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New Orleans, LA–More than 5,000 museum professionals attended this year’s American Alliance of Museum Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo in New Orleans, LA on May 19-22, 2019.  ASA was represented by Connecticut-based personal property appraiser John A. Woods, ASA and Cindy Hinton, Director of Membership from ASA’s National Office. The American Alliance of Museums represents more than 35,000 museum professionals and volunteers, institutions, and corporate partners serving the museum field.

The MuseumExpo kicked off with extensive networking opportunities. Attendees were then redirected to meeting areas where numerous seminars and demonstrations took place.

The keynote speakers were:

• Carol Bebelle, (a.k.a. Akua Wambui), Co-founder and Executive Director of the Ashé Cultural Arts Center
• Mitch Landrieu, Mayor, City of New Orleans (2010 – 2018)
• Rick Lowe, Social Practice Artist, Community Organizer
• Kimberly Drew, Writer, Curator, Activist
• Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist, Filmmaker, Human Rights Activist

“I was thrilled to represent ASA this year at the 2019 Museum Expo,” said Cindy Hinton, ASA’s Director of Membership. “I met so many wonderful museum professionals at our booth and had the opportunity to communicate face-to-face with attendees what ASA has to offer, answer any questions, and share information about ASA’s free ‘Find an Appraiser’ tool on www.appraisers.org. “

John A. Woods, who has volunteered on behalf of ASA at the AAM MuseumExpo since 2004, added: “We had quite a number of museum people pass by, I would guesstimate over 200 people,  during the open period of the Expo. People had specific questions about items for valuation and I was happy to direct them with Cindy Hinton to the website.”

More than 270 exhibitors from across the region, both new and seasoned, participated in AAM, many offering hands-on interactions with their products and services. Attendees were able to try virtual reality headsets or watch live art being created.

ASA volunteers and staff spent the majority of their time speaking to attendees about the criteria needed to become an appraiser, and the importance of having an accredited appraiser when valuing pieces. Our exhibit’s main attraction was the “Find an Appraiser” tool that is featured on ASA’s homepage. This tool, which is open to the public, can help anyone searching for an appraiser with ASA membership by discipline and location.

“The conference was a huge success—well-organized and filled with informative presentations and networking opportunities,” Hinton said.

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Past American Society of Appraisers International President (’94-’95), Richard A. Kaufman, FASA, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019. Dick was a career machinery and equipment appraiser and member of the Society for 42 years. He was a true supporter and active volunteer, holding numerous leadership positions, including: Chair of the International Activities, Public Relations and Colloquium Committees; Director of the CAPPS Committee; Region Governor; International Treasurer; International Vice President and International President.

During his tenure as President, he oversaw advocacy efforts to protect profession and consumer interests; technology advancements to better prepare members to meet challenges more effectively and efficiently; and branding outreach to help members become better recognized by clients, the banking system, the courts, attorneys, insurance companies and the general public.

As testament to his dedication and service, Dick was inducted into ASA’s College of Fellows in 1997 and was conferred the prestigious grade of “Fellow”, ASA’s highest honor.

Dick is survived by wife Mary; his son Matt, also a designated and active member of ASA, and his two other children Amy and Mark. Dick has six grandchildren.

The Kaufman family has expressed thanks for the condolences and support from fellow ASA members. They have asked in lieu of flowers, or other well-wishes, a donation be made in Dick’s name to the ASA Educational Foundation. Donations may be made online or by mail. For more information, visit www.appraisers.org/donate.

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RESTON, VA–On April 26th, ASA’s RP-NAIFA Committee met at ASA’s offices in Reston, VA, for a daylong conversation around the ongoing activities of the committee, as well as to discuss growth opportunities for ASA in Real Property education and membership. Participating in the meeting were members of the RP-NAIFA Committee, as well as key staff from ASA Headquarters.

Throughout the meeting, the committee discussed its work on collaborative efforts in the educational arena, as well as finding new ways to ensure timely delivery of courses to interested students. The committee also talked about ways to grow engagement with ASA by Real Property appraisers who currently do not belong to any professional organization, and ways in which the needs of these individuals can be met by ASA. ASA’s RP-NAIFA Committee remains committed to providing best in class education and finding ways to serve the needs of the professional Real Property appraiser. If you have ideas or feedback for the Committee, please contact John D. Russell, staff liaison to the Committee, at jrussell@appraisers.org.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Eleven American Society of Appraisers (ASA) members attended the 2019 FEWA National Conference on April 26-27, 2019 in San Francisco, CA. The FEWA National Conference was a two-day learning and networking experience that provided advanced training skills for experts of all levels and disciplines.

Based in San Francisco, the Forensic Expert Witness Association (FEWA) is dedicated to the professional development, ethics and promotion of forensic consultants in all fields of discipline, according to FEWA.

“FEWA’s tag line is ‘we turn experts into expert witnesses’ and they do a great job of it,” said Jack Young, ASA, ARM-MTS. “This was my third year attending the FEWA conference and I am amazed at how it keeps getting better and better. The conference has a rich mixture of presenters: accomplished litigators, as well as judges and other seasoned litigation professionals.”

“The first day of the conference focused on developing an expert witness practice and the second day focused on nuts and bolts of providing expert testimony. All topics where highly relevant and I left with pages of useful tips that I can immediately implement,” according to Young. “I’ll be back next year.”

Conference attendee had the opportunity to attend 17 sessions of advanced level content that featured interactive panel discussions by more than 20 speakers, including attorneys, experts, trial consultants and judges. Participants networked with fellow experts and attorneys.

Presentations at the conference included:

Top 10 Ways to Get Hired & Re-Hired: Attorneys Give it to Us Straight! (Part One)
Andy Kaplan, Kaplan Law Firm
John Vannucci, John F. Vannucci Law

Money is Time: Fees, Billing, Getting Paid, Taxes, Oh My! (Part One)
Organization is Money: Vast Amounts of Documents, Assistants, Tools of the Trade (Part Two)
Mitch Cohen, Bronswick Benjamin
John McReynolds, Construction Defect Consultants, LC

Dealing with Opposing Attorneys’ Skillful, Slick, or Shady Strategies at Deposition & Trial
John McReynolds, Construction Defect Consultants, LC
Joe Quilici, Silicon Valley Civil Structural Engineers
Dr. Bruce Wapen, Emergency Medicine Expert
Rudy R. Robinson III, Austin Valuation Consultants

How Do Judges & Jurors View Expert Witness and What You Can Do About It (Part Two)
Honorable Richard S. Flier
Will Rountree, Bonora Rountree Trial Consultants
Aref Jabbour, Trial Behavior Consulting Inc.

Female Expert Witnesses: Being Effective if You Are One— Empowering Men to Work with Them
Dr. Marian Stephens, Marian B. Stephens, Consulting
Lezlee Liljenberg, Liljenberg Expert Witness
Janeen DeMarte, Sentience Psychological Services, PLLC
Lois Kadosh, Real Estate Ethics
Dr. Lisa Boesky, Suicide Prevention Expert

Skeletons in Your Closet? How Attorneys Dig Up Dirt on Experts & Their Testimony (Part Two)
Jim Robinson, President of Juris Pro

To view the full FEWA Conference program, click here.

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By Sharon Reed

DAYTONA BEACH, FL–The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and The David B. O’Maley College of Business of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) are jointly hosting a special session of Aircraft Appraisal certification coursework to meet the needs of a group of appraisers who were affiliated with the National Aircraft Appraisers Association (NAAA). Founded in 1980, NAAA closed down in December 2018. Its membership reportedly included about 350 Certified Aircraft Appraisers who received aircraft appraisal training and USPAP training offered by that organization.

A group of former NAAA members will attend the special session at ERAU in Daytona Beach, FL beginning on May 6. Program participants will be travelling to the campus from diverse locations across the nation, and globally from Germany and China.

SEE: ASA/Embry-Riddle Aircraft Valuation Certification Program Expanding Due to Global Demand

SEE ALSO: Q&A: Germany-based Appraiser Completes Aircraft Valuation Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida

“We are all very happy that ASA is providing this opportunity,” said Steve Coonan, a NAAA Certified Aircraft Appraiser with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. “With NAAA shutting its doors it is important for Aircraft Appraisers to receive accreditation from ASA.”

As the largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, ERAU is a private university system offering associate, bachelor, master’s, and PhD degree programs in arts and sciences, aviation, business, engineering, computer programming, cyber security and security and intelligence.

Launched in 2015, the ASA/ERAU Aviation Appraisal program is open to anyone interested in pursuing a professional designation as an Aircraft Appraiser. Program participants are required to take a series of 4 courses for professional aircraft appraisers: (ME201ACS – ME204ACS). Successful completion of these courses provides students with the necessary fundamental appraisal coursework to apply for professional accreditation through ASA in the Machinery and Technical Specialties (MTS) discipline with a specialty in aircraft appraisal.

Coursework also includes curriculum covering commercial, business and general aviation aircraft including fixed-wing and rotorcraft, and other aerospace assets.

ERAU in Daytona Beach is an ideal location for the aircraft appraisal coursework,” said Richard Berkemeier, ASA, an instructor in the program. “There are about 100 different airplanes on the 185-acre campus. Program participants will visit the aircraft maintenance facilities, flight simulators, unmanned systems labs, robotics facilities, and more. Speakers will include aviation attorneys, representatives from Boeing and Airbus, SATCOM experts, and more.”

ASA/ERAU’s next regular session course — ME201-ACS – Introduction to Machinery and Equipment Valuation (Aviation Specific), will be held on September 26-29, 2019 at the Daytona Beach, FL campus.

For more information on the Aircraft Valuation program, please click here.

SEE: Aviation Appraisal Cohort Completes ASA/Embry-Riddle University Program

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By Sharon Reed

SOUTH AFRICA — ASA Business Valuation Appraisers are invited to attend an exciting trip to South Africa from August 27 – September 8, 2019. Sponsored by ASA’s Business Valuation discipline, in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ), Great Escapes Travel and African Travel, Inc., this premium educational destination event combines a unique learning experience with a once-in-a-lifetime tourism opportunity.

Attend the conference and network with the more than 200 delegates from around the world, including the chief executives, chief finance officers and other accounting professionals who are expected to attend ICAZ’s flagship event. Participate in sessions with presentations from leading experts and government officials focused on this year’s conference theme of “Disruption Innovation – Investing for Growth.”

After networking and learning, relax and enjoy the full amenities of the world renowned Sun City Resort.

Immediately following the conference, embark on one of three tours designed to showcase the best of what South Africa encompasses.

Participants have a choice of 3 tour options:

• Option 1: Cape Town and Shamwari Private Game Reserve
• Option 2: Cape Town and Kruger Private Game Reserve
• Option 3: Chobe, Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park

The sponsors of this unparalleled opportunity are: Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ), Great Escapes Travel, and African Travel, Inc.

To register for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) 2019 Winter School, visit ICAZ online, or contact ICAZ by phone at +263-242-2-25276 or by e-mail at winterschool@icaz.org.zw. To register for one of the three tours, contact Peggy Applebee, President Co-Owner of Great Escapes Travel by phone at 407-915-5702, or e-mail at papplebee@getescapes.com.

For more detailed information, please visit: www.appraisers.org/Education/conferences/south-africa-conference or click here.

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By Sharon Reed

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – A cohort of 32 graduates recently completed the joint American Society of Appraisers (ASA)/ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Aircraft Valuation Certification Program at the ERAU campus in Daytona, Beach, FL. A graduation ceremony was held on March 15, 2019 in ERAU’s new Mori Hosseini Student Union with more than 50 people in attendance. Launched in 2015, this was the third cohort of students completing the program.

ASA/ERAU Aircraft Appraisal program participants take a series of 4 ASA courses for professional aircraft appraisers: (ME201ACS – ME204ACS). Successful completion of these courses provides the students with the necessary fundamental appraisal coursework to apply for professional accreditation through ASA in the Machinery and Technical Specialties (MTS) discipline with a specialty in Aircraft Appraisal.

As the largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, ERAU is a private university system offering associate, bachelor, master’s, and PhD degree programs in arts and sciences, aviation, business, engineering, computer programming, cyber security and security and intelligence.

“To our knowledge this is the only aviation program in the world that is designed to address all aspects of aviation assets valuations. Our graduates have all the theoretical and practical knowledge to be successful aircraft appraisers or work in aircraft financing, brokerage, and related fields that require a good understanding of how aircraft are valued,” said Dr. Vitaly Guzhva, ERAU professor.

“There was a wealth of knowledge of the aviation industry in this graduating class,” Guzhva added. “We also had a great time at ERAU campus together with lots of camaraderie and good humor. I think people that attended this program became friends and joined a network of industry professionals that they can always reach out for advice or particular expertise.”

A waiting list is already in place for the next program cohort in Daytona Beach that will begin in September 2019. To meet the global demand, additional possible program locations may be announced. Check back on appraisers.org for updates.

SEE: ASA/Embry-Riddle Aircraft Valuation Certification Program Expanding Due to Global Demand

For more information, visit appraisers.org or click here. Course registration is available through ERAU.

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By Sharon Reed

PHILADELPHIA, PA –The Philadelphia Chapter of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) will hold its 14th Annual Spring Business Valuation Seminar on Friday, April 26, 2019, at the Doubletree Hotel in Plymouth Meeting, PA. The program will include a variety of topics presented by key thought leaders:

֍ Large Estate Valuation Issues – Will Frazier, ASA & Todd Warnke

֍ Healthcare Enterprise Valuation – Fred M. Lara, ASA

֍ TCJA Appraisal Case Study – James F. Hitchner, ASA

֍ Appraisal Practice Development – Rod Burkert, CPA

֍ Applicability of USPAP to Litigation Calculations – Megan Salehli, ASA

The program qualifies for eight (8) hours of Continuing Education Credit (CEC) for ASA members and for members of other professional organizations which recognize NASBA credit.

Megan Salehli, ASA, CFE, CVA, Principal, Asterion, Inc. answered a few questions about the event.

Megan specializes at Asterion, Inc. in valuation and economic damages and provides consulting services in a variety of matters requiring the investigation and evaluation of financial and economic data and determination of value. Megan has managed a variety of assignments requiring the quantification of economic damages in circumstances including class actions, shareholder suppression actions, business destruction and interruption claims and wrongful termination and personal injury matters. Megan has significant experience related to the valuation of privately held businesses, public business segments and intangible assets.

ASA: What is the focus of the 2019 Business Valuation Seminar on April 26?

Megan Salehli, ASA: The seminar is an opportunity for our chapter to bring nationally recognized thought leaders in the business valuation community to our members’ local area. In additional to obtaining continuing education credits, attendees have the opportunity to network with their peers as well as the speakers.

ASA: What types of professionals are your intended audience?

Megan Salehli, ASA: The program will feature presentations on the valuation of large estates and regulated healthcare facilities, as well as the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which are relevant not only to those in the business valuation profession, but also tax planning and investment professionals. In addition, attendees interested in practice development will benefit from Rod Burkert’s presentation on: “How to Turn the Practice You Have into the Practice You Want.”

ASA: What are some of the overall takeaways that seminar attendees will gain from attending the seminar?

Megan Salehli, ASA: Attendees will benefit from in-depth perspectives on the most current trends in the tax and regulatory environments that impact practitioners in the valuation community, in addition to pointers on business development.

ASA: Are there any local (PA/DE/NJ/NY) economic drivers that will be explored at the seminar? Anything special that local attendees will walk away with to help with their local practice or regional customers?

Megan Salehli, ASA: Philadelphia is one of the largest health education and research centers in the United States, and the life sciences sector represents one of the Philadelphia region’s primary economic drivers and sources of employment. Pennsylvania and New Jersey are home to over 80,000 active physicians and both rank in the top 10 for physicians per capita in the United States. HealthCare Appraiser’s Fred Lara will provide an overview of business valuations involving the regulated healthcare facilities so prevalent in our local economy.

For questions and to register for the seminar please visit: http://asaphila.com

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By Sharon Reed

Dr. Vitaly Guzhva Discusses the Aircraft Valuation Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida

DAYTONA BEACH, FL — Aircraft appraisal certification candidate students based in the United States as well as from many other countries have attended the consistently sold-out American Society of Appraisers (ASA)/ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Aircraft Valuation Program at ERAU in Daytona Beach, FL. To meet the strong international demand, ASA and ERAU is considering offering this program in Farnborough, England in November 2019 and in February 2020. Additional overseas locations are to be announced by ASA/ERAU.

Frank Winkelmann, ASA, MBA, based in Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany, for example, recently attended the ERAU program in Daytona Beach. With more than 35 years of aviation experience, Winkelmann  said he chose to attend the program because obtaining the ASA certification will “increase the trust in the appraiser” in Germany. To read a Q&A interview about the program with Winkelmann, click here.

“To our knowledge, no other universities offer comparable programs,” according to Dr. Vitaly Guzhva, ERAU professor. “The program is a result of a unique partnership between ERAU and ASA. I don’t think any other university can offer a similar program without ERAU expertise and facilities.”

As the largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, ERAU is a private university system offering associate, bachelor, master’s, and PhD degree programs in arts and sciences, aviation, business, engineering, computer programming, cyber security and security and intelligence.

Launched in 2015, the ASA/ERAU Aviation Appraisal program is open to anyone interested in pursuing a professional designation with ASA. Program participants are required to take  a series of 4 courses for professional aircraft appraisers: (ME201ACS – ME204ACS). Successful completion of these courses provides students with the necessary fundamental appraisal coursework to apply for professional accreditation through ASA in the Machinery and Technical Specialties (MTS) discipline with a specialty in aircraft appraisal. Coursework also includes curriculum covering commercial, business and general aviation aircraft including fixed-wing and rotorcraft, and other aerospace assets.

The courses were developed by Dr. Vitaly Guzhva, ERAU professor and Dr. Sunder Raghavan, ERAU professor, in conjunction with Richard Berkemeier, ASA ARM, and David Crick, ASA.

“This is a great partnership between ASA and ERAU that works well for both organizations and helps the aviation appraisal community,” said Dr. Guzhva.

“ASA and ERAU are partners in educating Aircraft Appraisers. ERAU provides training, while ASA handles the accreditation of the appraisers. The ASA/ERAU program consists of four 30-hour courses that typically are offered from late September to March. To be eligible for the ASA accreditation, participants should take and pass all four courses,” said Dr. Guzhva. “In addition to great weather, this location offer participants a unique opportunity to use ERAU aviation facilities to learn practical skills in aircraft, engine, flight simulator, and UAS appraisal inspections and observe maintenance and flight operations.”

“In addition, we have many experienced aviation instructors here at Embry-Riddle. We have experts in all aviation areas: engines, helicopters, maintenance, UAS, flight simulators, aviation finance, legal, etc. We are currently in the third year of the program,” he added.

“Typically the participants in the program are experienced professionals in aviation or the banking industry,” according to Dr. Guzhva. “Some of them have been aircraft appraisals for many years, but they did not have the ASA accreditation. We have aircraft brokers, aviation lawyers, consultants, and tax accountants in our classes. We also have appraisers with different ASA disciplines that want to learn how to appraise aircraft.”

Dr. Guzhva is a Professor of Finance in the College of Business of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he teaches Aviation Finance courses. He holds BS in Aeronautical Engineering, MS in Military Science, MBA in Aviation, and Ph.D. in Finance degrees, as well as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) designations. As a military and corporate pilot, Dr. Guzhva has logged more than 5,000 flight hours primarily in high-performance jet aircraft.

For more information, visit appraisers.org or click here. Course registration is available through ERAU.

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By Sharon Reed

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is hosting the  Mid-Atlantic Real Property Educational Conference at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ on April 10-11, 2019. To register online go to: www.njasaifa.com.

Conference Chair Robert Solotist, ASA, IFA, of R.A.S. Appraisal Associates in Parsippany, NJ, answered a few questions about the upcoming conference:

ASA: What is the focus of the Mid-Atlantic Real Property Educational Conference on April 10-11, 2019?

Bob Solotist: : Our focus is to provide good education for appraisers in the Mid-Atlantic states and  allow them to garner their CE credits for the entire year. The conference will expose them to a professional organization that works for the member in all things appraisal related, including local and national legislation.

ASA: Who are the opening speakers?

Bob Solotist: Our opening speaker on Day 1 is Dave Bunton, president of The Appraisal Foundation. Our opening speaker on Day 2 is Thomas Munizzo, ASA, IFA, one of our members from Chicago, who will address new proposals from the mortgage industry on the topic of Hybrid Appraisals. There will be many other great speakers at the conference, including Phil Crawford whose podcast ‘Voice of the Appraiser‘ is known throughout the country. Phil will be speaking on ‘Block Chain Data Management’ and ‘The Appraiser and Antitrust.’

ASA: Who are some of the other speakers?

Bob Solotist: Robert J. Luciani, ASA, IFA, ASA Real Property Committee chair, and William P. Wilson III, FASA, past chair of the ASA Real Property Committee and current chair of the ASA Real Property Education Committee,  who will be addressing areas in which to expand their business; Joseph G. Kettell, ASA, author, lecturer, expert witness, and Alexander L. Hazen, ASA, IFAS, both of whom will be speaking on ‘Assessment Valuation Issues.’

ASA: Who is the intended audience for the conference? 

Bob Solotist: Real Estate Appraisers from Virginia to Massachusetts which are states we have applied for CE approval. The conference is already approved for 14 CE credits in New Jersey.

ASA: What will people gain from attending this conference?

Bob Solotist: Education in adapting to new and better ways to perform job functions, along with the ability to expand their business into areas where they presently may not work. In addition, appraisers will be able to learn about current nuances and facts as well as having the opportunity to discuss their difficulties with other peers or find a mentor to help them with a hard case.

ASA: How many years has this conference been held?

Bob Solotist: The NJ NAIFA has been holding this conference for over 50 years, previously for New Jersey appraisers. With the merger of the two organizations we have expanded the conference into the Mid-Atlantic States. People helping organize the event are from local New Jersey and Philadelphia ASA chapters. As Conference Chair I am being assisted by assistant chair persons Charles E. Blau, Esq., ASA, IFAC, Paul D. Roberts, ASA, Francis C. Heil III, ASA, IFA, prior NJ State Director Sherrie Galderisi, ASA, IFA, SRA– plus a host of other members helping out wherever they can.

ASA: Is there anything else you’d like to tell ASA blog readers?

Bob Solotist: This conference is for the industry, not just for our members. Hopefully the venue will provide us the ability to showcase our talents as well as those of our sponsors. Our anticipated goal is to increase our membership and have people feel good about the industry knowing that someone is there to support them. It is the most reasonably priced Real Property Education Conference in the country, and all of your meals are provided.

To register online go to www.njasaifa.com. An early bird registration discount will be available through February 28, 2019. If you are a Real Property appraiser, join ASA between now and the end of the conference, and attend the full conference (including the reception), we will refund $50 towards your membership and you will attend the conference as a member, also saving you $50.