Appraisers spend a great deal of their time working to provide their clients with credible and reliable opinions of value, but it’s also important to take time to market themselves and their business.

By investing the time to develop a marketing plan, valuation professionals have the opportunity to grow their business and potentially to expand their earning potential. [Read more…]

AI Honors 7 National Award Winners

The Appraisal Institute honored seven AI professionals during Wednesday night’s President’s Gala Reception to conclude the 2016 AI Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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General Session Covers Major User Perspectives on Appraisal

Annual Conference attendees learned trends, tips and advice from three top executives from TIAA, one of the world’s largest financial institutions in real estate. During the general session, attendees heard from Anthony J. Oddo, MAI, Douglas K. Hodge, MAI, and William A. Lane, MAI.

Hodge spoke about the important role farmland plays in feeding the world’s growing population and encouraged young appraisers seeking opportunities to consider working in rural areas, where there is a lack of qualified valuation professionals.

Later, Lane spoke to attendees and underscored the importance of communication between appraisers and underwriters. Throughout the presentation, the speakers underlined their preference to collaborate with appraisers who have the qualifications and high standards of Appraisal Institute Designated Members.

Attendees Explore Exhibit Hall

Annual Conference attendees have taken time to explore the latest valuation products and services on display in the Exhibit Hall. Nearly 475 attendees from across the country and around the world have come together to learn about the newest tools, technology and trends from the outstanding vendors at this year’s conference.

Networking Opportunities Abound

The Appraisal Institute Annual Conference brings together valuation professionals from around the world. While you’re here in Charlotte, be sure to take advantage of the opportunities to meet leaders in the profession and reconnect with long-distance friends and colleagues. A directory of registered attendees is posted online to assist in contacting new and old friends.

AI Hosts Cocktail Reception 

Annual Conference attendees gathered again on the exhibit floor Tuesday evening for a reception hosted by the Appraisal Institute. Attendees networked with their peers, explored the exhibits for the last time and entered into a raffle to win exciting prizes.

Wednesday’s Highlights

Attendees won’t want to miss Wednesday’s luncheon, which will feature the annual awards presentation by the Appraisal Institute Education Trust.

Later, the Annual Convention will come to a close with the AI President’s Gala at 6:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Symphony 1-4. Celebrate the valuation profession’s top practitioners as AI President Scott Robinson announces the winners of AI’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Service Award and President’s Award. After dinner, the North Tower Band, one of the south’s great party bands providing the best in oldies, beach and top 40 music, will entertain the crowd.

 Attendees Praise Annual Conference Activities

Annual Conference attendees have had great things to say about the first two days of this week’s events:

“The conference has proven to be extremely educational and very interesting. You’ll learn things that you don’t get a chance to at AI chapter functions or classes.”

Susanne Lyon-Josephs, Candidate for Designation

 “The best part of this event has been the camaraderie. I love what our organization stands for and I love the fact that we’re for the appraiser and to me, there’s nothing more important.”

Joseph J. Calvanico, MAI

 “This is my first time attending. It’s allowed me to interface with a lot of people from different parts of the country and I’ve had the opportunity to partake in other programs that I wouldn’t normally see in the area where I live.”

Mark Nadeau, SRA

 Join the conversation on Twitter: #AIConf16 or leave a comment below!

Global Futurist Enlightens Attendees

Jack Uldrich – a best-selling author and global futurist focused on technology, change management and leadership – keynote speaker at this year’s Annual Conference, challenged nearly 475 attendees on Monday to become aware of how fast the world is changing, and to regularly take time to think about the future. He further encouraged appraisers to find a reverse mentor who sees the world from a different perspective, and to help those younger individuals get into the valuation profession.

[Read more…]

Welcome to Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Appraisal Institute’s 2016 Annual Conference! Be sure to look at your email each morning while you’re onsite for highlights of the day’s events and a recap of the previous day’s activities.

Here are some of the exciting offerings in store for this week:

Opening General Session
Join your friends and colleagues for today’s opening general session at 1:30 p.m. EDT in the Carolina Ballroom. This year’s keynote speaker is Jack Uldrich, a best-selling author and global futurist focused on technology, change management and leadership. As a former naval intelligence officer and U.S. Department of Defense official, Uldrich has a unique understanding of how creativity and action can help individuals thrive.

Welcome Reception
The Appraisal Institute’s North Carolina Chapter will host a reception from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EDT today in the Symphony 4 Room and Symphony Foyer. Join us to have fun and network with colleagues from across the country and around the world.

Things to Do in Charlotte
There are many exciting things to do and see while you’re in Charlotte. If you’re looking for fun activities during your downtime at the Annual Conference, you’ll find interesting venues and exciting attractions that make Charlotte a great place to visit. Click here to learn more about dining, arts and shopping destinations on the city of Charlotte’s tourism website.

Check out everything else the Annual Conference has to offer, including:

• Networking with your peers at the breakfasts, lunches and cocktail receptions included with registration;
• Choose from more than 30 exceptional education sessions;
• Earn up to 16 state CE hours and up to 77 Appraisal Institute CE points;
• See exhibits of the latest cutting-edge valuation products and services; and
• Attend the Appraisal Institute President’s Gala.

Check out 2016 Annual Conference photos on Facebook!

Join the conversation on Twitter: #AIConf16