High-rise community association managers from across the country gathered in Los Angeles last week for CAI’s third annual High-Rise Managers Workshop — an immersive experience where participants toured high-rise buildings, networked with peers and business partners, shared best practices, problem solved, and benefitted from expert presentations.
Over the course of three days, participants toured three unique high-rise communities: the Metropolis Master Association, the Metropolis II Condo Association, and Sky Community Association. They explored everything from parking structures and boiler rooms to security rooms, pools, gyms, sky-high model units, helipads, and more. The workshop also featured several comprehensive sessions led by experts in the field, including:
From Foundation to Façade: High-Rise Structural Integrity and Building Safety: Attorney Sandra L. Gottlieb, a fellow in CAI’s College of Community Association Lawyers, and forensic estimator Abran Gonzalez educated attendees on maintaining the structural integrity and safety of high-rises. Topics included foundational stability, façade maintenance, and adherence to safety codes and regulations.
Elevating Hospitality: How to Exceed Residents’ Expectations: Kevan White, hospitality manager at Action Property Management, led a session emphasizing the importance of providing excellent hospitality services. Managers gained insights into creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for residents while maintaining a professional and comfortable space for those working on-site.
The Big Three: What to Expect from a High-Rise Reserve Study: Reserve specialist and founder of Association Reserves, Robert Nordlund, RS, discussed the critical role of reserve studies in long-term financial planning. Attendees learned how to conduct thorough and efficient reserve studies to ensure sufficient funding for future repairs and maintenance and that nothing falls through the cracks.
Predictive Maintenance: How Artificial Intelligence Can Keep Your Critical Infrastructure Running: Manager Richard Arena, CMCA, talked about the latest advancements in AI and how predictive maintenance can be applied to high-rise buildings.
Efficient Envelope: High-Rise Investigations and Repair Strategies: Toby White, a forensic building consultant, led a session focusing on the building envelope. Topics included effective strategies for investigating and repairing common issues and maintaining the integrity of the building envelope to ensure longevity.
High and Hard: Insuring Large Properties in a Hard Insurance Market: Charlotte Allen, CIRMS, of Socher Insurance, led a session addressing the challenges of securing insurance for large properties in a difficult market. Attendees were provided with strategies for navigating the complexities of the insurance market, including risk management and cost-saving measures.
Advocacy Is Everyone’s Business: Grassroots Outreach, Legislation, and Your Role: Attorneys Phoebe Neseth, Esq., and Matt D. Ober, Esq., a CCAL fellow, led a session exploring the importance of advocacy and the role of managers in grassroots outreach. Managers learned how to effectively advocate for their communities, engage with local government, and influence decisions that impact high-rise living.
Attendees left the workshop equipped with valuable knowledge and practical skills to enhance their careers, topping the event off with a rooftop dinner in the heart of the city.
>> Learn more about upcoming CAI events and learning opportunities.