Monday, May 5, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The National Communities Council Spring Forum is a premier event designed for manufactured home community owners and operators, offering valuable insights into industry trends and best practices. The forum delivers a unique opportunity to explore key topics such as effective community engagement, the impact of AI, and emerging market opportunities. In addition to delivering content tailored to community owners and operators of all sizes, the event fosters meaningful networking opportunities with industry peers. If you’re involved with manufactured home communities as an owner/operator, service provider, lender, or consultant, this event is for you!
| Registration | Early Bird (By April 7) | Regular (April 8 -April 30) | Onsite |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCC Spring Forum Add On Member (Must be purchased with C&E Registration) | $229 | $279 | $459 |
| NCC Spring Forum Add On Non-Member (Must be purchased with C&E Registration) | $279 | $329 | $459 |
This event is an add-on event to the 2025 MHI Congress & Expo and requires a separate registration fee. Forum attendees must be also be registered for Congress & Expo to participate.
The Road Ahead: Innovating and Sustaining the Future
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Learning from the Best
This year’s MHI Community Awards winners will share the winning practices that have taken them to the top. Hear from the 2025 Community Operator of the Year and Land-Lease Communities of the Year as they share their tips and tricks that make their operations so successful.
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM Building Success Together: Creating Thriving Communities Through Culture and Connection
Speaker: Tom Stapley, CEO, Roots Management Group
In the world of community living, success doesn't happen in silos—it’s built through trust, teamwork, and shared purpose. This session explores how companies can move beyond blame and burnout by creating a culture of collaboration and accountability. Learn how thoughtful communication, leadership support, and innovative tools are transforming the way teams work together. We will hear from a leading operator how they came to find practical approaches that empower every team member to contribute to vibrant, successful communities.
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM Networking Lunch
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM Harnessing Opportunities in the Current Market
Moderator: Dr. Lesli Gooch, Chief Executive Officer, Manufactured Housing Institute
Panelists: Kate Costello, Senior Vice President of Operations, Horizon Land Co., LLC; Cody Pearce, EVP of Business Operations, YES Communities; T.C. Sheppard, Senior Vice President of Sales and Consumer Finance, UMH Properties, Inc.
As more people seek attainable, high-quality housing, land-lease communities are rising in popularity with their professional upkeep and vibrant, neighborly spirit. This session explores innovative approaches to foster thriving communities. Join industry experts as they discuss practical solutions that communities are implementing to balance growth and ensure long-term prosperity while meeting the increasing expectations of residents.
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM Laws, Regulations, and Legislation Impacting Communities
Moderator: Dr. Lesli Gooch, Chief Executive Officer, Manufactured Housing Institute
Panelists: Mark Asnes, CEO & Managing Partner, Freehold Real Estate; Kevin Drennan, Managing Director, Mercury Public Affairs; Joel Riethmiller, Imperium Global Advisors and Spenser Templeton, SMGB Law
With a new administration and a new Congress shaping housing policy, and it is more important than ever to stay informed. This session will explore changes and proposals at the state and Federal levels that could impact your business, such as fair housing requirements, rent control, tenant protections, and laws impacting zoning. Gain insights to navigate the shifting landscape while ensuring compliance and preservation of the land-lease communities model.
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Networking Break
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM Best Practices to Mitigate Storm Risk
Moderator: Scott Simpson, SMGB Law
Panelists: Jim Ayotte, CEO, Florida Manufactured Housing Association; Jody Gabel, General Counsel, Flagship Communities REIT; Kurt Kelley, President, Mobile Home Insurance
Successful operators know that effective preparation helps ensure communities’ stability when Mother Nature strikes. Recent storm events have heightened awareness of this important fact. In this session, you will hear from industry experts about effective strategies for disaster preparedness, including how to navigate legal risks and the best practices for insurance.
Subject to change. All times are in Eastern Time and will not be recorded.
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