The Appraisal Institute was instrumental in organizing and helping run the largest gathering of multi disciplined appraisers at the VAL 2000 Conference held in Las Vegas on July 10-13, 2000. The two other sponsoring organizations were the American Society of Appraisers and the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. There were also representatives from all of the other organizations that are part of the Appraisal Foundation. There were over 3,000 registrants, taking advantage of the 80 educational offerings relative to all types of appraisal problem solving. In addition, there were over 70 exhibitors showing all types of real estate appraisal tools, or services being offered by their organizations. The Appraisal Institute held their own meetings and educational offerings both before and after the main VAL 2000 events. Numerous Cardinal Ohio Chapter members and officers attended either VAL 2000, the Appraisal Institute mid year meetings, or both.
The setting for the conference and meetings was the MGM Grand Hotel, this being a 5,000 room facility that also has a very large casino, and its own small amusement park. Our Chapter President, Ray Jackson, was able to attend numerous education sessions, some of which were very unique. These included the latest technology being used relative to appraisal software, known as digital containers, easement valuation, environmental impacts on commercial and industrial properties, Feng Shui: the Chinese way of appraisal, and the effect of e-commerce on real estate value. In addition, President Jackson performed various quality control analysis relative to the six (6) swimming pools and gaming tables at the hotel and casino, along with analysis of increasing wind velocity relative to temperature rising on golf courses.
While the conference was a major undertaking, the sponsors and participants were very pleased with the attendance, the educational offerings, and the camaraderie. The various forms allowed exposure to various disciplines of appraisal that many of us do not see daily, and there was a strong international presence of valuation experts wishing to understand how valuation analyses are performed in the United States. It is anticipated that these large conferences, with multi sponsors, will be offered periodically. I urge all to consider attendance at any future major conferences such as this, especially if you can take advantage of AI offerings and meetings being held at the same time.
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