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2026 Conference Agenda-At-A-Glance
Session titles are subject to change at our instructors' discretion
Tuesday, November 17th These sessions are applicable for all attendees
Our Annual Fall Conference is widely considered the premier event in the region for professionals in affordable multifamily rental housing management. While there are broader multifamily conferences, this is the only regional event dedicated entirely to the regulatory, management, and maintenance needs of affordable housing. On Day 1, we have set an agenda that focuses on operations, risk, leadership, and resident-facing issues—applicable to all attendees/program types and guaranteed to not be boring! Attending Day 1, sets the stage for the more focused/programmatic and tactical topics in the days ahead.
See “Session Descriptions” for full details about each session.
| Time | James River Ballroom (Downstairs) |
|---|---|
| 8:45 - 9:00a.m. | Opening/Welcoming Remarks |
| 9:00 - 10:30a.m. |
The Affordable Housing Manager's Risk Map for 2026 and Beyond
This opening session examines the key operations, compliance, and leadership risks affecting affordable housing professionals today. Topics include staffing pressures, fair housing exposure, inspection readiness, documentation weaknesses, maintenance liability, resident conflict, and the increasing challenge of managing layered responsibilities with limited resources. This session is intended to frame the conference and provide attendees with a practical roadmap for the year ahead. See "Session Descriptions" for full details! [AJ Johnson, Instructor]
|
| 10:15 - 10:30a.m. | Break |
| 10:30a.m.-11:45p.m. |
Fair Housing in a Time of Mixed Signals
This session explores how affordable housing providers can maintain sound fair housing practices even when the enforcement climate appears to shift. The focus will be on practical site-level decision-making, consistency in policy enforcement, screening standards, accommodation requests, staff training, and the importance of good documentation. See "Session Descriptions" for full details! [AJ Johnson, Instructor]
|
| 11:45 - 1:15p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:15 - 2:15p.m. |
Resident Communication, Conflict, and Credibility
Strong resident communication is one of the most overlooked tools in successful property management. This session addresses how staff should communicate during disputes, maintenance delays, policy enforcement, emergencies, and difficult resident interactions. See "Session Descriptions" for full details! [AJ Johnson, Instructor]
|
| 2:15 - 2:30p.m. | Break |
|
2:30 - 3:30p.m.
3:30 - 5:00p.m. |
Smart Use of AI and Technology in Affordable Management
This session explores where technology can genuinely improve affordable housing operations and where it can create new risks. Topics may include communication tools, workflow management, training support, recordkeeping, and the dangers of using technogy in ways that undermine consistency, privacy, or sound judgement. See "Session Descriptions" for full details! [AJ Johnson, Instructor]
The Tenant File from Hell: Spotting Problems Before They Become Findings
Using a realistic case-study format, this workshop walks attendees through problem files containing multiple documentation and eligibility issues. Participants will identify missing items, inconsistent calculations, unsupportied conclusions, and common judgment erros. Both LIHTC and Section 8/RD issues will be covered. [AJ Johnson, Instructor]
|
| 5:00p.m. | Educational Sessions Adjourn for the Day |
Wednesday, November 18th**
**An additional track/more sessions are planned for Day 2/November 18th! Stay tuned!
Sessions are organized in four separate tracks. Attendees select one session from each time-slot to attend. Join us for breakfast, lunch, and the Vendor Exhibition/Reception in the James River Ballroom.
| 7:00a.m. | Registration Opens (James River Foyer) | ||||
| 8:00a.m. | Buffet Breakfast (James River Ballroom) | ||||
| TRACK A | TRACK B | TRACK C | TRACK D | TRACK E | |
| Time |
Parlor A/B
GENERAL INTEREST TRACK
|
Parlor C
LIHTC TRACK
|
Parlor D
HUD TRACK
|
York
SPECIAL INTEREST TRACK
(limited seating)
|
Anna
SOFTWARE/VENDOR TRACK
(limited seating)
|
| 9:15a.m.-10:45a.m. Attend one session |
Virginia Housing Updates
Anitra Anderson
Carol Jackson
|
Immigration Rights & Responsibilities of Affordable Housing Managers
AJ Johnson
|
Advanced Income Eligibility Scenarios
Jenny DeSilva
|
Special Claims Essentials
Mary Celone
Pamela Kazlauskas
|
Agentic AI in Affordable Housing: Building an Orchestrated AI Workforce
Drumlin Brook
(RealPage) |
| 10:45- 11:00a.m. | Break | ||||
| 11:00a.m.-12:30p.m. Attend one session |
An Updated Guide to Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
Grimes Creasy
|
Average Income After the Final Regulations: What Managers Need to Get Right
AJ Johnson
|
Behind the Scenes with TRACS: Unlocking HUD's Data System
Jenny DeSilva
|
Virginia Housing Procorem Compliance
Speakers TBD
|
Artificial Intelligence as a Tool
Joanna Chlopeka
(Yardi)
|
| 12:30p.m.-1:45p.m. | |||||
| 1:45p.m.-3:15p.m. Attend one session |
Understanding Your Communication Style
Michael Alexander
|
HOTMA, LIHTC, and Layered Housing: Where the Friction Shows Up
AJ Johnson
|
EIV 101: What to Print, Where to File and How to Stay Ahead
Jenny DeSilva
|
RAD for PRAC: Best Practices to Prepare & Convert Your PRAC Contract
Gates Kellett
|
The Inevitability of Monitored Cameras in Affordable Housing
Joseph Turner
(Checkastructure)
|
| 3:15p.m.-3:30p.m. | Break | ||||
| 3:30p.m.-5:00p.m. Attend one session |
Burnout, Boundaries, and Balance
Shelia Battle
|
LIHTC Compliance Pressure Points
AJ Johnson
|
VAWA Compliance Made Clear: Protect Residents & Perfect Your Policies
Jenny DeSilva
|
Top Ten Tips for Dealing with Seniors
Michael Alexander
|
Practical Automation for Affordable Housing Teams
Jeffrey Bai, Dianne Kaiyoorawongs (EliseAI) |
| 5:00p.m. | Educational Sessions Adjourn | ||||
| 5:00-7:00p.m. | Vendor Exhibition & Reception (James River Ballroom) | ||||
| 7:00p.m. | AHMA-Sponsored Events End for the Day | ||||
Thursday, November 19th
| 7:30a.m. | Registration/Check-In Opens (James River Foyer) | |
| 8:00a.m. | Coffee & Grab-n-Go Breakfast Items (James River Foyer) | |
| Time | TRACK A James River Ballroom (lower level) |
TRACK B Shenandoah Ballroom (upper level) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30a.m.- 1:00p.m. |
HUD Hot Topics
Jenny DeSilva
|
NSPIRE: Everyday Practical Ideas So You'll Do Well on Your Next Inspection
Dennis DiBello
|
| 1:00p.m. | All AHMA-Sponsored Events End - See You Next Year | |