If you’re thinking about heading to Ottawa, Ontario, for the 2017 International Valuation Conference, you can save yourself some money by acting today!

Deadline Approaching for ‘Early Bird’ Registration 

If you’re planning to attend the International Valuation Conference, hosted by the Appraisal Institute and the Appraisal Institute of Canada, you have just over two weeks – until April 18 – to register at the lowest available rate. Also, remember to book your room at one of the hotels where AI and AIC have negotiated room rates.

Physician, scientist, author and deep-sea explorer Dr. Joe MacInnis will be the keynote speaker at the International Valuation Conference being hosted, June 8-11, in Ottawa, Ontario.

If your passport expires before December 8, be sure to renew it today. Average time for a response is six weeks, so apply now. And, don’t forget to contact your mobile carrier to ensure that your phone will work in Canada. Plus, the exchange rate currently is favorable so your dollar will go further.

Learn more about the International Valuation Conference and register.

International Valuation Conference Announces Closing Speaker

Ed Parsons, geospatial technologist at Google, will be the closing luncheon speaker at the 2017 International Valuation Conference.

Parsons will discuss Google’s mission to organize the world’s information using geography. Based in London, he maintains links with governments, universities, and research and standards organizations involved in the development of geospatial technology. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Open Geospatial Consortium and is co-chair of the W3C/OGC Spatial Data on the Web Working Group.

Learn more about Ed Parsons.

The International Valuation Conference will be one of this year’s largest networking and professional development opportunities within the valuation profession, offering:

• Hundreds of AI and AIC members and valuation partners;
• Educational sessions offering up to 80 AI continuing education points and 10.5 state CE credits;
• Exhibits of cutting-edge valuation products and services;
• An awards reception;
• A gala dinner;
• Networking with peers; and
• Opportunities for exploring Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, as Canada celebrates 150 years as a nation.

AI Publishes Book on Manufactured Home Appraisals

The Appraisal Institute on March 27 published “Appraising Manufactured (Mobile) Home Communities and Recreational Vehicle Parks.”

The book presents a broad overview of the manufactured housing industry, and examines the various factors that affect the value of mobile home and RV parks. Learn more about “Appraising Manufactured (Mobile) Home Communities and Recreational Vehicle Parks” and order a copy.

AI Participates In Key Industry Events

In keeping with the Appraisal Institute’s commitment to convey its thought leadership to real estate professionals and others, I was joined by Sandy Adomatis, SRA, at the Residential Energy Services Network (commonly known as RESNET) Building Performance Conference, February 27-March 1, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sandy and I jointly delivered two presentations on green valuation topics, and I addressed the RESNET Board of Directors about our organizations’ working relationship.

Additionally, I spoke at the GIS/CAMA Technologies Conference, March 6-9, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, about AVMs, BPOs, evaluations and appraisals.

President-Elect Jim Murrett, MAI, SRA, represented the organization at the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries Winter Conference, March 22-24, in Scottsdale, and he spoke to the Risk Management Association’s Chief Appraisers Roundtable, March 10, in Washington, D.C., on state licensing issues.

Vice President Stephen Wagner, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS; 2014 President Ken Wilson, MAI, SRA; and Chief Executive Officer Fred Grubbe, MBA, CAE, presented to a delegation of appraisers, bankers, government officials and others, including the Panamanian Association of Real Estate Brokers and Developers and the Institute of Valuations and Expertise of Panama, March 28-29, in Panama, on the International Valuation Standards, AI’s body of knowledge, appraisal review and the three valuation approaches.

Additionally, AI exhibited at Valuation Expo, March 18-20, and the American Bankers Association Real Estate Lending Conference, March 29-31, both in Orlando, Florida.

Other News Around AI

And here’s some additional important news from the Appraisal Institute:

• AI posted two videos this month about the International Valuation Conference. In one, I provide information about the keynote speaker and in the other, Fred Grubbe and AIC Chief Executive Officer Keith Lancastle, CAE, MBA, discuss off-site activities.
• If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to check out the latest quarterly editions of Valuation magazine and The Appraisal Journal, which contain timely and informative articles about relevant topics.
• The Appraisal Institute continues to grow its social media presence. Be sure to follow AI on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Have an outstanding month!