The CooperatorEvents Chicagoland Expo is returning to the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont on Wednesday, May 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering a full day of workshops, seminars, networking, and more. And, as always, registration and attendance are FREE to all! Register today at spring.ilexpo.com.

A Place to Learn

In addition to our exciting lineup of exhibitors ranging from board governance, financial planning, and community engagement to roof repair, energy management, and landscape design, this year brings a fresh roster of educational seminars and panel discussions on the topics of most concern to multifamily boards, property managers, and building owners. This year’s lineup includes: 

10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Room 1

Making Room for EVs - Safety, Support & Savings 

Presented by Kapital Electric Company Inc. 

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular–and more common–nationwide, many multifamily communities have concerns about safety, infrastructure, and the law around EVs. This expert panel will present a broad overview of the technical, legal, and financial considerations around making their properties more EV-friendly, including rebate and financing programs, charging infrastructure options for both low–and high-rise buildings, allocation of parking spaces, and more, with time for audience Q&A.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Room 2

Preventative Maintenance for Community Managers: More Than Just Paint (1 hour CMCA Credit-Course) 

Presented by CertaPro Painters of Chicagoland

This presentation will walk participants through common surface issues, and how managed paint cycles can prolong asset life. With visuals of common surface issues displayed, participants will be provided important points of consideration to help guide the vendor selection process.

12:30pm - 1:30pm Room 1

Building a Healthy Community (1 hour CMCA Credit-Course)

Presented by Reserve Advisors

This course provides community association board members and property managers with practical insight into the importance of reserve studies and long-term capital planning. Attendees will learn how proactive planning supports fiduciary responsibilities, minimizes financial surprises, and helps maintain property values. The presentation also covers common misconceptions, pitfalls to avoid, and best practices for funding future capital projects.

1:30pm - 2:30pm Room 2

Reading the Fine Print - Pro Tips for Contract Negotiations 

Presented by Independent Association Managers, Inc.

Boards and managers are responsible for handling the day-to-day business of their communities—and that includes contracting with vendors and service providers. Whether it's for a new management company, a major capital project, or the guy who mows the grass, it's crucial for boards to understand the various contractual agreements they enter into, as well as how and when to renegotiate terms in order to better serve their community. This seminar will explain all of that and more, including how to handle 'Schedule A' charges, reviewing legal riders, and what to look for in engineering and architectural contracts.

2:30 - 3:30pm Room 1

Connection = Community–Improving Resident Engagement & Community Spirit

Presented by CooperatorNews Chicagoland

A multifamily community is only a community when the people who call it home feel a sense of connection and mutual interest with their neighbors–but in a time of overscheduling, tension, and burnout, how can a building or HOA foster that neighborly spirit? This panel will offer tips and advice for more active communication, better community cohesion, and engaging residents through social and recreational programming, committees, and other activities.

Plan Your Day at the Show

The Expo kicks off at 10am for Attendee Registration and check-in, with hundreds of exhibitors offering all types of condominium services on the show floor. If you get hungry, don't fret. The conveniently located in-house food court offers a wide array of tasty snacks and light meals to keep you energized as you take in the Expo.

And along with the in-depth seminars, experienced professionals in fields ranging from law to finance to association maintenance will be on-hand at our Free Advice Booths throughout the day with insights and answers for both board members and property managers, so bring your toughest questions! 

 Visit spring.ilexpo.com to see who’s exhibiting, get more information, check out the floor plan, and register to attend for FREE. This will be a must-attend event for all. We look forward to seeing you there!