#CHPA2023 Recap by Gabriel Wacker

It was AWESOME to see all of our CHPA colleagues in person again at the CHPA | Corporate Housing Providers Association ?#chpa2023 conference in New Orleans Feb 19-22nd. Yes, the conference was during Mardi Gras in New Orleans!

The event started on Sunday, the 19th, with a golf scramble to support the CHPA legislative fund.?It was a beautiful day at the English Turn Golf Course.?With the weather in the mid-’60s, it was a perfect day for golf.?I did not have a strong showing, as at least 6 of my golf balls found the water.?Our team did win the Highest Score Trophy for the event.

There were two pre-conference workshops on Monday:

·??????Data Security Workshop: Why This is Critical for Your Business

·??????Peer to Peer Discussion- what guests really want in their apartment.

Then we had a Second Line Parade to kick off the conference's official opening.

Tuesday started with our keynote speaker Alycia Anderson giving an excellent address about adding A (accessibility) to your DEI.?She spoke on The Modern Pathway to Inclusion in the Workplace.?It was an incredible, thought-provoking presentation.?

Following Alycia’s presentation, we had several great educational sessions, including:

·??????Ask your RMC

·??????Providers and Portals

·??????The Evolving Workforce Landscape

The happy hour event sponsored by Viciniti featured live jazz music, stilt walkers, and the signature drink “The Purple Viciniti.” It was a huge success! I had a blast greeting everyone and explaining our new name.

Oh, did I mention we rebranded from ExecuStay Midwest to Viciniti?!??The CHPA conference was the kick-off for the new Viciniti brand and our new website – www.myviciniti.com. Check it out!

I would also like to recognize all the winners of the 2023 Tower of Excellence Awards, created to recognize and commend success within the corporate housing industry.?2023 Winners

Looking back at this week, I'm blessed to have been amongst the most accomplished temp housing industry colleagues, including our Vice President Lynda Najera, Regional Managers Amy Schroeder and Craig Hufft, and Sales Leader Nicole Witherspoon.???

A huge shout-out to the CHPA staff for all their hard work in making this awesome event happen!?Mary Ann Passi, CAE;?Nick Estrada, CAE, CMP;?Christine Saricos, CMP;?Craig Banister, and?Hannah Derleth.

Also, to my conference co-chair Robin Spindel!?Thank you for all your work with the conference and for being the best note-taker ever!!

Hope to see you in Tucson next February 2024!