WMA Celebrates 70 Years of Industry Excellence!

WMA proudly celebrates a platinum anniversary this year! The Board of Directors, the Convention Planning Committee and staff cordially invite you to this year’s Convention & Expo—which takes on the theme “Goin’ Platinum!” Our host hotel is the Peppermill Reno. WMA has served the manufactured housing industry since 1945, and we only continue to do so because of your support. Come! Celebrate with us!

Peppermill Reno

Providing the best hotel service and amenities is an art that the Peppermill Reno has perfected over 40 years. Peppermill Reno holds the AAA Four Diamond rating for excellence in the hospitality industry, and is voted one of Reno’s best resort hotels year after year by leading hospitality and gaming publications. Peppermill Reno presents a fusion of old-world hotel style, service, and aesthetics with contemporary luxury hotel amenities. Each hotel room and suite feature comfortable accommodations and luxurious bedding with custom-made plush double-pillow-top mattresses and 42” wall-mounted LCD high-def televisions.

Room Reservations - Limited Space Available! Discount Deadline is September 7th!

Please make your hotel reservations directly with the Peppermill Reno. Get the nightly rate of $89 for the Peppermill Tower or $139 for the Tuscany Tower (Sunday thru Thursday). The cut-off date for reservations is September 7th. Reservations received after September 7th will be accepted on a space-and-rate-availability basis.

Dates: October 11-15, 2015
Group Name or click here: AWMHA15

You can make your reservation in one of two ways:

Make your reservation online by clicking the Group Name code link above—it will take you directly to the hotel’s website specifically set up for WMA; or, call the hotel at 800.282.2444 to make your reservation over the phone using the Group Name above.

Convention Registration

Registration Fees

You can register online now or print the registration form. It will be linked on this page. You will need to send your completed registration form with payment to the WMA office.

                       Before Sept. 9th        On or After Sept. 10th

Member            $425 pp                      $495 pp
Non-Member     $850 pp                      $990 pp

Cancellations

For a full refund, cancellations must be received on or before September 7, 2015; an 85% refund will be given for cancellations received September 8 through September 18, 2015. No refunds for no-shows, cancellations or event tickets on or after September 19, 2015. Contact Regina Sànchez immediately for cancellations.

Education, Networking and Entertainment

With a healthier economy, it’s never been more important to spend your dollars wisely. Owners rely on managers to find opportunities to ensure the successful operation of their communities. Here, you will find everything! For you, on a professional level, we’ll blend educational programs with entertainment and networking forums so that you’ll have everything you need to succeed in this business. We will feature seminars with industry experts focused on shaping our future and our communities; sessions covering practical business issues; opportunities to network with other industry leaders; and a dynamic Expo to make your attendance worthwhile!

Before we get to business, we are going to start you off with a no-cost networking event where you can catch up with industry colleagues during a leisure evening at THE EDGE. This is your first WMA Convention? Then you must come to this event. Introduce yourself and make connections with people who will give you helpful advice for years to come!

Expo

We have revamped the Expo schedule this year. Additional time has been allocated for you to spend on the Expo floor visiting our exhibitors! The Expo will open right after the Kick Off Lunch on Tuesday. Later on in the day, back by popular demand, we will once again have the wine tasting event along with the Welcome Reception. Connect with exhibitors who will feature delicious California wines while you network. 

We introduced a dessert reception on the Expo floor our first time here at the Peppermill in 2013—and you loved it! We’ll bring that back again this year! We will offer you a full day of Expo events the second day—a dynamic Expo will make your attendance worthwhile!

Exhibitors

Exhibitor packets are ready to be downloaded. Exhibitor registration is not available online. You must complete the packet and return to Regina Sánchez. If you have any questions, please contact Regina at 916.448.7002 or regina@wma.org.

Golf Tournament

Wolf Run Golf Club is this year’s home to WMA’s Convention & Expo golf tournament—a benefit for the Frank J. Evans Charitable Foundation. Wolf Run is one of South Reno’s most popular courses. The course is situated amid the Sierra Foothills, tumbling across a picturesque desert landscape sprinkled with native flora. The layout has many risk-reward opportunities and the par-3 holes are especially fun. The hilly terrain is as scenic as it is challenging, providing some tricky uneven lines, and there is a meandering creek that slithers along the fairways. The elevated tees offer some spectacular views as well as some intimidating approaches to the fast, undulating greens. In addition to the golf course, Wolf Run also has a practice facility with a driving range and putting and chipping greens. 

The golf course is located at 1400 Wolf Run Road, Reno. Leaving the Peppermill, turn left on Virginia Street and head to Plumb Lane. Take a right on Plumb Lane to the 580/395 Interstate. Go south (right side) to Damonte Ranch Parkway exit. Turn right on Damonte Ranch Parkway. Stay in the right hand lane as the road splits. Turn left on Silver Wolf Road to LaGuardia. Turn right on LaGuardia to Wolf Run Road. Make a right turn on Wolf Run Road. The entrance to the golf shop will be on your left. It should take no more than 15 minutes from the Peppermill. Shotgun start at 10:00 a.m.

Highlights

Kick Off Lunch – Tuesday, October 13

You are invited to the Kick Off lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.! We are going to kick this afternoon off with a delicious plated lunch while giving you ample opportunity to network with friends. Remember, there’s always a new face in the crowd―introduce yourself and welcome first time attendees. You will recognize them by their fuchsia color ribbons. Make them feel good about joining WMA and being a part of this wonderful, resourceful organization!

President Ernie Schroer will welcome you and officially open the 2015 WMA Convention and Expo. After lunch, you’ll learn who the scholarship recipients are from this year’s Frank J. Evans Charitable Foundation. Greg Evans will present scholarships to this year’s deserving youth residing in WMA-member communities. Perhaps one of them is from your community! After that, WMA’s Legislative Advocate, Catherine Borg, will give a brief legislative update and announce the winners of WMA’s hotly contested golf tournament held on Monday, October 12. Then, Senior Regional Representative, Doug Johnson, will close the luncheon with updates on rent control.

Expo Opening – Tuesday, October 13

We are doing some things a little differently—this year the Expo will open right after lunch! You will have over two hours on the Expo floor before returning back to the educational seminars.

Welcome Reception and Wine Tasting – Tuesday, October 13

It’s become a tradition! You LOVE our wine tasting event. We’ve planned another exciting show for you! Exhibitors have been invited to bring their favorite wines again! This is always a great time to reconnect with other Expo attendees or get to know new people! The Expo continues on Wednesday, stopping only for the Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Stop in between seminars! You’ll experience a dynamic day interacting with outstanding exhibitors who represent cutting edge products and services of the industry. Drawings will be held at the close of Expo on Wednesday. Remember, this a modified schedule! The Expo will close at 3:30 p.m.—don’t miss the drawings!

Annual Meeting and Luncheon – Wednesday, October 14

Take a well-deserved break from the fast paced action of the Expo and educational seminars. Join us for the Annual Meeting and Luncheon. It is a great opportunity to be introduced to new members, as well as continuing members of WMA’s leadership―all in one place.

A plated lunch is provided―delicious food and drink to satisfy your hungry appetite. Then we will proceed with our formal program. An award will be presented to a deserving member whose political contributions have stood out above and beyond all those who continuously support WMA. Another award will be presented to a member whose selfless contributions have impacted the industry. During the Annual Meeting, you’ll also learn the state of WMA, and see the new Board of Directors for 2015-2016 elected and sworn in.

Once all the business has been dealt with, you’ll be entertained by Mark Eddie to get you into that upbeat mood for the rest of the day! Having toured professionally for 15 years as a musician/singer/songwriter, he has a knack for putting a satirical spin on pop anthems, music headlines and rock legends. With guitar in hand and tongue firmly in cheek, Mark performs a hilarious and witty tribute to the classic rock, R&B, hip hop, country and pop stars of our time by way of guitar riffs, vocals and rapid fire rock references. 

Don’t be in such hurry! We haven’t forgotten dessert! Come into the Expo and enjoy your dessert as you visit our exhibitors one more time!

President’s Dinner Dance — Wednesday, October 14

You are cordially invited to WMA’s signature black tie event. It will be held on Wednesday evening in a beautifully appointed ballroom. Dress to impress! We will be there to warmly welcome you―our honored guests―to the annually anticipated President’s Dinner Dance. As you walk into the exquisitely decorated ballroom, you know that an enchanting evening awaits you. The magic begins the moment you arrive. Join family, friends and colleagues for a delicious meal. Then sit back and celebrate as the new President of the WMA Board of Directors, Dan Fischer, is sworn into office and delivers an inaugural address. Next, join us in feting the 2015 recipient of WMA’s most recognized and esteemed honor: The Busch, Carr & McAdoo Memorial Award.

Finally, after we have wrapped up the business end of our evening, prepare to dance and party the rest of the night away to the music of the Jeff Leep Orchestra! We promise this will be an evening you will long remember!

Seminars

An Insurance Broker’s Perspective on Failure to Maintain (FTM)

Tuesday, October 13, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
There have been many discussions from the legal profession regarding FTM. We will present a different prospective regarding the many pitfalls and costs that are created by being an over aggressive property owner. 

Disclosure on Failure to Maintain

Wednesday, October 14, 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
This seminar is a discussion of various disclosures that need to be made to both current and prospective residents. Topics will include required annual disclosures and other disclosures. Lively discussion to explore the effectiveness of disclosures from an ideal (legal) perspective to the practical considerations.

Hire Slow—Fire Fast: The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring and Firing Employees 

Tuesday, October 13, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
After years and years of experience, one of the best pieces of advice we can give to an employer when it comes to employees is, “Hire Slow—Fire Fast”. In this seminar we will review how to hire right the first time to avoid the ugliness of workplace terminations and the expensive costs that come with high turnover. We’ll also discuss why it is so important to nip small problems in the bud before they negatively impact your company culture and your budget.

After years and years of experience, one of the best pieces of advice we can give to an employer when it comes to employees is, “Hire Slow—Fire Fast”. In this seminar we will review how to hire right the first time to avoid the ugliness of workplace terminations and the expensive costs that come with high turnover. We’ll also discuss why it is so important to nip small problems in the bud before they negatively impact your company culture and your budget.

How to Handle Water Issues in Your Community

Tuesday, October 13, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
This seminar will address protecting your water rights as a “small pumper”; dealing with your municipal or investor-owned water company; water conservation, fines, pass-through of fines, and rates for sub-metering—what you can and cannot do.

Legal and Management Advice

Tuesday, October 13, 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. (John Pentecost panel)
Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m (Greg Beam panel)
As laws change and court decisions are handed down, it becomes necessary to adjust our business practices to keep pace with the changes. Two seminars will focus on recent developments in the industry and the adjustments owners need to make. These open forums will bring together leading industry attorneys and property managers to answer your questions and address your concerns.

MCM: Animals—From Pets to Companions

Wednesday, October 14, 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
This seminar is designed to enlighten managers on reasonable enforcement of pet rules, including companion animal rules, rules enforcement, and consistency of enforcement; dealing with aggressive pets and pet insurance; pet restrictions and general pet rules, including how to deal with feral pets.

MCM: HCD Updates

Tuesday, October 13, 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
This seminar will cover a little bit of everything. As always, there will be plenty of Q&A time with Brad Harward!

MCM: How to Diffuse a Violent or Difficult Encounter

Tuesday, October 13, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This seminar will focus on how to handle a violent or difficult situation; language in rules regarding aggressive behavior; how to evict for violent or aggressive behavior; injunctions and restraining orders (TROs); and proper immediate action (defusing a situation, course of action planning).

MCM: Reasonable Rules and Enforcement

Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
What are reasonable rules and how do you enforce them? This seminar will focus on the development and enforcement of reasonable rules; avoiding discretionary behavior; addressing problem guests and resident family members; and people skills management.

OperNomics™: Achieving Balance Between Competing Forces of Operations and Economics

Tuesday, October 13, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
When issues arise and decisions are needed during the life of a MHC there is often an operational need that conflicts with an economic constraint. Not all owners and operators approach these issues and decisions with both an operational and financial perspective. This panel of operational and financial professionals will discuss scenarios germane to our business—such as acquisitions, inter-generational ownership transfers, capital improvements, deferred maintenance, financing, rent control, and more—and how to balance economic and operational challenges when there are no simple solutions. If you own a park, participate in capital markets, or are interested in a holistic approach to operating a MHC you will want to grab a seat and partake in this interactive discussion.

To Title or Not to Title—That is the Question!

Wednesday, October 14, 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
The rules of the road you travel on—buying, selling, registering, titling, financing, demolishing. Are you licensed? Do you need to be? For 40 years, HCD has encouraged the manufactured housing industry, but attention has not been focused on enforcement of titling and registration. However, the industry continues to change, while the aging, abandoned, run down, unregistered and untitled morph into bigger challenges. As a result of the “Time of Shedding and Cold Rocks” and other factors (resident deaths, resident inability to sell units, etc.), owners must know when and how it is legal to purchase and sell, and transfer title to themselves and/or purchasers. The days of “We don’t need no stinkin’ title!” are gone.  It is time to save some money. Learn some rules. Avoid prison. Ask yourself, “Do I repair, sell, demolish, refurb, remove, rent? What? I need title first?” Hear these and other astounding revelations. See us reveal all in our Mysterious Theatre of the Byzantine and Arcane—acquisition, sales, registration, titling, financing limitations, and HCD’s expectations from the top.

Turn Your Infrastructure from a Liability to an Asset

Wednesday, October 14, 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
This seminar will cover the options that you have for operating your electrical system. The information presented will consider both sides of the issue. Discussion will include information that will enable you to make informed decisions regarding utility upgrades, as well as bringing in more revenue.

Update on New Laws

Tuesday, October 13, 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Laws impacting the industry change from year to year. This seminar will bring you current on recent legislative measures and how they impact you at all levels of operation in your communities. WMA’s legislative advocates, along with advisors to the WMA Legislative Committee, will present the latest laws affecting the industry.

Using Growth Capital to Expand Your Business

Tuesday, October 13, 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Whether you have one community and are looking to buy your second or you have a large portfolio of communities and are trying to grow your platform and become an institutional player, using outside equity (other people’s money) will be pivotal to your growth.

Schedule

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Golf Tournament (optional) – Wolf Run Golf Club

    9:00 a.m.      Golf Tournament Registration
    10:00 a.m.    Golf Tournament Shotgun Start

Badges/Tickets Pick Up for Pre-registered Convention Attendees

    1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Networking Cocktail Reception—No Admittance Fee

    6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2015

Registration Opens

    8:00 a.m.

Educational Seminars

    9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Kick Off Lunch

    11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Expo Opens

    12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Educational Seminars

    3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception and Wine Tasting

    4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Registration Opens

    8:00 a.m.

Expo Hours

    7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Continental Breakfast in Expo

    7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Educational Seminars

    9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Pre-Lunch Cocktails in Expo

    11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Annual Meeting and Luncheon

    12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Desserts and Drawing in Expo

    1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Expo Closes

    3:30 p.m.

Educational Seminars

    3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

President’s Dinner Dance

    5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.     Pre-Dinner Cocktails

    6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.    Dinner Dance

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015

Final Breakfast

    8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
    9:00 a.m.                     2015 WMA Convention & Expo Closes

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Advantage Homes

Capital Insurance Group represented by Alvarado Pacific Insurance Services and California Southwestern Insurance Agency

JB Bostick Company, Inc.

Pan American Insurance Agency, Inc. with Preferred Employers Insurance Company

Shorebreak Energy Developers

Gold

American Asphalt

Marcus & Millichap

Wells Fargo

Bronze

Credit Bureau Associates

Drink Tickets

Shorebreak Energy Developers

Name Badge Holders

Credit Bureau Associates

Pocket Schedules

Star Mobilehome Park Management

Desserts in Expo

Shorebreak Energy Developers

Wine Glasses for Welcome Reception

Capital Insurance Group

Hertz Car Rental

WMA has negotiated special meeting rates with Hertz for car rentals during Convention at all California and Nevada locations. For reservations, call Hertz at 800.654.2240 and refer to CV#02RE0028 or click on this link below to go online to a Hertz’s website specifically set up for WMA hertz.com.

Scam Alert

If you receive a phone call from someone identifying themselves as a “Convention Housing” organization or a Peppermill Reno employee offering lower rates for Convention, do not give them any credit card information as Peppermill Reno does not randomly call guests with offers like this, nor has WMA contracted with any convention housing organization! Do not provide any information or accept a confirmation number UNLESS you called Peppermill Reno directly. 

We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause. If you have any questions, please contact Regina Sánchez at 916.448.7002 or regina@wma.org.

Visit us wma.org/conv2015!

2016 Convention

Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa
October 10, 2016 – October 13, 2016

Watch wma.org/conv2016 for details!