NAHB Multifamily Pillars Awards

Our client, The Palace at Coral Gables, has been named a finalist in two of the NAHB Multifamily Housing Pillar's Award catagories--best brochure and best sales office.

It is such an honor for a community's marketing efforts to be recognized. It requires alot of hard work on the client's part and submissions are pretty complicated as well.

Competition is against all different types of multifamily housing across the country so becoming a finalist is pretty impressive.

The Palace at Coral Gables' sales office for the luxury rental community is designed to emulate the building's interiors when it is completed in 2013.  Luxurious from it's front door, there are imported tapestries and crystal chandeliers, inlaid marble flooring and wonderful furnishings.  It is unusual to find this level of a presentation for a senior housing community.

Also, vitual computer graphics are employed to illustrate the entire residential components and future residents are able to see the view from their selected apartments. A scale model and plexi-dollhouses also help visualize the building's residences and it's public areas.

Whenever I'm in the sales office; I alway say it's so comfortable; I could live here and that is exactly what prospective residents feel.  Pre-leasing efforts have been very successful.  The Palace at Coral Gables will be the first of it's type to bring senior living to a Florida urban setting.

           

What I discovered at Apple.

Apple gets it.  Pass by any of their stores and look at the customers.  For every X'er there are boomers and beyonders.  Armed with I-phones, I-pads and more; these consumers wants to have the latest and greatest in technology toys.  Not only do they have the disposal income for these products; they have the time to play. 

I recently upgraded my phone to an I-phone but used my phone provider for basic instruction. My significant other used the Apple store. What a difference in the customer experience. At the Apple store, we met with a sales person but after the sale; were turned over to the tech trainer who transfered files and explained the phone with it's many features including Siri. 

While I still challenged; it's getting better.  Apple even offers in store classes (I'm signing up) and on our recent Celebrity cruise; the internet lounge offers classes and instruction in all Apple products. 

With more and more boomers and beyonders using social media; connecting iwth relatives, old and new friends; their smartphones are that much more important. 

Change is a series of baby steps, I keep reminding myself. 

I applaud the senior communities that are offering technology instruction to residents. With a wealth of patient staff available; this is perfect Sunday class to make availabel to residents and their boomer children.  Just a thought to ponder. 
        

What Did We Learn

I am a consummate observer and always looking for creating marketing that can be adapted for our senior communities.  Here are two fun things from my recent trip to Charleston, SC.

The Planter's Inn has teddy bears in each guest room.  Teddy sits atop the bed to great your arrival.  He's not free to take home but his brother's can be purchased from the front desk.  The button his his t-shirt let's you know.  Seeing a teddy bear in this luxurious hotel made me smile.

A teddy bear may be perfect inexpensive gift that could be presented to new residents from the executive director and sitting in the apartment when a person moves-in. We always seem to focus on the practical--a plant, bottle of wine, etc. but appealing to one's inner child makes alot of sense.  Certainly get's people talking. 

Another idea was a restaurant's chalk board with a cute quote that they periodically changed.  This also was just a fun thing that captured our interest.  Perhaps this idea could be used in the fitness room with changeable inspirational quotes.

The world around us is filled with marketing ideas. I hope you will share yours as well.

             

What Did We Learn?

On a recent vacation, I had an experience in customer service that offers a good lesson dealing with customers. 

When I was browsing in a store the sales person asked me, "What could she help me with?" Since I had just come into the store, I really didn't know exactly what or how she could of help.  Instead of asking "what," it would have been more welcoming to have heard her say, "Could I be of any assistance?"    

Her initial greeting seemed to put the customer off and on the defensive.  She also asked my name--I hadn't come to make friends. I just wanted to look at the merchandise. 

Each time I looked a something from the rack, she said, "I have that."  As for this remark, I couldn't care what she had purchased, no doubt with her employee discount.  I was interested in shopping for myself and her size 4 hardly reflected my size 10. Her validation of my selections didn't reinforce the potential sale.   

It's amazing that in a few seconds, someone has the ability to make or break a sale.   

Customer service techniques are so valuable in building rapport with a customer.  These first impressions start with the first person who comes in contact with the customer.

It's obvious when someone calls a senior community; they need help and the ability to build rapport and set the tone starts with the first person who answers the telephone inquiry.

Call your community and gauge customers' first impressions.   Is someone putting the customer off or setting a positive tone from this initial introduction.

       

Working With Professional Photographers

When contemplating professional photography for your community, here are some tips in selecting and working with photographers. 

*  Selecting a photographer

There are photographers who specialize in certain types of photos and their fees reflect their specialization and ability.  Architectural photographers understand building views, angles, lighting and the nuances of architecture.  They may shoot at dusk or before sun up and want all the building’s lights on or a parking lot wet.  Interior design photographers painstakingly prepare a room setting–taping up lamp cords, raking the carpet for footmarks and even rearranging furniture.  The results are well worth the work.

Commercial photographers also specialize in advertising and web pictures.  With every photographer their portfolio should offer samples. 

It’s important to understand a photographer’s specialty, see their portfolio and discuss if your needs match their abilities. 

* Talent

There may be a temptation to use community residents for models since they are willing participants.  For many photographers this can prove extremely challenging and time consuming.  Residents are not professional models. While residents may be perfect in group shots; they may not be able to capture the emotion desired by a creative director.        

On a cold day, you can’t ask residents to stand in a swimming pool looking happy as easily as you can professional talent.  Residents’ feelings may be hurt if a photographer feels a resident really isn’t photogenic. 

Since a brochure or website may have extended use; if a resident no longer lives in the community; this is a consideration if their picture will impact the marketing messages.    

The photographer should know how to work with people and work quickly.

Be sure to have releases signed that photos can be used by the community in any form of advertising and promotion.  Photo release samples can be found on the internet.   

 * Details

Consider a stylist, wardrobe and props when planning a photo shoot.  Working with a photographer in advance and planning specific photos helps.  From fresh flowers and crisp table linens…attention is in the details.  If photos are being taken at the community; inform staff; so special areas can be prepared.  Understand what they provide and what you will be required to have on hand. 

* Lifestyle

Your community’s lifestyle needs to be reflected.  If your community requires coats for men at dinner then this attire is fine for a dining picture.  There may be a tendency for models to be overdressed and reflect dressy black tie affairs.  If your community has a casual atmosphere and is less formal, the models’ attire should match.     

* Reflect the community’s population

If your community is geared to couples; then pictures can be couple oriented. If many residents are single; pictures need to show singles rather than imply it’s a couples’ world.  Minority groups should be included as well.   

* Photo rights

There are many stipulations by various photographers and you should understand these in advance of a photo shoot.  You may assume you have the rights to the photos since you are the client and footing the bill but this may not be the case.  You may be asked how you plan to use the pictures and this may impact rights and costs.  These are important details to know and have in writing.

* Preparing for a shoot

It’s best to ask the photographer to “walk” the community in advance of the shoot.  This way they can gauge time of day for best lighting; assist in planning locations and angles and use their photographic eye.  If staff is going to be incorporated into pictures; letting them in advance is important. People need to be prepared with appropriate dress.   

* Stock Photos

There are more and more companies available for stock photos and these basically are rented for useage.  Advertising agencies seem to have more resources for stock.  The downside of stock photos is generally you don’t have exclusive use of these photos. Your selection also may find its way to an advertising campaign for a bank, hotel and a competitors community. Use of stock photos should be weighed when reviewing photos requirements.

*  Shoot lists

Many photographers book either in time increments of a half or full day.  With the photographer, plan a shoot list in advance and determine what can be accomplished in the time allotted for the shoot. 

*  Interesting people pictures

Creative pictures of people tell a story.  You don’t need a picture of the entire body—sometimes less is more and an environmental type of picture would be more captivating.  Showing someone in their work environment may be useful.   Taking a picture of hands….smiles…..hugs may capture emotions more than a picture of a group of people at dining room table.

*  Age of models vs. age of residents

This continues to be a subject for debate.  Some advertising specialists believe people want to see younger rather than older people representing a product whiles others believe to appeal to older consumers models should be older.  If the community is geared for residents 80+ years old, a model could be in their seventies and be appropriate but not in their fifties.  Age is very subjective. There are some 80 year olds that look like they are 60 while others show more age.  People should dress fashionably and up to date. Here again a stylist is very helpful.     

Using a professional photographer offers a resource for pictures that can be used in a variety of opportunities.  Shop around for someone you feel ‘clicks’.  It’s well worth the investment.

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Keller Williams Delights Palace Royale Residents

Senior community residents always like fun events and RED day was no exception.  Agents from the Keller Williams offices in Kendall selected The Palace Royale for their community service project.  Weeks in the planning, agents wanted to bring a 50's nostaglia day to the community.

It was neat and cool.....my 50's lingo. 

Dressed in poodle skirts, flats and bobby socks the girls looked very 50's and the guy's were either in  jeans and varsity jackets or the RED t-shirts.  They seemed to turn back the clock.

The day started with dance demostrations.  Ladies got complimentary make up from Mary Kay and were adorned with red lipstick, blue eyeshadow and handmade pink satin neck scarves. There was a pizza lunch and great music. 

More afternoon delights.....hula hoop contests, sing alongs and root beer floats.  Moon pies, twinkies for snacks.  A special appearance by Elvis topped off the afternoon before residents headed to the dining room for T-trays and a choice of fish sticks, meatloaf and fried chicken.

This was a win-win.  The residents loved all the attention and the team building of Keller Williams is so positive. 

Andrea Mason with Keller Williams and I worked together on event pr details. 

Grand College Tours Could Work For Senior Communities

Recently I saw an ad for Grand College Tours, a program to check out 12 Florida Colleges over 5days/4 nights. Hotels, meals and charter bus was inclusive in the tour. 

I thought this was a pretty great idea. Schools on the tour trip from large and smaller schools. 

I thought this may be an opportunity for active adult and senior communities--sure they compete for the same customer but perhaps this approach offers an interesting adventure.  I think the CCRC would probably be more plausible since it's generally geared to couples who are younger than those considering a independent living community. 

It shows creative marketing.  Just something to ponder.   If you have a senior community that would consider this; let us know.             

Retirement-Will We Ever Use This Word?

For many seniors retirement either is not an option due to financial challenges or simply because they want work that gives them purpose.

More and more seniors are working past the traditional Social Security age of either 62 or 65 when benefits kick in.

Have a younger boss? It's not unusual. A government-subsidized nonprofit that finds part-time jobs for the elderly where they can learn new skills to re-enter the workforce is a resource seniors can utilize. AARP also offers a job-training program; the Senior Community Services and Employment Program.

In a book, 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans, by Karl Pillemer; the author surveyed 1200 older American about success. found older workers are as competitive as younger workers. They are dependable, more instructive, and more loyal in the workplace.

My friends and I are working and enjoy its benefits. I wouldn't find as much satisfaction playing golf or lunching with friends. My friend Leslie found a great environment of people in a luxury real estate office where she now works. After six weeks of not working she had caught up with old friends and finished home projects. Her new position gives her purpose and a sense of well being.

My photography school's favorite instructor hardly considers himself retired. He teaches fewer of the classes but students flock to the one's he teaches in master fine art photography and he's in his 70+.

Us boomers may nor oly redefine retirement--maybe it will be a word that simply goes out of fashion.

Senior Games Offer Great Exercise Incentives

I recently learned about the organization for senior games and competition. Events are varied and may competitive activities may include tennis, archery, swimming, golf, bocce, bowling, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, dominoes as well as track and field and there probably are more.

The Florida Sport Foundation www.flasports.com works with cities and recreation departments to host events that are sanctioned. Local events are a qualifying event for the Florida Senior Games State Championships in Dec. and winners from that event can compete in the 2013 National Senior GAmes scheduled for Cleveland.

People participating are of all ages and we had the opportunity to meet one of Florida's notable winners, Essie Faria who at age 77 is a 20 time gold medal winner.

This is a great opportunity for senior communities to launch their own competition and send winners to compete. The registration fees are nominal and can you imagine the publicity and goodwill a commuity's team could garner.

Retaining Sales Staff Aided by Mystery Shopping

Many times sales team are intimidated if they learn that mystery shopping is being conducted at their community. It's a common lament, we don't need shops or we can spot shoppers is typical.

We advocate telephone mystery shopping as a starting point in assessing sales people rather than live shopping. Time is saved and since many families initially call a community for information; this is a suitable way to learn presentation strengths and weakness.

A bad hire of an employee could cost $150,000 or more when factoring recruitment, screening, training and the time for them to settle in to their job.

A sales team may not have all top performers but using mystery shopping as part of training can greatly help someone improve their conversational skills and customer relationship abilities.

Telephone mystery shops also help identifying community's initial first impressions made by those who answer an incoming call at various times of a day. This is a value added component of mystery shopping.

Value of Skype at Senior Communities

With families living further apart than previous generations,
ways to stay in touch with loved ones has become even more important. At The Carlisle Naples, a luxury resort-style senior living community in Florida, technology is being used to connect residents and families – despite the miles between them.

The community recently partnered with Advocate Home Care to create Skype sessions with residents and their out-of-state family members. The video-chatting technology has been well received by Carlisle residents and families alike who are now able to see each other’s facial expressions and body language during conversations.

“It makes it more real for me to be able to see her face,” said Karen, daughter of Carlisle resident Josephine. “When she’s smiling I know she’s happy there at The Carlisle and that makes me very happy too.”

WZVN, the Fort Myers ABC affiliate, recently visited The Carlisle
to talk to residents and their families about keeping in touch from half a
world away, especially during the holidays.

Please click on the link to watch the full segment: http://www.abc-7.com/story/17353713/technology-brings-families-closer-during-holiday-season

Senior Housing Language

A recent editorial in Senior Living Executive by Richard P. Grimes mentioned that an institutional language still is used in senior housing.

We need to start doing better. We need to embrace change and move away from the idea of institional care, facilities, patients, adl's and socialization.

Similarly, there was an article which was picked up on a local tv station about assisted living communities. Sadly, the clip the tv station used to accompany the story was an aerial of a very old 55+ condominium community in West Palm Beach, Florida called Century Village. What a shame this was a missed opportunity for some hearwarming video of a senior living community.

In my book, Marketing Senior Housing, I devoted a chapter to the language of senior housing and referenced subtle changes that need to take place speaking with customers. It's difficult when the trade association, ALFA (Assisted Living Federatin of American) implies assisted living facilities--yet we are telling everyone, people don't live in facilities...they live in communities and don't call them facilities.

Mystery shopping reveals the language being used by sales people. It's a good starting ground for training on a customer focused language that builds rapport and benefits your community.

Embrace the change. Speak to the customer in the language they understand.

Mystery Shopping Offers Constructive Advice

Many times sales peoples' response when they learn that they were shopped is "I could tell it was a shopper". My response, "Then why were your scores so low...why didn't you ask Mom's name?"

I don't think anyone finds it fun to be critiqued and yet how can someone improve, unless they know their strengths and weaknesses.

I draw the comparison to videotaping a golf swing. Certainly you don't want it shown on YouTube but it really helps in understanding what you are doing right or wrong.

In a weekly photography class I take, our work is critiqued by the instructor and fellow classmates. It's difficult to hear but these coments make me better.

Mystery shopping is similar.
There are also some findings that are equally useful. How the telephone is answered by a receptionist and transfered to the marketing department; how discovery is conducted and if they sound scripted or sincere; if a tour was encouraged or if a more passive approach was taken to send a brochure.

While face to face shops are useful too; they take about an hour of a sales person's time and can be more subjective by the evaluator. Since in senior housing there always be telephone contact, I think its useful to use telephone mystery shopping during and after hours.

It's also important to shop website for responses as well.

Mystery shopping reports should be shared with the person evaluated but not with everyone. If a team was shopped; a trainer can use the information gleaned for training but it's not necessary to play recorded phone calls for the group.

Social Media Requires On Going Posts

For many, initially social media and regular postings seem like an easy task. We aren't talking about the generation that posts about what they are doing each hour. We're talking about regular postings geared to a business and for our clients--active adult and senior communities.

Sure is seems easy. It's the on-going premise that is difficult to accomplish. Everyone's plate is full at the community. Does an activity director need to write messages? They are organizing the next outing or booking entertainment; checking in on a new instructor or planning an art show.

How about the marketing team? They should be working on their leads and spending time with customers. Do you want them writing copy?

The executive director? There is a myriad of management responsibilities on their plate.
So who is going to keep these posts maintained.

Outsourcing may be worth considering but make sure whoever is posting understands the whole picture of the communication strategy. One should consider the potential audience to reach and the value found in the content of posts. Pictures are so important in making content more appealing. Remember the saying a picture is worth 1000 words.

Plan content a month in advance and research many variables for interesting content. See if your area has special happenings in the month or are there national holidays to celebrate. Meetings iwith team members is important to as they can bring good ideas to the table to incorporate.

Events Are Great PR Opportunities

Want to wow customers?

Events are so effective in promoting a community and its brand. Often events at senior communities are planned for residents but with alittle retweaking; they are great prospect generators too.

Events offer opportunities to interact with potential customers in a less threatening environment. When people are having a good time; they are much more receptive to learning about something new. If you can weave in a small commercial about your community all the better.

I recently attended an event that our client hosted in a local theater for a performance one evening. They had reserved a block of seats for guests and had champagne reception prior to the play. The only selling was several displays on their new community and brochures. The evening was soft selling for sure. It was very effective. People came with friends and family and were so happy and the subliminal selling was terrific.

I must say this was much better than another lecture on long term care or estate plans.

Events offer opportunities to attract new customers and win their loyalty. They retain customers and entice former customers back.

Events take planning and a gameplan. Keeping everyone in the loop is key. An event may appear effortless; but planners know much more went into its planning to make it effective.

An event should have a clear purpose--what is to be gained from an event. Most importantly, there should be followup planned in advance.

I hope you will consider events for your active adult or senior community. They are well worth their investment.

Superbowl Advertising Illustrate the Power of PR

The best example of the power of pr can be the advertising that takes place for the Superbowl . So much hype surrounds the ads even before they hit the air.

While I'm so attuned to advertising blocking during a tv show; the Superbowl ads force us to view advertising differently--it's not time for a bathroom break.

The hype about the ads started weeks prior to the game and products and the ads were getting great coverage without spending a nickle on tv advertising. With social media abuzz--you could preview ads on YouTube and the morning news shows started airing them as well. People were talking about what products would be aired...what the ads would be like. It's better than the academy awards.

Post game, the buzz continues with everyone voting for favorites.

I think it's pretty amazing how powerful this is and illustrates the power of pr.

Did you have a favorite commercial. My next dog may be named WEGO and I'm changing my preference of beer. To me, if the product supports rescue dogs; it has my support.

Upcoming NAHB's Best of 50+ Housing Awards

Two of our clients have communities nominated for awards at the upcoming Best of 50+ Housing Awards at the International HomeBuilders Show in Orlando next week. We are so thrilled for them.

Kerry Green with The Ehlers Group worked on the award submissions for The Palace Group's new Coral Gables community.

The Palace Coral Gables is up for gold or silver in three award catagories--best website, best advertising and best on the boards community.

Senior Resource Group's Northridge community is up for gold or silver in two award catagories--best indoor common use space and best CCRC/IL-AL.

The award competition had been on hold for several years due to the economic challenges of bringing new communities to fruition so the award program is a positive indicator things are definitely improving.

Databases of Lost Leads Hold Nuggets of Gold

Sales departments usually work recent leads very well. Prospects are called, cultivated and nurtured.

But there could be a database of leads considered "old" and "not interested".

Resurrecting interest from these leads is time consuming and frustrating for a sales person wanting to connect with live potential buyers. Makes sense. But while the low hanging fruit is easier to pick; there could be potential interest from that customer who last year said, "they weren't ready yet."

Have you considered outsourcing these calls to someone skilled and qualified to speak on your community's behalf? I don't mean telemarketing call centers.

It requires trained specialists to know how to connect with these people, build rapport and solicit interest. Our callers have worked in senior housing communities and know how to call potential families and inquiries. They did this when they were on staff at communities.

It's amazing how effective this is and allows sales people to do what they do best....work with the newer customers with interest now.

It's important that someone making calls are professional and can be understood by seniors. They need to be able to listen and offer empathy for some one's situation. They need to be patient and understanding.

It's worth trying a list of 100 old leads to see if this helps in recreating interest.

Awards Offer Great PR Opportunites

Taking advatage of award competition offers wonderful pr opportunities. Even if you think you don't have a chance of winning, here are some tips to marketing the award competition:
If you enter:
* Market the submission. Much like movies wanting Academy Award recogntion, it's good to let people know you are entering the award competition. You can use a short blurb in your commuinty's newsletter and social media although it's probably doubtful you can get press coverage on a submission.

* Let your resident know their community is a contender. Build some excitement and interest.

* Find out how many others you are competing against--you may be the only entry from your area or in the catagory.

If you are notified you are a finalist:

* Let people know much like the submission.

If you are a winner:
* First congratulate everyone who contributed. For example, on a housing award--let your architect and design team know of the award.

* Distribute a press release. Often the organization provides a sample.

* If you attend the ceremony; jot down some notes of judges comments and incorporate these quotes in the publicity.

* Spread the word and toot your horn on social media.

* Market in newsletters.

* You may want to recreate the award ceremony at your community and share with residents.

This gives you a few ideas to promote an award. Best of luck.

Diffusing Complaints

Nothing is ever perfect and certainly we all have complaints.

But today, I realized that when someone offers constructive criticism; how our input is handled can either make us fans or foes and it's all in the hands of the receiver.

So I offer you my rants without raves:
1. I don't appreciate being told that's how its always been done. That may well be but change is good too.

2. It would be nice to hear, "I really appreciate your opinion" or "I'm so glad you took the time to share this". Rather than write a letter, I took the time to call and what I offered wasn't appreciated.

3. Being told, I'll take it to the powers that be....powers have names.

4. Oh, we can't do that....well maybe we can. You just never know until you try.

5. It would be nice to hear, I'll look into that. That certainly diffuses someone and it doesn't commit but it's nice to know someone is listening.

So what happens when you don't hear what you need...the thoughts fester. Rants are like that. When you have a bad experience; it doesn't get better ...it festers. So what easily could be remedied with some good customer service and diplomacy now is still unsettled.

Making Activities Dynamic Offers Great PR

Meetings with activity directors are very productive in surfacing some creative ideas for publicity for your senior community. While many of their events are geared to satisfying the interests of residents; some brainstorming may put you on the right track to get the commuity in the news.

Start with Chase's Guide to Special Events and think several months out. April and Easter for example. The typical brunch can be more interesting when you add an easter bonnet or a pet parade. Invite grandchildren and employees to bring their pets--even include a few VIP's in your city. It doesn't need to be complicated with prizes --just keep it simple and have everyone walk a runway to some cute commentary.

Start having Facebook classes and invite teens or college students to help. Give them some sensitivity training first so they appreciate senior's limitations.

Mothers Day also can be more creative with something that mothers and daughters can do together--flower arranging or scrapbooking. Here again--go beyond a typical brunch and find something more engaging.

Find a local charity to embrace for the year's project and create a variety of events to help--maybe deliver food baskets or knit blankets. Everyone enjoys helping others; they like someone to facililtate.

Hold a holiday event a few days prior to the official holiday--this way photographers and writers may get a jump on their holiday news article and get to stay home with their families. They really appreciate this.

Tips on Dealing with the Media

Trying to get coverage for your community?

Reporters have compiled some useful tips that I think you may find useful:
1. Read their articles and make sure they are the right reporter to contact.
2. Make sure they aren't on deadline if you are contacting them by phone.
3. Take advantage of multi-media to explain something and provide pictures and video.
4. You may have a great story that doesn't get any pick up--it just wasn't a good day. Repackage it and try again.
5. Be careful not to use industry jargon--they don't understand your industry. For example--census. May make sense to you but not to them.
6. Spin and fluff are annoying--get to the facts.
7. They are busy and overworked--you may not hear back but they still are interested.
8. Email works great but work on a compelling subject line
9. What you want to accomplish may be at odds with their assignments.
10. Try to help them when they reach out to you. If they know you can deliver; when you need them..it will be easier. If you can't help; let them know so they'll know you tried.

Many of our clients think it's easy to get their name in the newspaper. It's a challenge we don't take lightly.

Walking Billboards Signs to Behold

Communities in South Florida now are tackling the issue of walking billboards which I refer to as human signs.

The criticism is that they distract drivers and block sidewalks at intersections. I have criticized their use for appropriate signage for communities since they are associated with small business gimicks including going out of business.

It just doesn't seem appropriate that someone considering the purchase of a home; would be enticed by a sign waver on a street corner. I contend that if sales people lament that their location is so difficult to find--one needs to look at the various communication tools used by a community to see how directionals can be clearer.

Have you been enticed by a sign waver? We'd like to hear your story.

International Builders Show Highlights Feb.

If you thought Lowes and HomeDepot were exciting; the International Builders Show Feb. 8-11 in Orlando is unbelievable. Despite slow downs in the homebuilding industry; this is a must for those in the construction business and the various trades and consultants in the industry. Education opportunities are excellent in a variety of subjects including green building, universal design and multifamily apartments. I'm speaking on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 8:00 on 50 Proven Strategies for Active Adult Communities.

The exhibits are geared for the trade rather than consumers so unfortunately the general public is not invited.

It's mindboggling--Kohler usually has a block size exhibit as does GE and Sears. You'll get great stuff to bring home too. There's usually cooking demostrations with well known chefs demonstrating the latest in ranges and race car drivers giving autographs.

The energy is contagious and hopefully this year's attendees will be more optimistic of a housing recovery. Someone once said...the industry will turn around and I want to be there for it.

Hope to see you in Orlando.