Pennsylvania HFA: Mark Zandi is One of Three Exceptional Keynote Speakers During May Housing Forum
Online registration now open for statewide housing conference
HARRISBURG – March 13, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Registration is now open for the 2013 Commonwealth Housing Forum planned for May 2-3 at the Hilton Harrisburg. This biennial event is presented by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and provides housing professionals in the state with opportunities for continuing education and networking with peers. Attendance is expected to top 650.
This year’s Housing Forum boasts one of the strongest groups of keynote speakers in the history of the event. Perhaps best known is Dr. Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics, who will speak about economic trends and their impact on the housing market in Pennsylvania.
Another keynote speaker will be Joseph Smith, monitor for the National Mortgage Settlement. Money from that settlement with the nation’s top-five mortgage servicers is being used to fund the state’s foreclosure prevention program known as HEMAP.
The third keynote speaker will be Alan Heavens, familiar to many Pennsylvanians for his 24 years of columns as the residential real estate and home improvement reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“All three keynote presenters will speak during plenary sessions, so they will be available for all Forum attendees to hear,” said PHFA Executive Director Brian A. Hudson Sr. “These speakers, on their own, provide a powerful incentive to attend this conference. But this year’s Forum offers so much more, including some new features we think attendees will appreciate. Anyone who works in housing will benefit in some way from this event.”
Notable offerings during the Housing Forum, in addition to the three keynote speakers, include:
32 educational sessions on a wide variety of housing topics
A vendor exhibit hall featuring products and services from more than 30 firms
A new housing awards ceremony
A fun evening networking event, and
Four meals over the day-and-a-half event
The Forum traditionally is attended by single-family and multifamily housing developers, financial services professionals, state and local government officials, housing advocates and consultants, and housing researchers. The 2013 Forum also is open to college students interested in the housing field, as it provides a valuable learning experience and networking opportunities. Reporters who cover residential real estate and housing issues are encouraged to attend, as well.
Early bird pricing for the Housing Forum is only $125 through April 4. After that date, registration increases to $175. Special student pricing is just $50 to attend all Forum sessions and events.
Detailed information about the 2013 Housing Forum, and registration, is available on the Web at http://housingforum.phfa.org. People with questions not answered by the information on the website should contact conference organizer Susan Shermer at 
About PHFA
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated $10.8 billion of funding for more than 150,200 single-family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 127,374 rental units, and saved the homes of more than 45,900 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities, not by public tax dollars. PHFA is governed by a 14-member board.
Contact:
Scott Elliott
717-780-3916 (office)
717-649-6522 (cell)
