Apr 29 2008
The Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing celebrates its tenth year and is now the largest conference of its kind in the country.
What started as an informal meeting between representatives from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and other key players within the affordable housing industry evolved into an annual conference attracting more than one thousand participants from across the country.
"I never could have imagined the growth and power of this annual conference 11 years ago," said Mark McDaniel, President and CEO of Great Lakes Capital Fund, and one of the original thought-leaders behind the conference. McDaniel continued, "It started with an impromptu meeting where industry advocates gathered to discuss how to continue building communication, training and coalition strength between the affordable housing and economic development sectors."
Thus the Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing was born. Intended to serve as an annual forum for advocates and leaders in the affordable housing industry, the conference helped build and sustain important discussions and provide a forum for networking and idea-sharing.
Ten years after its inception, the conference continues to bring professionals within the affordable housing and economic development industries together for the purpose of learning and networking. This year more than 1,500 participants registered. More are expected to register onsite. Big name speakers and a menu of continuing education courses help boost conference offerings for the anniversary event.