SPECIAL EVENTS

OPENING SESSION
Sponsored by KeyBank

Crossing New Thresholds-Solutions for Overcoming Today’s Housing and Service Provider Challenges
Economic and political conditions are changing rapidly. Affordable housing developers and service providers need to adjust how they do business in order to open new doors in the current economic environment. This year’s Opening Session will feature two panels – "Change Agents" who have successfully addressed these challenges through innovative thinking and community partnerships and "Administrative Leaders" who will present the latest information about collaborations and funding opportunities available to promote Colorado’s economic vitality and quality of life. A variety of retooling strategies will be discussed. Come hear how your organization may leverage new opportunities as the economy recovers.

Change Agents - Panel One Speakers:
David Hillman, Executive Director
Opportunity In Living

Hud Karshmer, Principal
Monroe Group Ltd.

Bonnie Osborn, Executive Director
Douglas County Housing Partnership

Ramona (Monie) Stites, Assistant Director/Program Services Manager
Tri-County Housing and Community Development Corporation

John Parvensky, President
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH)

Charles (Chuck) J. Perry, Managing Partner
Perry-Rose, LLC

Jacqui Pickett, Administrator
Adams County Community Development Division

Administrative Leaders - Panel Two Speakers:
Karen L. Beye, Executive Director
Colorado Department of Human Services

Pat Coyle, Director
DOLA-Colorado Division of Housing

Rick M. Garcia, Regional Director– Region VIII
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Bradley P. Hodges, Senior Vice President
Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka

James (Jim) Isgar, Colorado State Director
USDA – Rural Development

Cris A. White, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority


SPECIAL EVENTS
2010 is the 22nd annual Housing Colorado NOW! Conference, the largest regional gathering of affordable housing professionals of the year. We have designed several events throughout the Conference to help you find new opportunities, embrace the latest tools and expand partnerships as you open Doors to Housing.

NEW ATTENDEE ORIENTATION
If it’s your first time attending the Conference, we can help you navigate the program offerings and special events. At this Orientation you’ll meet Conference veterans who can introduce you to key partners. Following the Orientation you are invited to the Opening Reception.

OPENING RECEPTION
Sponsored by KeyBank
Connect with affordable housing professionals and re-connect with old friends in a casual atmosphere at the Opening Reception following the New Attendee Orientation.

CYBER CAFÉ
Sponsored by CHFA
Presenting Sponsor CHFA brings you an opportunity to stay connected without leaving the venue. Check out CHFA loan products on-line, investigate new resources and keep in touch with your e-mail throughout the Conference.

POLICY LUNCHEON
Sponsored by CHFA
Generating and using good data to persuade and engage a variety of people is critical to public policy, funding, and development success for affordable housing on local, state and national levels. This session will explore different approaches used nationally to develop public information campaigns on affordable housing that combine public relations, advertising, research and community organizing. Featuring: Chip Halbach, Minnesota Housing Partnership, Michael Anderson, Center for Community Change, Heidi Aggeler, BBC Research.

DESIGN CHARRETTE
This interactive event features teams of design professionals, finance specialists and construction experts working in partnership with housing providers and resident leaders to design innovative affordable housing solutions for mountain resort, urban Transit Oriented Design (TOD) properties and greater Colorado. Nationally renowned architect and keynote speaker, Michael Pyatok, FAIA, and Blake Chambliss, FAIA, will facilitate this event. Drop in, ask questions, contribute ideas and watch architects and design professionals in action!

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD AND NETWORKING RECEPTION
Sponsored by Bank of the West
Enjoy networking opportunities, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at this very popular evening event. View storyboards of the Eagle Award nominees and vote for your favorite, the “People’s Choice”, from amongst the nominees. Lively conversation, a chance to meet new people and a great way to learn “who’s who” at the Conference – all at Wednesday evening’s reception.

NETWORKING LUNCHEON
Sponsored by Total Longterm Care
Thursday’s luncheon will feature a brief presentation of the design charrette outcomes and a preview of Friday’s Ignite Redux session. There will also be plenty of time to network, discuss new ideas and meet new people!

EAGLE AWARDS GALA DINNER
Sponsored by U.S. Bank
Thursday evening begins with a cocktail reception to kick-off a night of celebration honoring the recipients of the coveted Eagle Award, the pinnacle of recognition for Colorado’s affordable housing community.

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
Sponsored by CHASE
Following the gala dinner, relax and enjoy comedienne Janine Gardner, a premier entertainer who has graced the main stages in Las Vegas, entertained the troops overseas, and has appeared on Showtime, A&E, and HBO’s Comedy Central.

CLOSING SESSION – IGNITE REDUX
Sponsorship Available
Expose your right brain to a variety of projects, opportunities and innovations. Featuring a fabulous mix of topics, each speaker presents for just five minutes for an engaging, fast-paced, passionate symphony of ideas. This popular event is back and better than ever!
Not sure what an Ignite presentation is? Click here to view an example from our 2009 Ignite session.

PAST SPECIAL EVENTS
View photos from the conference here
View the 20th Anniversary video. here