2025 Northern California Law Seminar | California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

February 5 – 7, 2025
Oakland Marriott City Center & Convention Center

Power of the Past: Force of the Future
Northern California Law Seminar & Expo

Setting Our Sights on the Industry’s Future!

The future is here. How does the community management industry prepare for what’s next? By harnessing our past experiences and knowledge while analyzing current and future trends. Whether that’s adoption of artificial intelligence, instituting new business processes, or learning new legal insights and perspectives, CACM will provide the tools to help you navigate our rapidly changing world. Join us at this two-day conference to unpack the best ideas for tomorrow.

WHY ATTEND

Build Your Career:

The strategies you learn at the CACM Law Seminar will enhance your professional skills and help you to successfully guide your communities.

Connections With Colleagues & Mentors:

If catching up with colleagues and mentors is on your high list of priorities, then you can look forward to the largest gathering of California community management professionals at the Law Seminar. Expand your professional network and build powerful relationships.

Region-specific content:

CACM’s Education team has pulled together California’s best and brightest to lead this year’s educational sessions. Although content is relevant for the entire state of California, these experts will focus their teachings on either the Northern California or Southern California regions making the conversations unique to the area in which you serve communities.

Earn up to 12 CEUs*:

Attend the Law Seminar & Expo and receive 8 CEUs for recertification. Take one of our two Ethics courses being offered the day before the Law Seminars to earn an additional 4 CEUs.

Ethics Mastery: Register Here

Advanced Ethics: Register Here

Cost to Attend

*Early registration prices for Northern California end on January 2.

Register Here

DOWNLOAD PAPER REGISTRATION FORM

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
*In order to obtain 8 CEUs, certified managers and industry partners must attend the full seminar. Badges will be scanned at each session. There is no exam requirement. CalDRE credit is not currently available. The Ethics courses are purchased separately from the Law Seminar.

EVENT ATTENDANCE
CACM events provide a safe environment where managers can openly discuss and find solutions to common HOA board challenges. Participation in CACM’s Law Seminar & Expo is restricted to professional community managers and management support staff only. HOA board members and homeowners are not permitted to attend.

STATEMENT OF PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE
Photography and video recording will be taking place during the Law Seminar & Expo as part of CACM’s ongoing marketing, public relations and social media efforts. By registering for this event, you grant CACM the right to film and photograph you without compensation and release CACM from all liability in connection with the use and distribution of your likeness.

SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, February 5

12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Ethics Course Offerings (Optional, On-site)
LDR500 Advanced Ethics: Leadership & Decision Making (Prerequisite applies)
LDR550 Ethics Mastery Course (Prerequisite applies)

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

New Member Orientation

THURSDAY, February 6

7:30 am – 8:30 am

8:30 am – 8:45 am

8:45 am – 9:30 am

9:30 am – 10:15 am

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Registration

Breakfast

CEO Welcome & CACM Annual Meeting

Keynote Presentation

Vision Awards

Concurrent Sessions
– Dealing with Bullies | Grand Ballroom FGH
– Post Inspections & Right to Repair | Grand Ballroom DE
– Navigating Uneasy Waters – Insurance | Grand Ballroom ABC
– The Future of HOA Management | Junior Ballroom

11:45 am – 12:45 pm

12:45 pm – 3:00 pm

3:15 pm – 4:30 pm

Lunch Break

Expo Hall Open

Concurrent Sessions
– Communication Styles | Grand Ballroom FGH
– Strengthening Connections in a Hybrid World | Grand Ballroom DE
– Funding Projects & Managing Reserves | Grand Ballroom ABC
– Effective Strategies for Management Company Transitions | Junior Ballroom

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Welcome Reception

FRIDAY, February 7

7:30 am – 8:30 am

8:30 am – 9:15 am

9:15 am – 10:15 am

Breakfast

CCAM, CAFM & CCIP Oath Ceremony Recognition

Concurrent Sessions
– Leading the Way – Manager Roundtable | Grand Ballroom FGH
– AI & Technology in Communities | Grand Ballroom DE
– Prioritizing Repairs & Hiring a Construction Manager | Grand Ballroom ABC
– Management Company Success | Junior Ballroom

10:15 am – 12:00 pm

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Expo Hall Open

Lunch Break

Legislative Update & New Case Law | Grand Ballroom A-H

SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, February 5

12:30 pm – 4:30 pm Ethics Course Offerings (Optional, On-site)

LDR500 Advanced Ethics: Leadership & Decision Making (Prerequisite applies)

LDR550 Ethics Mastery Course (Prerequisite applies)

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm New Member Orientation

THURSDAY, February 6

7:30 am – 8:30 am Registration

7:30 am – 8:30 am Breakfast

8:30 am – 8:45 am CEO Welcome & CACM Annual Meeting

8:45 am – 9:30 am Keynote Presentation

9:30 am – 10:15 am Vision Awards

10:30 am – 11:45 pm Concurrent Sessions
– Dealing with Bullies Grand Ballroom FGH
– Post Inspections & Right to Repair Grand Ballroom DE
– Navigating Uneasy Waters – Insurance Grand Ballroom ABC
– Future of HOA Management Jr. Grand Ballroom

11:45 pm – 12:45 pm Lunch Break

12:45 pm – 3:00 pm Expo Hall Open

3:15 pm – 4:30 pm Concurrent Sessions
– Communication Styles Grand Ballroom FGH
– Strengthening Connections in a Hybrid World Grand Ballroom DE
– Funding Projects & Managing Reserves Grand BallroomABC
– Effective Strategies for Management Company Transitions Jr. Grand Ballroom

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Welcome Reception

FRIDAY, February 7

7:30 am – 8:30 am Breakfast

8:30 am – 9:15 am CACM, CAFM & CCIP Oath Ceremony Recognition

9:15 am – 10:15 am Concurrent Sessions
– Leading the Way – Manager Roundtable Grand Ballroom FGH
– AI & Technology in Communities Grand Ballroom DE
– Prioritizing Repairs & Hiring a Construction Manager Grand Ballroom ABC
– Management Company Success Jr. Grand Ballroom

10:15 am – 12:00 pm Expo Hall Open

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch Break

1:00 pm – 2:15 pm Legislative Update & New Case Law

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Conversations That Matter

Regardless of how traditional or progressive your organization is, there are people and topics that at some point are just off limits. What if you could engage in these conversations with more confidence, humor, and ease? You can! No matter the person or topic, you are your best tool for conversations that matter. Understanding yourself and others as differently right gives you the tools to intentionally design teams, groups, and partnerships that can bring value to a single project or your entire organization. Jess will show your participants how our go-to answers are steps in the right direction, even if they fail. Leaving room for failure dismantles the urgency of action and gets to the core of the issue to increase a sense of belonging in our organizations and build greater communities. It’s about doing better, not trying to win. Jess will help your people navigate the new and unfamiliar terrain of pattern disruption and show them how any sincere and honest response can lead to your most inclusive culture. Let’s do some disrupting and create change for good!

Jess Pettitt, MBA, M.Ed., CSP

Jessica Pettitt isn’t a chef by any stretch of the imagination, but like a great chef that knows exactly which ingredients will elevate a dish, Jess pulls from her own storied life, her direct crisis management experience, thousands of consulting clients, and her years as a stand-up comic, trainer, and keynote speaker to elevate conversations. Jess understands what it takes for corporations and associations to implement policy changes and how much is at stake. But she also knows that the greater risk is in doing nothing, in not trying, in not aiming for better.

SESSIONS

Leading the Way – Manager Roundtable

Prepare to equip yourself with the essential tools to navigate today’s challenges and lead your community to success. In this roundtable, you’ll gain valuable insights on topics like the escrow process, the Corporate Transparency Act, time management, and more. Connect with fellow managers for support and fresh perspectives and walk away with practical strategies to tackle both current responsibilities and future opportunities. This session provides the training and resources you need to lead with confidence and drive positive change!

Susanne Darner, CCAM-HR
Action Property Management
Fred Whitney, Esq.
Whitney | Petchul APC

Post Inspections and Right to Repair

Legislative changes often come without instructions or clearly defined consequences for non-compliance. Gain essential insights into the implementation and potential pitfalls of SB 326 (required engineering/architectural inspections of elevated element of CIDs) and SB 800 (“Right to Repair” for construction defects in new developments).

Shanne Ho, CCAM-HR.ND
ProActive Professional Management
Michael T. Kennedy, Jr., Esq.
Berding | Weil LLP
Cang Le
7X Group Inc.

Funding Projects and Managing Reserves

Funding projects and managing reserves is tough and if not done right, can cause managers to be in hot water. Don’t let that happen! Now that SB900 has passed, it is time to gear up and prepare. This session will cover how to help boards understand its implications, how to plan for the shift and how to help HOAs evaluate their risk management plan and reserve funding requirements. In the event of disruption, walk away ready to take on the heat!

Annie Rosenfeld, CCAM
Tahoe Donner Association
Zer Iyer, Esq.
Hughes Gill Cochrane Tinetti, PC.
Bob Browning
Browning Reserve Group

Prioritizing Repairs & Hiring a Construction Manager

Managers often wear a lot of hats and sometimes other help is necessary. This session will dive into the importance of project prioritization, evaluating if a construction manager is needed, and how to convince boards of that need.

Becky Jolly, CCAM
Professional Association Services, Inc.
Stephen Levine, Esq.
The Judge Law Firm
Colleen Montoya
Whit’s Painting, Inc.

Navigating Uneasy Waters – Insurance

Let’s face it, the insurance market in this climate is challenging. Finding coverage tailored to your community and its needs may feel impossible. This session is designed to help managers face this challenge head-on. Tackling issues such as nonrenewal notices, reducing insurance risks and expenses, and more. Walk away with a deeper understanding of the insurance market and its current obstacles and how to support boards when shopping for coverage.

Adriana DaSilva, CCAM
Next Step Community Management
Colin McCarthy, Esq.
Angius & Terry LLP
Charlotte Allen
Socher Insurance Agency

Communication Styles

You have heard of What Not to Wear, now get ready for What Not to Say! This session highlights the importance of communication styles and how to adapt it depending on the audience. Walk away with techniques to recognize the communication style of others and yourself along with ways to flex your communication to be successful. These techniques can be used across all facets of work communications and even in personal communications.

Kate A. Drobny, CCAM
Action Property Management
Cyrus Koochek, Esq.
SwedelsonGottlieb

Dealing with Bullies

That childhood song about Sticks and Stones still reigns true today. Unfortunately, it is no fight against bullies in this industry. Community managers are increasingly feeling bullied by owners, directors and others at the association. This session will offer options and solutions to deal with these people and situations. Walk away with tactics to navigate this behavior, legal authority in addressing the behavior and a stronger confidence in dealing with a situation involving bullying.

Robin A. Romo, CAMEx, MCAM-HR
CitiScape Property Management Group LLC, ACMC
Ellen R. Schuster, Esq.
Hughes Gill Cochrane Tinetti, PC
William Curry, Esq.
Whitney | Petchul APC

AI & Technology in Communities

As AI has grown over time, it now has the potential to be useful in community management. Now Alexa may not be the first tool to go to, but there are others out there to simplify processes. Learn how specific AI tools can support manager roles, address common challenges and elevate community management practices. Walk away with insights into navigating the future of technology, practical strategies for implementation and more!

Sonja C. Bachus
Bimini Corp
A.J. Jahanian, Esq.
Beaumont Tashjian

Strengthening Connection in a Hybrid World

Post COVID-19 pandemic has allowed remote and hybrid work models to become the norm, but that shouldn’t change the connection. Join this session to uncover actionable strategies on effective communication, engagement techniques and innovative approaches to build and strengthen relationships. Learn how to foster deeper connections and collaboration, so don’t let the distance bring you down!

Christina French-Hokafonu, CAMEx, CCAM-LS.HR.PM.ND.AA.LM, CAFM
Moraga Country Club Homeowner’s Association
Siera Robinson, CCAM
Collins Management, ACMC
Susan M. Hawks McClintic, Esq.
Epsten, APC

Effective Strategies for Management Company Transitions
Executive Track: Geared for Management Company Owners, Executive and Leadership Teams

As the adage goes, “change is the only constant,” and many managers and management companies are facing that constant. This executive roundtable will aim to discuss management company transitions and how to do it right, for management companies and the client. This will give leaders the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and walk away with a better understanding of best practices for document transfers and more.

Diane Houston, CAMEx, CCAM
The Management Trust
Angela M. Alonzo, CCAM
Bay Area Property Services

The Future of HOA Management
Executive Track: Geared for Management Company Owners, Executive and Leadership Teams |

Power of the past, force of the future – our theme for this year’s Law Seminar could not be any more appropriate for this roundtable. This discussion is all about the future of HOA management. From scaling operations to adapting to changing resident demographics to leveraging the global workforce, this is an opportunity for leaders to discuss the ins and outs of HOA management and where it is heading.

Joseph A. Price, CAMEx, CCAM
Powerstone Property Management, ACMC
Victoria Gish, CCAM
Keystone Pacific Property Management

Management Company Success
Executive Track: Geared for Management Company Owners, Executive and Leadership Teams

This roundtable discussion will focus on issues of liability and duty of care, contract rights, disclosures and claims indemnification.

Paul Collins, CAMEx, CCAM
Collins Management, ACMC
Rolf Crocker, CAMEx, CCAM
OMNI Community Management LLC, ACMC

Legislative Update & New Case Law

A review of legislation and case law that has made an impact in common interest developments throughout 2024. Hear about the implications for the industry, communities and manager roles. CACM legislative advocate and attorney Jennifer Wada, Esq., provides an overview of major bills that were signed into law and what they mean to community managers.

Garret Satfield, CCAM-ND
The Management Trust – Northern CA, ACMC
Karen St. Onge, Esq.
Adams | Stirling, PLC
Jeffrey A. Beaumont, Esq.
Beaumont Tashjian
Jennifer Wada, Esq.
WADA Government Relations

HOTEL & TRAVEL

Oakland Marriott City Center
(Host Hotel)

1001 Broadway
Oakland, California 94607

HOTEL RESERVATION

We kindly ask that you reserve a room within the event’s hotel block only if you are attending or sponsoring the event. Room blocks are limited and intended for confirmed attendees. By ensuring only event participants use these reservations, we can accommodate most people and avoid any potential shortages. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Time Period

Event Dates: February 5–7, 2025
Room rates: February 4 – 8, 2025

Hotel Reservations for CACM Group Rate:
Toll Free:
1 (888) 236-2427

Group rate ends 1/14/2025 and is subject to early sell out.

CACM Expo Room Rate

Rate starting at $207 plus applicable taxes.
*The room block is subject to early sell out. Group rate ends 1/14/2025.

Book Your Room

Hotel Amenities
• Restaurant – Iron and Oak
• Fitness Center
• Meeting Space
• Gift Shop
• Dry Cleaning Service
• Wake up Calls
• Turndown Service
• Service Request

Parking

Self-Parking $28 per car, per day.
Overnight Valet $55 plus tax.

Check In: 4:00pm
Check Out: 11:00am

*All reservations include Basic High-Speed Internet in guest rooms and complimentary access to 24-hour fitness center for all registered guests.

CONVENTION CENTER INFORMATION
Oakland Convention Center
550 10th Street
Oakland, CA 94607

The hotel directly connects to the Convention Center.

Transportation

It’s easy to get to the Oakland Marriott City Center hotel and Oakland Convention Center using the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). For schedule, routes and fares: https://www.bart.gov/schedules. The hotel and convention center are close to all three international airports: The Oakland International Airport is 8 miles away; the San Francisco International Airport is 26 miles away; and the Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport is 41 miles away.

Other nearby transportation options include Greyhound Bus and Amtrak. And Hertz rental cars are available on-site at the hotel.

SCAM ALERT

Fraud and scams are VERY prevalent and may seem legitimate. Watch out for solicitations you receive about hotel rooms, confirming expo booths or selling attendee lists. Some scammers go as far as to claim they are employed or reaching out on behalf of CACM or use our logos.

Be advised that hotel booking links for CACM room blocks are ONLY found on the Law Seminar event pages. CACM will confirm expo booths via email only (email will come from no-reply=map-dynamics.com@mg.map-dynamics.com). CACM will never solicit personal or financial information over the phone. CACM does not sell or make public any attendee lists.