Nearly 800 attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors helped make the 2011 Congress & Expo for Manufactured and Modular Housing a huge success. Attendees from all sectors of the industry convened in Las Vegas April 26-28 to take advantage of the educational sessions, land-lease community forum, business meetings, networking opportunities, and to see the latest and greatest products and services offered by the exhibitors and more.

Not only was attendance up six percent from 2010, but the optimism and determination of the industry was felt throughout the event.

It was evident that many came to do business with others as new relationships were formed and current ones nurtured. Attendees took advantage of the many workshops on subjects such as the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the SAFE Act, social media and communications, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance issues.

They also heard from acclaimed Texas A&M real estate economist Dr. Mark G. Dotzour who encouraged optimism as he suggested that home sales will improve later this year, and successful country music industry professional Robin Crow, sponsored by GE Appliances, who shared that customer service and “going the extra mile” was the key to prosperity.

Always a highlight of the event was the 2011 National Awards Luncheon sponsored by Triad Financial Services. Here awards were presented to communities, retailers and companies who provide outstanding customer service and leadership for the industry. Click here to view the award winners and click here to view the press release.

Over 250 attended the NCC Consumer and Community Finance Forum sponsored by ROC USA, where they heard from some of the industry’s leading experts on topics such as rental and lease purchase programs, operating in-house finance programs and other finance issues facing manufactured home communities.

Lastly, the importance of membership to MHI, the national association representing the interests of the industry was heard throughout the event. You can do your part to help promote membership by encouraging those you know in the business that are not members to join. Click here for information on membership. You can also refer any potential members to Cheryl Langley at 703-558-0668 or cheryl@mfghome.org.

Thanks again for making this a great event and for your support. Please mark your calendars for the 2012 Congress & Expo which will be held April 10-12, 2012.

MHI is the preeminent national trade association for the manufactured and modular housing industries, representing all segments of the industry before Congress and the Federal government. From its Washington, D.C. area headquarters, MHI actively works to promote fair laws and regulation for all MHI members and the industry.