Schedule of Events
Wednesday, November 13
4:30 PM
Registration Desk Opens
Sponsored by Yardi
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Welcome Reception
Sponsored by 21st Mortgage Corporation
Thursday, November 14
8:00 AM
Registration Desk Opens
Sponsored by Yardi
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by Clayton Homes
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Mainstage Address: Douglas Holtz-Eakin, President, American Action Forum
Post-Election Economic and Fiscal Policy Outlook
Join one of Washington’s most sought-after economic policy experts to look ahead at what the recent election outcome is likely to mean for the housing market. A trusted budgetary and policy advisor to both the U.S. Congress and Presidents, he will share his thoughts on the nation’s economic outlook and what the future holds for federal policy changes on the horizon, including tax reform, budget, and more.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Mainstage Address: Eric Finnigan, Vice President of Demographics Research, John Burns Research & Consulting
Eric Finnigan, Vice President of Demographic Research at John Burns Research & Consulting, is a nationally recognized expert on demographics and the housing market. In this session, he will explore the four major drivers of demographic shifts and their implications for 2025. He’ll also provide an update on border developments and immigration, discussing how these factors are shaping population change and household trends.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Networking Break
Sponsored by Princeton Capital Group
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Opportunities and Challenges with a New Administration and Congress
Panelists: Dr. Lesli Gooch, CEO, MHI and Chris McCannell, Deputy Managing Director, GrayRobinson
In January, the nation will have a new President and a new Congress. With this transition comes a changed political landscape and policy priorities. MHI’s CEO Dr. Lesli Gooch will be joined by one of MHI’s federal lobbyists to discuss the new environment and how they will tackle MHI’s advocacy priorities for manufactured housing and land lease communities with the new Congress and Administration.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by Sun Communities
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Mainstage Address: George Passantino, Managing Partner, Passantino Andersen Communications
Securing land-use approvals has become a growing challenge everywhere, with increasingly sophisticated opposition efforts dominating local civic discussions. These tactics often lead to heightened costs, significant project delays or outright denials. George Passantino, a renowned national expert in managing public opposition, will share his strategies for overcoming such hurdles. George will provide actionable guidance on steps that you should take to prevent local resistance from derailing your development plans.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Expanding Options for Communities through Innovative New Home Types
Panelists: Mark Bowersox, President, MHI; Justin DeSpain, Director of National Business Development, Clayton Homes; Ross Mueller, Director of Business Development, Cavco Industries and Steve Peel, Director of Sales, Northeast Region, Champion Homes
Innovative new manufactured home designs can offer more flexibility within a community and expand revenue opportunities. In addition, they can help you overcome stereotypes and win-over zoning and land-planning officials. Hear from the industry’s largest manufacturers as they share how duplexes, CrossMods®, accessory dwelling units, and build-to-rent homes are elevating communities around the country.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Networking Reception at 360 Chicago
Sponsored by RHP Properties, Inc. and Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance
Friday, November 15
8:00 AM
Registration Desk Opens
Sponsored by Yardi
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by Philips International
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
What Policymakers Are Hearing about Land-Lease Communities and Where They See Opportunities
Panelists: Dr. Lesli Gooch, CEO, MHI; Julia Gordon, Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Erin Persons, Director, Duty to Serve, Freddie Mac
FHA Commissioner Julia Gordon and Freddie Mac Duty to Serve Director, Erin Persons, have each been at the forefront of efforts to alleviate the nation’s affordable housing supply shortage, including through manufactured housing. MHI’s CEO, Dr. Lesli Gooch, will moderate a discussion with them about their progress and their observations about the opportunities for manufactured housing and the challenges facing land-lease communities. During this engaging dialogue, hear first-hand their recommendations for how we can elevate manufactured housing and the land-lease community model.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking Break
Sponsored by Rent Manager
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Elevating the Consumer Benefits of Land-Lease Communities with Policymakers and the Media
Panelists: Dr. Lesli Gooch, CEO, MHI; Molly Boyle, Front Porch Media Group; Frank Bowman, Executive Director, Illinois Manufactured Housing Association; Spenser Templeton, SMBG Law
As advocacy groups become more vocal and housing costs in the country skyrocket, there is increasing media attention, legislation, and litigation against the land-lease community model. Join a panel discussion with MHI’s media and legal experts about what is happening and effective strategies and practices to elevate the positive benefits of land lease communities for consumers above this noise. From the state legislatures to the media to the courts, this session will give practical insights to help your community to thrive through this increasingly difficult environment.
Schedule subject to change.