As the snow and ice melts away and the city readies for signs of spring, it’s time to turn our attention to The Cooperator’s 2011 Co-op & Condo Expo, a must-attend event for the tri-state area’s property managers, board members, real estate professionals, shareholders and  unit owners.  

 Now in its 24th year, the Expo, which takes place at the Hilton New York in  Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, will showcase hundreds of  exhibitors from throughout the region, along with free advice booths and a full  slate of educational seminars.  

 Good information and clear communication are crucial for anyone involved with  the administration of a building or homeowners association—crucial not just to thriving, but even surviving in today's challenging economic  times. Finding that information and developing communication strategies isn't  always easy, however. The Cooperator's Co-op & Condo Expooffers attendees the opportunity to do both, in one day and under one roof, with  a full slate of unique educational programming.  

 Full Day of Seminars

 This year, a full schedule of seminars will be presented, running throughout the  day and covering topics such as energy, legal issues, board operations,  effective property management, and telecommunications. Seminar presenters will  include funding strategists National Condo Advisors, Verizon, technology firm  BuildingLink, attorneys from Stark & Stark, and the Daylight Savings Company.  

 Last year's seminars attracted standing-room-only audiences, so the complete  lineup of seminars for this year—to be announced shortly—is sure to present essential and cutting-edge information for anyone involved in  running a co-op or condo building. Be sure to arrive early and claim a spot in  the audience!  

 Free Advice Booths & More

 Booths and a full schedule of seminars may be the big draws to the Expo, but  that's hardly the whole picture. In addition to networking and education  opportunities, the show's popular free advice booths will be returning as well.  If you have questions about your association’s finances, policies, or day-to-day management, you can stop by one of the  booths for answers from leading legal, management, maintenance and financial  professionals.  

 And of course, no trade show would be complete without giveaways and raffles.  Throughout the day, random drawings will be held for a host of valuable door  prizes.  

 $3,500 Reserve Fund Giveaway

 This year will also mark the return of the Reserve Fund prize giveaway, courtesy  of The Cooperatorand Yale Robbins, Inc. One attendee at the Expo will win a $3,500 contribution  to their building association's reserve fund. The winner will be drawn at  random after registration has closed, and a check for the winnings will be made  payable to the winner’s building, 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.coopexpo.com.  

 So stay tuned to The Cooperator for updates and new additions to the Expo’s exhibitor and seminar roster, and be sure to visit us at the Hilton New York  on April 12th! For more information on who is exhibiting at the show, to sign  up as an exhibitor, or to register for this one-of-a-kind event, go to  www.coopexpo.com.