We know that running a co-op, condo or HOA isn’t easy. There are vendors to hire, budgets to balance and complaints to field. How do you find the right professional for each job that needs to be done? How do you keep the property looking sharp all year round? Where do you turn for answers—without breaking the bank on legal fees?  

The Cooperator Expo New Jersey, now in its ninth year of providing information and networking opportunities to board members, property managers and real estate professionals, will return to the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus on Wednesday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Bigger and Better Than Ever

The Expo is the premier event for everyone involved in the condo, HOA and co-op industry. Whether you’ve just taken a seat on your condo, HOA or co-op board, or are a veteran at association leadership, the Cooperator Expo New Jersey is the largest trade show and educational event of its kind in the Garden State. And don’t forget, it’s FREE to attend, whether you’re walking the exhibit floor or attending the educational seminars.  

For nearly a decade, board members, property managers, real estate professionals, shareholders and unit owners have relied on the Expo to keep their buildings running efficiently. More than 300 exhibitors providing everything from asbestos abatement to window replacement will be on hand to help and provide information all in one place, all in one day. 

A Winning Formula

So, round up your colleagues, and get ready to spend a day at the Expo. You could win great prizes including a special Expo giveaway. You’ll also gather useful information and resources at the seminars, and get invaluable, free advice from a variety of legal, management, financial, insurance and maintenance experts—all of whom have volunteered their time to address your concerns.

Last year’s grand prize winner of the $2,500 reserve fund giveaway is Alan Rubin, board president of Breakers on the Boardwalk Condo Association in Ventnor. The self-managed 61-unit waterfront condo features on-site parking, an in-ground swimming pool, and is in close proximity to nearby recreational amenities and the Jersey Shore boardwalk. 

Rubin, who has attended the Expo the past three years, said the award money has been added to the building’s reserve fund. Its usage will be determined soon, he said. “We are currently under negotiations to replacing our “original” elevator, so the $2,500 is great!”

He likes attending and encourages his fellow board members to come to the trade show as well. “I like the ability to meet so many vendors under one roof. I have hired several along with receiving excellent suggestions. This year, I particularly enjoyed the workshop about problems with owners and tenants. Of course, I like the handouts, too!”

You, too, can win prizes just by attending the Expo. For more information, visit the Expo website at nj-expo.com. 

Advice, Information and Networking

Seminars running throughout the day will bring you up-to-date information on management, legal, financial and other hot-button issues. Seminar presenters include the Lawrenceville-based law firm of Stark & Stark, and Association Advisors, a management firm located in Freehold. More information will be announced as the Expo draws closer.

And you’ll have a full day to talk to exhibitors about the products and services that are essential to every community’s success, from paving to painting, and parking to pest control. If your board or association has been suffering from bedbug infestations, a leaky roof or watching utility bills skyrocket, the exhibit hall aisles will be your path to answers and potential savings. Professionals will also be standing by to answer all your questions for free at our ask-the-expert advice booths.

And, if you plan to attend the seminars, come early for valuable instruction, free advice—and don’t forget, admission is FREE! 

Go to nj-expo.com to register and for more information.

Debra A. Estock is managing editor of The New Jersey Cooperator.