South Coast Apartment Association hosts Reverse Trade Show

Submitted by Bill Rams

More than 450 apartment industry executives and multifamily vendors traded strategies for improving their businesses Thursday at the South Coast Apartment Association’s first-ever “Reverse Trade Show” at the Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach.

It’s the first event of its kind in California.

The concept is similar to speed dating. Apartment industry vendors meet for 10 minutes at a time with apartment industry executives, providing a quick opportunity to introduce new products and services.

“In these economic times, an innovative approach to getting new customers and new vendors is welcomed by our industry,” said Judith Legan, Executive Director of SCAA.

Many of the region’s top apartment companies, including Archstone, SARES-REGIS, Newport-Beach based Irvine Company, Lyon Property Management and others participated.

Linda Zeller, of Gerson Baker & Associates - owners of Park Newport - said she made several new contacts that may lead to new business relationships.

“My operations folks were looking for somebody to help us with pool decks - and we made some great contacts here,” she said.

Troy Tinnes, President of TNT Welding, said his company does business with some apartment companies. The trade show provided him a foot-in-the-door with others.

“This was a brilliant idea,” he said. “It provided me with an opportunity to make important new contacts. All the big companies were here.”

For more about the event, visit SCAA’s Web site.