ISA Conference Update

ISA Conference Lunch and Learn event

The ISA annual conference is now over, wrapping up this afternoon. I am so pleased to see yet another very successful conference with record breaking attendance and sponsorship. In talking with sponsors, I found that most were very happy with the results and the interaction with ISA members. The program was amazing, and my presentation, Complex Appraisal Assignment Breezer #1 Prototype, a Multi-Dimensional Approach was very well received.

Other observations include another year for ISA conference where we have a large percentage of both new members and first-time attendees. After NYU art librarian Tom McNulty spoke to the general session and mentioned his article on art research published in the 2014 edition of the Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies, publisher Foundation for Appraisal Education was left with only one copy in inventory. It seems there was a rush to the FAE exhibition table to buy copies of the Journal. This shows me attendees were engaged in the presentations.

We had a meeting with the ISA, AAA and ASA leadership where we hope to use press releases and other platforms to promote properly credentialed and trained appraisers.  I was supposed to make that meeting, but unfortunately, my scheduled was confused and attended another meeting. I was sorry I missed that as the relationship and respect between the three major personal property appraisal groups continues to grow. Although still pending the approval of each organization, ISA, AAA and ASA plan to call the new alliance between the organizations the Circle of Trust. Hopefully, all three boards agree to participate and together promote properly trained and credentialed appraisers.

Perhaps most exciting, ISA announced a partnership with Chubb insurance to provide webinars and videos on appraising personal property, in return, Chubb agents will be developing webinars of interest to ISA members.

Continuing with the past success of rolling out new promotional material for ISA members to use in order to develop leads and attract clients, a short newsletter with two prepared articles and a member branding section was announced.  I assisted in the development of the newsletter, and ISA plans to offer three to four of these mini newsletters per year for out members to mail out.  In keeping with the credentialed appraisal theme, the first newsletter has a short article on the improper use of USPAP completion and updates as a credential.  It also had an article on what individuals should know when donating art.

In the past, ISA has developed for member use new logos, website with member spotlight and editable profile pages, co-branded print advertisements, new brochures, an editable powerpoint presentation on appraising and now the co-branded newsletter.  The promotional toolbox is now well stocked, and continues to grow.

ISA membership is growing, as is the respect and credibility of the organization.  From talking with members, most are very happy and pleased with the direction of ISA.  And, given the number of sponsors, exhibitors and members in attendance, the future potential and importance of  ISA within the profession is secure.

As appraisers, both those connected with organizations and those who are independent, I highly recommend that you visit the ISA website (http://www.isa-appraisers.org ), look at the educational opportunities, our credential levels (which all have stringent standards, most exceed the new AQB educational criteria, and all are obtainable) the marketing opportunities and promotional materials, and the networking ability and think about joining this vital organization.

Back to regular post tomorrow.

Todd