Lots of Activity; Lots of Learning at Conference 2014 in the “Big Easy”

Numerous opportunities for networking, learning and visiting with postal-related vendors awaited attendees on the first day of the annual conference. More than 400 people registered for the event, held at Astor Crown Plaza New Orleans – French Quarter, March 27-28, 2014.

Whether you were a novice or a multi-generational owner of post office buildings, AUSPL Conference 2014 offered a variety of training sessions to help you feel more comfortable negotiating your postal lease with CBRE, less nervous if USPS moves out of your building and looking forward to the online forum known as “AUSPL Mail Bag.” The Mail Bag lets members share experiences about the joys and challenges of owning postal buildings via a “blog” on our website under Members Only.

It was the second year where education ruled the day. In addition to instructional seminars, members met privately with AUSPL board members to discuss their post office. More than 60 people signed up for “Ask the Expert.” The hottest topics: lease negotiation and maintenance. Forgetting to pre-register for an appointment didn’t stop folks; they just waited outside the ballroom hoping for a “no show,” so they could gain access to an expert. Sometimes, it worked. Attendees told us these sessions were extremely beneficial and they would be able to use the advice to help them better manage their buildings and negotiate their leases.

The popular Exhibit Hall featured a dozen exhibitors ranging from lenders to brokers to consultants fluent in “lease negotiation,” along with other real estate services tailored to postal landlords. Exhibitors and conference-goers enjoyed socializing during the “Cocktails with Exhibitors” party on Thursday evening, right before the networking reception cruise.
That night everyone boarded the Steamboat Natchez for a two-hour jazz dinner cruise. Games of chance, a strolling magician, music by the Dukes of Dixieland, along with tasty Creole cuisine made this a memorable get-together.

On Friday, the New Orleans Fire Department Color Guard Unit kicked off the general session by “presenting the colors.” Tom Samra, Vice President, USPS Facilities, discussed the Postal Service’s financial challenges and necessary restructuring. Attendees were pleased to listen to two Congressmen address the membership: Representative Blake Farenthold (R-TX) and Representative David Jolly (R-FL) talked postal reform legislation. The event was a huge success.