Arlington, VA, May 6, 2010—Full-paid conference registrations for the 2010 NAA Education Conference & Exposition June 24-26 in New Orleans have significantly improved the past four weeks and have moved ahead of the pace set last year, according to NAA President Doug Culkin, CAE.
With seven weeks to go before the industry's biggest event of the year, NAA reports that 172 more full-paid registrations have been submitted compared to this time last year. More than 550 full-paid registrations were submitted in April alone, helping to establish a pace that would break the all-time attendance mark set in 2008.
"Tremendous momentum and anticipation is building for the industry's premier event," said NAA President Doug Culkin, CAE. "Our incredible lineup of more than 40 breakout education sessions, outstanding networking opportunities, an expansive exhibit hall, tremendous general session speakers such as U.S. President George W. Bush and fabulous entertainment is creating excitement from our members throughout the country."
The trade show floor is on pace to welcome more than 320 exhibitors, Culkin said. "We want these companies to be aware of our growing attendance so they can make sure they staff their booths, accordingly," Culkin said. The National Suppliers Council (NSC)-sponsored Opening Party on Thursday, June 24, at Mardi Gras World will be the most exciting it's ever been, and apartment supplier partner companies are encouraged to offer their support through sponsorship of this event.
Metal sponsorships for the conference still are available. Currently, metal sponsorship support trends 9 percent ahead of last year's total.
Rooms at conference headquarters The Hilton and at The Marriott across the street from the Convention Center have sold out.
A Top-Notch Lineup
The 2010 Education Conference & Exposition provides the chance to learn from experienced speakers discussing topics that affect your business and bottom line. Breakout education sessions offer something for every level of attendee, focusing on the areas of marketing and leasing, operations, executive and strategic, technology, legal, human resources and training.
NAA's Thought Leaders Series features world class speakers who will discuss customer service, management and today's business climate and strategy. NAA's national awards program—The PARAGON Awards—and the Maintenance Mania National Championships also will be held in New Orleans.
For a detailed preview of the conference, see units magazine's cover story conference preview.
"A record number of management companies, owners and supplier partners have chosen to bring their staffs to the NAA Education Conference & Exposition and hold their company meetings in conjunction with our meeting," Culkin said. "By doing so, they can take advantage of the tremendous savings toward their company training budget and get the benefits of top-notch speakers and education at a discounted registration group rate."