The 2025 CAI Annual Conference & Exposition: Community NOW got underway in earnest Thursday as participants met up with friends and colleagues, attended various conference sessions to learn about important issues, browsed the latest tools and resources, and toured the expo hall to network.
Conference sessions on strategic planning, recruiting board members, and civility in associations were among the topics on the agenda.
Pointing to Improved Performance: Keys to Strategic Planning Success
Governance is always a hot industry issue and this year’s session on strategic planning provided insight to guide community association board members and managers toward developing solid long-range plans.
“Strategic planning establishes a foundation for more effective decisions that support the association’s vision and mission, budget development, and project prioritization,” says Cate Fulkerson, principal of Points North Strategies in Reston, Va. “Establishing a plan provides a collaborative and coherent process of reflection and conversation with the board, community, and management team.”
Fulkerson says communities must determine what kind of plan is needed. Organizational plans provide roadmaps the entire community will follow. Capital plans focus on additions or alternations to capital assets, she says.
Once a direction is determined, communities can establish a strategic planning committee composed of members of the board, manager, and staff leadership team. Community members will oversee the plan development process, set key performance indicators, monitor plan implementation, and report on the plan’s development and achievements, Fulkerson adds.
How to Recruit Engaged and Knowledgeable Board Members
Practical tips for building a culture of volunteerism include a welcoming attitude and seeking out homeowners who are willing to listen and learn, possess a collaborative spirit, and have a respect for process and policy.
“The first step is to meet and learn about each community member. This helps you to find someone who would be a good fit for your board,” says Joyce Sachs, president of the 1219 W. Wynnewood Condominium Association in Wynnewood, Penn. “A personal invitation to serve on the board helps build a relationship. Board members can share different opinions, but once a decision is made by the board it must be presented to the community as one voice.”
When vetting candidates, highlight the candidate’s strengths and emphasize the impact of their service on the community. Be transparent about the time commitment, provide information and training, and make it easy to get involved. Celebrate their service when the project is completed. People volunteer when they feel welcomed, needed, informed, and appreciated.
“I hope attendees understand the value of recruiting community members who want to serve on the board and take the education available through CAI to better understand their responsibilities,” adds Sachs, who is chair of the CAI Homeowner Leaders Council. “They have a fiduciary duty to make the best decisions for the entire community.”
Civility and Dignity in Community Associations
The importance of developing strong and active listening skills and embracing cultural diversity was highlighted during the session. Attendees were told that making the effort to hear and accept different perspectives can go a long way toward boosting flexibility, inclusivity, and building community. Prioritizing civility, inclusion, and open dialogues are ongoing processes that never end.
Session presenter Sarah Metcalf, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, with the Pelican Cove Condominium Association in Sarasota, Fla., urged communities to adopt CAI’s Community Association Civility Pledge.
>>More conference sessions and a motivational keynote speaker highlight a busy slate for Friday. See what’s coming next.
Photo caption: Attendees at the 2025 CAI Annual Conference and Exposition: Community NOW share their membership stories on video, take a selfie, and sign a wall celebrating 50,000 members.
