What's New in ISA Education?

As we near Assets 2016, and its many offerings for networking and education, it's important to once again ask yourself: Where am I currently on the ISA Credentialing Pathway?

Open to members and nonmembers alike, ISA's professional development and certification courses come in an array of course formats—on-site sessions, the Online Learning Center, webinars, and Distance Education—all of which are designed to make advancing your industry-related knowledge as easy as possible. Whether you’re just beginning your credentialing process in personal property appraising or you simply need a refresher, the Credentialing Pathway offers a wide variety of professional development and certification courses throughout the year.

What’s new in 2016 ISA education?

• More courses for advanced education, including:
• Modernism: Prints, Photographs, and Multiples
• Modernism: Design, Furniture, and Decorative Arts
• Asian Art III: Foundation Course in Asian Ceramics for Appraisers
• Fine Art & ARC Courses now offered in Canada
• More course locations: Montreal, Toronto and San Francisco
• An easy-to-follow guide on how to go from Candidate to Certified ISA Member

Below is our upcoming courses over the next few months. View the full 2016 course offering on the ISA website.

Montreal

May 9–15
Core Course in Appraisal Studies
Instructors: Kathryn Minard, ISA CAPP, and Leon Castner, ISA CAPP
Montreal, Québec

May 16–17
15 Hour Personal Property USPAP Course
Instructor: Leon Castner, ISA CAPP
Montreal, Québec

May 30–June 5
Appraisal of Fine Art Course
Instructors: Kathryn Minard, ISA CAPP, and Richard Casagrande, ISA CAPP
Arts and Letters Club, Toronto

Jun 6–12

Toronto

Antiques and Residential Contents Course
Instructor: Mickey Logan, ISA CAPP
Arts and Letters Club, Toronto

Jun 13–15
Modernism: Prints, Photographs, and Multiples
Instructor: Meredith Meuwly, ISA CAPP
Naperville, Ill.

Jun 15–17
Modernism: Design, Furniture, and Decorative Arts
Instructor: Valerie Hale, ISA CAPP
Naperville, Ill.

With Assets 2016 on the horizon, we encourage you to seek out educational opportunities, share information and resources with your industry peers and fellow Assets attendees, and continue down that ever-rewarding Credentialing Pathway.

Modernism: Prints, Photographs, and Multiples

By Meredith Meuwly, ISA CAPP

Modern art traces its roots back to the Industrial Revolution. Rapid changes in transportation, manufacturing, and technology had profound effects on the social and cultural conditions first in western Europe and then around the world. Artists embraced this new world with enthusiasm, as they began challenging the old canon by experimenting with new and non-traditional techniques, materials, iconography, and colors. Whether outright rejecting the past or reinterpreting it in their own way, modern artists pushed the boundaries and created some of the most thought-provoking and radical works of art. What was once considered avant-garde and highly controversial is now revered and celebrated by international museums, institutions, and private collectors.

Andy Warhol, $ (9), 1982
Courtesy of Heritage Auctions

Modern art makes my heart sing, and I am so excited to present ISA's new course, Modernism: Prints, Photographs, and Multiples. From Picasso and Warhol, to Mapplethorpe and Penn, to Bertoia and Murakami, we will talk about some of the hottest moneymakers on the market today.

Scheduled for June 13-15 in Naperville, the class will focus on editioned art works and multiples. We will review common techniques, materials, and condition issues, discuss the current marketplace, and increase our connoisseurship skills. The class will end with conversations on authenticity and legal issues that plague modern and contemporary art, as well as how we can avoid pitfalls while doing our due diligence. Included will be a field trip to the Art Institute of Chicago and a personal viewing session at the Museum of Contemporary Photography; another visit will be used to reinforce hands-on experiences.

I promise it will be an experience you won't forget, so sign up today!

Five Things You Will Miss if You Skip Assets 2016

By Christine Guernsey, ISA CAPP, President

It goes without saying that if you forgo Assets 2016, Expanding Horizons, you'll miss out a host of things that you may already be aware of—a stellar educational program lined with top appraisal industry speakers, a chance to meet both new and tried-and-true vendors, and the opportunity for excellent networking with guests and fellow members. But there are a handful of conference experiences that you might not even realize you are missing out on. 

Here's a list of just 5 reasons to not skip this year's conference.

1. Dallas Art Fair (8th year) — April 14-17

Listen to what others who aren’t easily impressed said about last year’s fair.

Nate Freeman of The New York Observer: "It’s a city where an unending stream of openings, loft parties and after parties attended by an impressive number of visiting New Yorkers, signaled the arrival of Dallas, to the must-attend art world circuit."

The Town & Country Social Calendar: "With new international exhibitors, including Galerie Perrotin, this fair is the one to watch."

Lisa Perry with Women's Wear Daily: "I’m very surprised and delighted by what is going on in Dallas with the arts scenes. It’s very cool, very interesting. There was a great vibe, great energy last night at the Art Fair."

Need I say more? You can attend the Dallas Art Fair by signing up for the ISA Fine Art Tour (Friday, April 15).

2. Surprise Vendor Give-Away for Conference Attendees
I’m having a hard time keeping this a secret, but let me give you a hint: If you are at conference, you are going to receive a gift from one of our sponsors that promises to be a game changer...one that will save your appraisal business time and money! I can’t wait to see your reaction when you find out what it is.

3. Main Street Arts Fair — April 14-17
Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not just all about art. The Main Street Arts Fair is an annual favorite held in downtown Fort Worth stretching five blocks and consisting of booths displaying art and assorted other goodies, every food choice imaginable and literally hundreds of performers on three stages, rockin' and rollin' for four days at the city's largest music festival. It will be easy to get there too—just walk out of the hotel and you're there. It will stretch from the Hilton all the way down to Sundance Square. While we want you to attend all of our scheduled programs, it would be a fun thing to enjoy after hours, complete with the chance to grab a quick dinner without having to sit in a restaurant.

4. Monday BBQ and Margarita Tour — Monday, April 18
For the first time ever at conference, we have scheduled a Monday night event for those who are still in the Dallas area, whether it's for the Requalification course or simply because you're not leaving until Tuesday. Our guide “Billy Bob” Delp will entertain you as he tours highlights of Fort Worth and takes you to the best spots for Texas barbecue and margaritas. Price includes transportation, food, and gratuity for our tour leader. (Alcohol is not included, except at the final stop of the tour.) You can find more information here.

5. Freshen Up Your Professional Photo — April 16 & 17
Natalia Nakamura, my portrait photographer and the person who took the picture you see at the top of this post, makes everyone look good! (Seriously, I think she has a magic camera.) She has agreed to take conference attendees' pictures, so come update your photo for business cards and your website for $60.

Register for Assets 2016 today and open yourself to an array of experiences...some programmed with the conference, others hosted by the city itself. It's going to be a fantastic time!

Invitation from the President: Expand Your Appraisal Horizons in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas

By Christine Guernsey, ISA CAPP, President

It is my absolute pleasure to invite all my colleagues to my hometown of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, April 15-18 for ISA's Annual Conference, Assets 2016.

Our conference theme, "Expanding Horizons," focuses on an ever-changing industry and finding new opportunities for your appraisal practice. By attending, you will gain insight into the new directions industry-related gatekeepers are taking with their clients and how appraisers can collaborate for increased business; learn advanced methodologies to solve unique and difficult appraisal assignments; discover how to forecast future trends and advance your connoisseurship; and identify new business strategies that will help expand your appraisal horizons.

This year’s conference speakers continue ISA’s tradition of bringing you top industry experts. They include, to name only a few, Michael Moses of the Mei Moses Index; Peter May of LinkedIn’s “Art Solutions…Best in Practice” and “Trusts & Estates Network” with a combined 25,000-plus followers; Michael Plummer of Artvest; Lark Mason of Lark Mason Associates and IGavel; and an inspiring keynote presentation by Dennis McCuistion, award-winning host of the PBS television news show, the McCuistion Program.

The beautiful, newly renovated Hilton Hotel in Fort Worth, will host ISA. Renowned for its celebrity guests including JFK, this downtown hotel is a few blocks walk from Fort Worth’s Sundance Square where you will find a variety of great restaurants, shops and entertainment which are all affordable, easily accessible and safe for walking at night. For $10 per day, the Trinity Railway Express (located one block behind the hotel) will take you all around the DFW area as well as the Museum District in Dallas. Fort Worth’s Cultural District, with three major museums and its historic Stockyards, are all just minutes away.

We have arranged two days of special tours for conference attendees. Thursday, enjoy a very special hands-on, behind-the-scenes tour at Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Friday, tours include a stop to the Design District in Dallas to visit Pittet Architecturals, one of the leading importers of European architectural elements in the United States, NorthPark Mall's Raymond Nasher collection, the Dallas Art Fair with over 90 exhibitors of Contemporary art, the Crow Collection of Asian Art, The Dallas Museum of Art (with both decorative and fine arts) and the acclaimed Nasher Sculpture Center.

You can’t afford to not attend Assets 2016. It is an investment in your future appraisal practice, a commitment to your continued appraisal education and a chance to network with some of the top professional peers in our organization.

I invite you to take a closer look at the Assets 2016 program and to register early for savings. It will be great to see you in my hometown. You will leave knowing it was well worth the trip!

Have you Registered?

Secure your place in an upcoming ISA fall course offering, by registering today!  All courses are being offered in Naperville, IL.

Antiques & Residential Contents – October 7-12

Requalification – October 18-19

Core Course in Appraisal Studies – October 21-27

15 Hour Personal Property USPAP – October 28-29

Appraisal of Fine Arts – November 4-10

Information on the course location and preferred hotel is available on the ISA website.

If you have questions about an upcoming course, please contact ISA at 312.981.6778.

Who will I see at Assets 2013?

Possibly one of the most recognized and enjoyable aspects of coming to the ISA annual conference is the chance to network. Assets 2013 has a host of wonderful speakers and educational offerings, but getting to meet with fellow appraisers and form relationships and contacts with other industry professionals seems to continuously be the highlight of attendee's experiences.

A new page has been set up on the ISA website where you can check to see who all is registered, which you can visit here.

Still on the fence about coming to the conference? This page holds around 160+ possible friendships, contacts, and partners that might change your mind and the way you do business.

Register to attend today.

Come to Assets 2013 and see for yourself

Are you planning on coming to Assets 2013?  ISA’s annual conference is something I look forward to every year. I am constantly surprised when I hear a colleague tell me they aren’t planning on attending conference.  I’ve heard all the reasons – “can’t afford it this year”, “too busy and can’t get away”, “already attend the regional meetings”, “I’ve heard it all before - nothing new”….blah blah blah. Really?

I couldn’t disagree more with all the excuses I hear and let me tell you why. The first conference I attended was held in Baltimore. I had recently completed my Core course.   I only knew a couple of people from my North Texas chapter who were in attendance but after five days at conference I had met many wonderful new friends and colleagues who not only appraised fine art but also many other types of personal property all across the country. The networking opportunities and friendships that I have developed over the years from the contacts made at conference have brought so many benefits and pleasures to my personal life as well as career.

The education gained at conference has been well worth the time and effort of attending. In addition to the wide variety of educational breakout sessions and general topic speakers, there have been many opportunities to learn new tricks from fellow appraisers. We learn from each other in Committee meetings, sitting on buses during the tours and casually over dinner and drinks at the end of the day.

Attending conference regularly gave me an opportunity to get involved with ISA and play a part with programming.  As Fine Art Chair, I was able to have a direct impact on which speakers and topics came to conference to speak to the Fine Art members. Through the contact I had with other appraisers at conference I was able to ascertain what types of topics would be most interesting to the group and areas we all had an interest in learning more about. My involvement opened many doors which would have been closed otherwise.

Conference is also a great place to find out what is new and happening in the organization first hand. It is also the place to meet with the decision makers and ask questions.  If you have a specific issue, the appropriate folks to speak with are there. You can ask questions and get answers.  It’s where changes occur.

There are many great things that have happened this last year in ISA and many great things that are about to be announced at conference. It truly is a good time to be a member of ISA and is only getting better. It is worth a couple of days out of your schedule to invest in growing your professional network, education base and to learn what’s going on in your professional appraisal organization. If you took the money allocated for conference and spent it on something else instead of conference – would that something else bring you the same kind of returns? And really……. will your business miss you that much that you can’t take off 4 days?  You’ll never get these same kinds of benefits from only attending regional meetings. (Appraisers from other parts of the country share much more freely than the competitor down the road).

Come to conference this year and find out what all the excitement is about.  I’ll see you there.

Christine Guernsey, ISA CAPP

5 WEEKS AWAY!

♫Oh the weather outside is frightful, but in April it'll be more delightful, and with only FIVE WEEKS to go, might as well let it snow let it snow let it snow♫

Thankfully, April is usually pretty nice in Chicago. That being said, there are only five weeks until Assets 2013! That means we're really getting into gear for the meeting, but it also means there are some deadlines that could stand to be noted several more times so that nobody misses them.

MARCH 15th
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

The early bird registration rates will end on Friday, March 15th. After then, registration rates go up by $75, so if you haven't registered yet there is absolutely no time like the present!
Click here to get that all taken care of.

MARCH 19th
DISCOUNTED HOTEL RATES

Discounted rates at the JW Marriott Chicago are available until Tuesday, March 19th – room and rate availability cannot be guaranteed after that date. Conference attendees staying at the conference hotel receive a great rate and are perfectly positioned in the center of the conference activities AND this year, attendees booked in the hotel are entered in a drawing to win some pretty great prizes.

You have to be present to win, but you have a chance to take one of these ten prizes home with you:
Diamond Prize (1 available): Three night free stay at the JW (over a $700 value)
Platinum Prize (2 available): One night free stay at the JW (over a $200 value)
Gold Prize (2 available): $100 off a 2013 ISA course offering
Silver Prize (3 available): $100 off 2014 membership dues
Bronze Prize (2 available): Complete sets of ISA course manuals (a $200 value)

So you can click here to get that all taken care of as well!

We'll work on the weather situation and you take care of scratching those off your To-Do lists.
Deal?

We'll see you in a few short weeks!