Money men add weight to Expo.

Increased guest registration, soldout vendor booths and five high profile sponsors are just some of the signs that The Cooperator's 19th Annual Co-Op & Condo Expo is more relevant than ever.

The March 16 event is drawing interest from all corners this year as the residential market continues to thrive, according to Henry Robbins, executive vice president of Yale Robbins, Inc., which produces the trade show, held at Hilton New York, 1335 Avenue of the Americas (53rd Street).

Financial institutions represent a major portion of this year's vendors, including new participants such as Bank of New York, Bank of America and Astoria Federal Savings. "The banks benefit from the Expo by meeting developers, property managers and board members looking to finance new projects," points out Mr. Robbins. "As development and renovation is on the rise throughout New York, so is bank participation.

"Our vendor selection is a good indicator of demand in the housing market. This year, in addition to the increased turnout of banks, there are more window contractors and similar types of product manufacturers, which is a sure sign of an optimistic market in the coming year, strong on both new development and capital projects."

Demand for the annual Expo has increased every year, but this year's expanded offerings represent a turning point for the industry's premier trade show. The show's organizers have recruited five major sponsors, including Meridian Capital Group, Time Warner Cable, Con Edison, Stark & Stark and Sygrove Associates Design Group. Each sponsor will hold an informative seminar on such topical subjects as cost-saving energy strategies, the future of wireless communications and the future of the mortgage markets. The seminars are expected to draw large crowds eager to learn about new laws and regulations as well as strategies for success in the current real estate environment. The producers have added a separate floor for the seminars this year, to be held in the Rhinelander Room.

Mr. Robbins suggests that another reason for the show's growing popularity is its past success in generating business for sponsors and exhibitors and creating a one-stop resource for property managers and board presidents. In order to accommodate visitors who are spending the day away from the office, there will be a Food Court on one of the exhibition floors. In addition, Kismet Construction is sponsoring a new Cyber Cafr.

"We have a full day of seminars and activities planned," adds Mr. Robbins. "So we want to make spending time away from work as easy as possible and help people enjoy the new offerings."

Admission is free, but organizers request that guests pre-register via the Website at www.coopexpo.com or 888-249-0367.