NAA's 2000 Education Conference: Better Than Ever.

For those of us involved in planning an event such as the 2000 NAA Education Conference, it's reassuring when you read about a recent study by the Trade Show Bureau that estimated 80 percent of people who attend trade shows do so to stay abreast of the latest industry developments. We've always felt that's why you attend NAA's Education Conference -- from our education seminars and The Real Show of Real Estate Management to an eclectic mix of keynote speakers and entertainers, our three-day summer gathering is the place to learn what's new in the multifamily housing industry and to network with your peers.

If you're already in New Orleans or are on your way here, be sure to read this issue of Units from cover to cover to acclimate yourself and learn about some of the fantastic places to visit in this great southern city. It seems like on every block you'll find a home of some literary significance. If you'll be attending our NAA Property Tours on Friday June 23, check out page 36 to see previews of the properties you'll visit. Of course, we know most of your time will be spent in the new Morial Convention Center, which will host every NAA conference event except for The Welcome Reception and Closing Gala.

If you haven't yet registered for the conference, we've included a registration form in this issue to complete and turn in at the NAA Registration Booth at the Morial Convention Center beginning Tuesday, June 20 at 2 p.m. and running daily through Saturday, June 24 at 1:30 p.m. The peak registration times are expected to be Thursday, June 22 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, June 23 from 8-11 a.m., so for a more expedient registration process, try to avoid those times. The NAA Registration Booth is also the place to purchase extra tickets for all events and to have any of your conference-related questions answered.

Our six conference-affiliated hotels are sold out of NAA's room block, so if you're searching for housing, the best bets are the Le Pavilion (504/581-3111); the Hyatt Regency New Orleans (504/561-1234) and the W New Orleans (504/525-9444). Remember, complimentary shuttle service is provided from all six NAA hotels to and from the convention center. While there is no shuttle service from the Le Pavillon, Hyatt Regency or W New Orleans, each of these hotels is on Poydras Street, within walking distance of one of the six NAA hotels.

The shuttle service will begin running at 12 p.m. on Monday, June 19 and continue their daily service starting approximately 30 minutes before the NAA Registration Booth opens each day. Since the majority of our conference attendees have lodging accommodations at one of the six hotels, this shuttle service is your quickest route to the convention center. The shuttles will run approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day. You won't have to stop at six hotels before reaching the convention center, just the two hotels on your route.

The Real Show of Real Estate Management opens its doors in the convention center on Thursday at 2 p.m. following our Opening General Session and speaker Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Dr. Ruth will be signing her book just after her presentation, then walking the tradeshow floor to visit with our exhibitors and members. We wrap things up two days later with retired Gen. Colin Powell delivering our Closing General Session address proceeded by our NAA Closing Gala later that evening featuring 60s great Chubby Checker.

We know it will be a busy, productive week and like other NAA Education Conferences, we believe our 2000 event will be NAA's best ever.