A terrific opportunity for managers and board members to meet with more than 300 professionals from every corner of the co-op, condo and HOA industry is just around the corner.

The South Florida Cooperator’s Condo, HOA & Co-op Expo (www.fl-expo.com) on December 11, 2014 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center offers valuable networking and educational opportunities for condo, HOA & co-op board members, community association managers and service professionals. Admission is FREE for the trade show, which runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

More than just another trade show, the South Florida Cooperator‘sExpo is the perfect venue for board members, property managers and other key decision makers to connect with the professionals and service providers they need to make their communities run more smoothly. It’s a one-stop custom-built marketplace for vendors, products and ideas that you can’t afford to miss. And unlike the impersonal touch of social media, you can meet face-to-face with the professionals you need.

Now in its third year, The South Florida Cooperator’s Expohas grown into the largest trade show of its kind in the Sunshine State. The convenient Broward County location, the more than 300 vendors in attendance, and the combined knowledge and expertise of the industry experts that are participating make this a must-attend event for those in the condo, HOA and co-op industry.

Attendee Michelle Ackerman of Pompano Beach found the 2013 Expo invaluable for getting the help her community needs. “I met so many vendors who gladly answered any questions I had. It was great to meet these people face-to-face. Having so many companies there made it so easy. I'd have to spend hours online or on the phone to get my questions answered...at the Expo they were all right there. I also learned so much at the seminars,” Ackerman added.

First-timer Victor Bullen had a great experience as well. “I really enjoyed the day, it was my first time at the Expo. I'll definitely be back next year,” said Bullen, a board member from Coral Gables. “There were so many professionals willing to give advice and ideas. The best part were the seminars, I learned so much. I loved it. Everyone was so knowledgeable and there were no hard-sales tactics,” he said.

A Learning Experience

And like Ackerman, board members, managers, and owners come to the show for the free educational seminars. Designed to help anyone involved in the administration of a residential building or homeowners association, the 2014 seminar panels will provide in-depth discussion of the legal, administrative, management, and financial concerns relevant to the region's community association managers, board members, and residents.

Seminar presenters include Associa, PeytonBolin and SNAP Collections by AFS. The South Florida Cooperator will also host several seminars. All presentations are free for all attendees, and conclude with a Q&A session at the end to allow audience members to get direct feedback from panelists. Expo seminars always attract standing-room-only crowds, so make sure to arrive early. More information will be provided as the Expo comes closer.

And not only are the seminars a main attraction but one of the more valuable offerings at The South Florida Cooperator’sExpo is the ability to earn continuing education unit (CEU) credits just by attending the seminars given by condo and HOA industry experts. All registered attendees can earn CEUs and board certification credit through their attendance at one or more of the seminar panels.

Ever try getting free advice from a lawyer? Well, you actually can at the Expo. In addition to networking and education opportunities, the Expo will feature free advice booths staffed by professionals from a wide array of industries, waiting to answer any and all community association and building-related questions you might have. If you have legal questions about your association, financial questions, or questions about day-to-day management of your building community, you can stop by one of the booths for answers from leading legal, management, maintenance and financial professionals.

Free Admission and Free Giveaways

And if that’s not enough, one of the more popular attractions of the Expo are dozens of raffles and giveaways throughout the day—including the Grand Prize Reserve Fund giveaway, courtesy of The South Florida Cooperator and Yale Robbins Publications LLC. One winner’s name will be drawn at random to win a $2,500 contribution to their building or association's reserve fund. A check for the winnings will be made payable to the winner’s association, care of their management company. Only board members qualify to enter the reserve fund drawing, and attendance at the Expo is required for eligibility. For complete details on how to enter the reserve fund drawing, visit the Expo website, www.fl-expo.com.

So follow The South Florida Cooperator for updates and new additions to the Expo’s exhibitor and seminar roster and remember to visit us at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center on December 11th. For more information on who is exhibiting, to sign up as an exhibitor or to register for this exciting event, go to www.fl-expo.com.