Good information and clear communication are crucial for anyone involved with  the administration of a cooperative condominium or homeowners association—crucial not just to thriving, but surviving in today's challenging economic  times. Finding that information and developing communication strategies isn't  always easy, however.  

 Attending The New Jersey Cooperator’s Condo, HOA & Co-op Expo, now in its fourth year, to be held Wednesday, May 11, 2011, from 10  a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, is one surefire way  to gather all the information you need, all in one day, all in one place. A  full slate of information-packed seminars will be among the highlights of the  Expo, a free event that will also feature over 120 exhibitors from throughout  the tri-state area, and free advice booths.  

 Seminars Running All Day

 Free seminars are open to all attendees. Seminars will run from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

 They will include:

 • Contracts – The Nuts and BoltsSponsored by Association Advisors. Proper drafting and negotiation of contracts  are crucial to managing risks and protecting your association's bottom line.  This seminar will provide boards with a comprehensive approach to contract  negotiation and writing and will provide an in depth understanding of key  contract terms and conditions. Bid documents, scope issues, specifications, key  contract terms, contract rights, liabilities and recommended contract language  to ensure vendor performance will also be addressed by the panel.  

 • Legal Briefs for Boards: Tips for Rulemaking and Resolving Building ConflictsSponsored by Stark & Stark. Like any community, a co-op or condo building has rules, regulations and  governing documents to preserve order and create and protect a framework for  fair and equitable administration. Even in the most harmonious communities,  however, problems occasionally arise. This seminar will discuss the creation,  function and importance of governing documents and rules. The seminar will also  give listeners invaluable tips on resolving conflict within their buildings.  

 • Pets, Pools, Parking, and Smoking: Bringing Your Bylaws Into the 21st Century. Many condo bylaws were written decades ago and need updating to reflect  changing times and current issues. This seminar will guide boards through  changes needed to keep their communities running smoothly in the 21st century.  

 • If I Had a Hammer - Exterior Maintenance and Energy-Efficiency Year-RoundYour home is your castle - and in the case of New Jersey HOAs, it's a whole  community's castle. Properly maintaining and caring for your property is key to  extending the useful life of your buildings and other structures. This panel of  exterior maintenance experts will offer tips and maintenance schedules for  everything from windows to siding to keep your HOA warm in the winter, cool in  the summer, and efficient all year round.  

 Last year's seminars attracted standing-room-only audiences, so be sure to get  to the Expo early.  

 Giveaways Featured

 No trade show is complete without a few giveaways. One popular attraction  returning this year is the reserve fund prize drawing, courtesy of The New Jersey Cooperator and Yale  Robbins, Inc. One lucky board member will win a $2,500 contribution to his or  her building association's reserve fund.  

 All offers are subject to terms and conditions. For complete terms and  conditions, go online to www.nj-expo.com/conditions.  

 In addition, the show's popular free advice booths will be returning for the  2011 Expo. 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.  

 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.nj-expo.com.