and Internet marketing 

"The CTAA's first-ever Trade Show and Exhibition was a great success for both the exhibitors and participants alike," said CTAA President Diane Yensen. "We were committed to creating a forum to help attendees stay abreast of the most relevant business issues, technology and techniques as evidenced by the quality of our programs and speakers."

Among the presenters were Nan Cavaretta of Apartment Finder, Andrew Botieri of Total Peak Performance, and Joe Kaye of Homestore.com.

The association's introduction of the "NUTMEG Awards" program provided a special end to the day. Master of ceremonies Botieri presented the region's most accomplished apartment professionals and finest communities with the awards. Categories recognized management companies, maintenance professionals and properties.

"This dynamic event gave attendees the opportunity to get a first-hand look at the latest multifamily industry products and services, as well as the occasion to network and recognize their colleagues dining our NUTMEG awards program," Yensen said. "It was a wonderful introduction to all that CTAA has to offer current and prospective members alike."

Washington State Affiliate Growing Strong

The first and only local association in Washington state affiliated with NAA was chartered at the NAA Education Conference in June in New Orleans. With the State of Washington having one of the largest multifamily housing markets in the country, Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA) has a mission to be a strong and powerful organization, promoting professionalism throughout the industry, providing a means of quality education and encouraging support among members, the industry and the community.

Membership has grown to more than 34,000 and the numbers are increasing daily. The goal is to keep the energy and enthusiasm going throughout 2004, and at minimum, double the number of members by the end of next year.

The WMFHA education committee facilitated its first educational seminar, National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP), in August. The course had 17 students, all of whom are leasing professionals in the WMFHA membership. A second NALP class was held in October due to the demand.

In January, WMFHA plans to offer Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) and Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) courses.

The association has held two membership meetings, each with 175 attendees. At the first meeting, Mike Scott, Dupre & Scott Apartment Advisors, spoke of market conditions. At the second meeting, Jonakan O'Steen, National Education Director for Equity Residential, spoke on "Leadership and Emotional Intelligence."