Conference Agenda
Details Of The Policy Conference
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| Homebuyer HUD Certificate Workshop & Expo | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | TBD |
TBD
Session Description:
One-day Homebuyer Workshop in Jacksonville, FL. Participants will complete the HUD-certified course required for many down payment assistance programs, then explore the Homeownership Expo to connect with lenders, real estate professionals, and local homebuying resources.
| Boots2Careers: Free Hiring Fair for Veterans & Servicemembers | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | TBD |
TBD
Session Description:
Veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and military spouses will learn job search strategies, resume tips, and interview techniques, then meet with employers actively seeking veteran and military talent.
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| Registration Desk |
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Corridor I & II |
| Military & Veteran Lending Certification (MVLC) | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Harbor A - 2nd Level |
TBD
Session Description:
For mortgage professionals ready to master the VA loan program. Through interactive instruction and real-life scenarios, participants will gain practical knowledge to navigate today's lending environment while confidently serving military and veteran borrowers.
| Military & Veteran Housing Certification (MVHC) 8-hour CA CE Credits | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Harbor B - 2nd Level |
VAREP NEC
Session Description:
For real estate agents seeking mastery-level training in military culture, marketing strategies, and the VA home loan program. Gain practical tools to serve servicemembers, veterans, and their families-active duty, Guard, Reserve, or retired.
| Military & Veteran Bootcamp for Housing Counselors | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Harbor C - 2nd Level |
A prerequisite course for the Military & Veteran Counseling Certification (MVCC)
Sponsored by:
VAREP Training Institute
Session Description:
The first-of-its-kind training and certification for HUD-Certified Housing Counselors to deliver culturally competent financial and housing counseling to the military community. This prerequisite to the Military & Veteran Counseling Certification (MVCC) offers a boots-on-the-ground look at the challenges faced by servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
| LUNCH BOX PICK UP | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Corridor II - 2nd Level |
| Vendor Booth Set-up | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Harbor Foyer - 2nd Level |
| Peer Discussion 1: Military & Veteran Legislative Advocacy | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Harbor A - 2nd Level |
Join the VAREP National Legislative Committee for a peer-driven discussion on legislation shaping military and veteran housing, benefits, and financial services. Explore issues like VA loan reform, foreclosure prevention, and transition support, and learn how grassroots voices can drive national policy change.
| Peer Discussion 2: Fundraising with Purpose | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Harbor B - 2nd Level |
Join VAREP leaders and peers for an interactive discussion on education-based outreach and community impact. Discover how chapters host impactful workshops, build partnerships, leverage HUD-approved tools, and expand reach through in-person and online platforms-positioning themselves as the trusted resource for veterans and their families.
| Peer Discussion 3: Community Impact with Industry Education | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Harbor C - 2nd Level |
Join VAREP leaders and peers for an interactive discussion on education-based outreach and community impact. Discover how chapters host impactful workshops, build partnerships, leverage HUD-approved tools, and expand reach through in-person and online platforms-positioning themselves as the trusted resource for veterans and their families.
| Peer Discussion 4: Strategic & Sustainable Philanthropy | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Harbor D - 2nd Level |
Philanthropy is more than good intentions-it's strategic, sustainable, and community-driven. Join VAREP leaders and peers to explore building impactful programs, aligning with VAREPCares and VETCares, identifying local needs, and leveraging donations and volunteers to amplify your chapter's mission.
| Peer Discussion 5: Housing Counseling For the Military Community | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Harbor E - 2nd Level |
Join VAREP leaders and peers for an interactive discussion on education-Join fellow HUD-Certified Housing Counselors in a fast-paced exchange of strategies for serving military and veteran clients. We'll tackle real challenges-from PCS moves and deployments to credit and housing stability-while exploring partnerships with VSOs, federal programs, and the new Military & Veteran Counseling Certification (MVCC) that's elevating our profession.
| Welcome Reception & VETCares Fundraiser |
6:30 PM to 10:00 PM | Offsite - Shout House |
Sponsored by:
U.S. Bank
Session Description:
An evening of networking, refreshments, and entertainment. Connect with industry leaders and support veterans and their families in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for and open your hearts and pockets for a worthy cause!
Location:
Shout House - 655 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| Registration Desk | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Corridor II - 2nd Level |
| Breakfast | 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM | Harbor GHI&2 - 2nd Level |
| Opening General Session: Military Spouses: From Survival to Stability | 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Harbor GHI&2 - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
VAREP
Session Description:
Military spouses shoulder the unseen burdens of service-PCS moves, deployments, financial strain, and housing instability-often without sufficient support. In this powerful keynote, military spouse Jessica Celia shares her journey and delivers a clear message: employment is the foundation of resilience.
Welcome:
Color Guard, National Anthem, Pledge
Featured Speaker:
- Jessica Celia
- Justin Taylor
- Moni Jefferson
VETCares Mask Evolution Part 1:
Inspired by this year's Warrior Within healing at CampCares, this session challenges you to confront the "masks" you wear in everyday life. With a masking partner, you'll begin a guided reflection that leads to a powerful unmasking ceremony at the Leadership Dinner Gala-a transformative step in connection, growth, and self-discovery.
Note:
We will give each of you a mask for this evolution.
| Break - Walk to Breakout Sessions |
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM |
| Breakout 1: Smarter, Not Harder: AI Hacks for Real Estate & Lending | 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Harbor A - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
VAREP national Education Committee
Session Description:
Reclaim your time and deepen your client connections. This session shows mortgage and real estate pros how to use AI to automate busywork, generate content, and personalize outreach. Walk away with practical tools that streamline your day-so you can focus on what matters most: building relationships.
Presenter:
Sean Selters & Stephen DeMuth, VAREP NEC Member
| Breakout 2: Renovation Lending Made Easy |
10:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Harbor B - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
PrimeLending
Session Description:
Prepare for an in-depth explanation covering the different renovation and repair escrows loans available to help real estate professionals market and sell more homes. These loans can be used on all types of properties and for all types of borrowers. As potential homebuyers seek ways to make necessary and desired renovations to their homes, I'll demonstrate how renovation lending can be a valuable tool.
Presenter:
Brad A. McMullen, VP - National Renovation & Construction Manager, PrimeLending
| Breakout 3: Access 365: Financial Tools for Every Day | 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Harbor C - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
U.S. Bank
Session Description:
This dynamic interactive panel and game experience where U.S. Bank leaders from Wealth, Mortgage, and Business Banking share resources from our Access Commitment, while attendees play Beat the Banker - to learn, win prizes, and understand how to leverage tools that support VAREP members and those you serve. Don't miss your chance to learn, play, and leave with new tools to strengthen financial futures.
Presenter(s):
U.S. Bank Team
| Breakout 4: Mission Transition: Financial Readiness & Resources | 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Harbor D - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
Bank of America
Session Description:
Join us for a comprehensive discussion about key insight on financial resources and planning when transitioning from military to civilian life. This is hosted by Bank of America in partnership with VAREP. During our time together you will have the opportunity to take part in conversations to identify key issues and share insights.
Presenter(s):
Bank of America Team
| Breakout 5: Strategic Growth through Military Engagement | 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Harbor E - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
NewRez
Session Description:
Ready to tap into one of the most loyal and underserved markets? This high-energy session shows housing professionals how to grow their VA business through authentic engagement, smart strategy, and community education. Discover where VA opportunities thrive, how trust drives conversion, and what it takes to build a pipeline that lasts.
Presenters:
Brittany Boccher & Michelle Crumley, Military Lending, Newrez
| Private, Corporate, and Miscellaneous Meetings | 10:45 AM - 5:00 PM | Harbor F - 2nd Level |
| Break: Walking to Keynote Luncheon |
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Keynote Luncheon: Frontline Briefings That Matter & Home Donation | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Harbor GHI&2 - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
Bank of America
Session Description:
Policy is changing fast-don't be caught off guard. This luncheon brings you must-know updates from experts on CFPB Federal to State Shift and PCS Landscape so you can stay mission-ready.
Featured Speakers:
- Mark McArdle, Regulatory Affairs, Public Policy & Stakeholder Engagement, NewRez
- Megan Harless, Army Veteran, military spouse, & Founder of PCS Like a Pro
2026 Chapter Business Plan Discussion: Son Nguyen
Mortgage-Free Home Donation: VAREP In partnership with Bank of America
| Break - Walk to VAREP Business Breakouts |
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM |
| Breakout 6: Smarter, Not Harder: AI Hacks for Real Estate & Lending | 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Harbor A - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
VAREP national Education Committee
Session Description:
Reclaim your time and deepen your client connections. This session shows mortgage and real estate pros how to use AI to automate busywork, generate content, and personalize outreach. Walk away with practical tools that streamline your day-so you can focus on what matters most: building relationships.
Presenters:
Sean Selters & Stephen DeMuth, VAREP NEC Member
| Breakout 7: Renovation Lending Made Easy | 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Harbor B - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
PrimeLending
Session Description:
Prepare for an in-depth explanation covering the different renovation and repair escrows loans available to help real estate professionals market and sell more homes. These loans can be used on all types of properties and for all types of borrowers. As potential homebuyers seek ways to make necessary and desired renovations to their homes, I'll demonstrate how renovation lending can be a valuable tool.
Presenters:
Brad A. McMullen, VP - National Renovation & Construction Manager, PrimeLending
| Breakout 8: Access 365: Financial Tools for Every Day | 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Harbor C - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
U.S. Bank
Session Description:
This dynamic interactive panel and game experience where U.S. Bank leaders from Wealth, Mortgage, and Business Banking share resources from our Access Commitment, while attendees play Beat the Banker - to learn, win prizes, and understand how to leverage tools that support VAREP members and those you serve. Don't miss your chance to learn, play, and leave with new tools to strengthen financial futures.
Presenter(s):
U.S. Bank Team
| Breakout 9: Mission Transition: Financial Readiness & Resources | 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Harbor D - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
Bank of America
Session Description:
Join us for a comprehensive discussion about key insight on financial resources and planning when transitioning from military to civilian life. This is hosted by Bank of America in partnership with VAREP. During our time together you will have the opportunity to take part in conversations to identify key issues and share insights.
Presenter(s):
Bank of America Team
| Breakout 10: Strategic Growth through Military Engagement | 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Harbor E - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
NewRez
Session Description:
Ready to tap into one of the most loyal and underserved markets? This high-energy session shows housing professionals how to grow their VA business through authentic engagement, smart strategy, and community education. Discover where VA opportunities thrive, how trust drives conversion, and what it takes to build a pipeline that lasts.
Presenters:
Brittany Boccher & Michelle Crumley, Military Lending, Newrez
| Break - Walk to Expo Reception |
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM |
| Masking Evolution Information & Group Assignment Meeting | 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM | Harbor GHI&2 - 2nd Level |
Attendees participating in the masking evolution introduced by Son Nguyen at the Opening Session please attend this session. You will receive further information, be assigned group leader to prepare for Tuesday's Unmasking Finale at the Dinner Gala.Facilitator:
Carla Lemon, VETCares Executive Director
| EXPO HALL Opening & Reception | 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Harbor Foyer & Terrace - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Session Description:
Network with industry professionals, explore innovative products, and enjoy refreshments in a lively atmosphere!
Sponsor Remarks:
TBD
| Dinner - Attendees are encouraged to discover San Diego eateries. |
Offsite |
| Housing Counselor Reception (Wells Fargo Private Event) | 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | Puesto at Seaport - 789 W Harbor Dr UNIT 155, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| Registration Desk | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Harbor Foyer- 2nd Level |
| Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Harbor GHI&2 - 2nd Level |
| General Session #2 - Housing & Economic Outlook + AI Evolution + The State of VAREP | 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Harbor GHI&2 - 2nd Level |
Sponsored by:
VAREP
Session Description:
Gain an up-to-the-moment look at the housing market and insights on where it's headed. Discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping real estate and mortgage practices, then hear from industry leaders in an interactive panel. The session concludes with an update on the State of VAREP.
Economist:
Charlie Doughtery, Senior Economist, Wells Fargo
AI Presentation:
Leo Robles, Founder of Let's Grow Movement
Panel Discussion:
An industry panel will close with real-world AI applications, emerging risks, and strategies to stay competitive in an AI-driven era.
State of VAREP:
An inside look at VAREP's impact and future direction.
Mask Evolution Part 2
| Expo Hall Open | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Harbor Foyer -2nd Level |
| Expo Hall Breakdown | 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM | Harbor Foyer - 2nd Level |
| 2026 Chapter Business Planning, Mask Evolution Reflection, & Decoration, & Lunch | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | On You Own |
| Become the Trainer Information Session | 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM | Harbor E - 2nd Level |
| Masterclass 1: PCS Unpacked: The Impact on Military Families | 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM | Harbor A - 2nd Level |
A military family's home search is unlike any other. Beyond buying a house, they must navigate complex military processes and tight relocation timelines. Learn what they experience, what they want you to understand, and why meeting closing deadlines is critical.Presenter:
Megan Harless, Founder of PCS like a Pro.
| Masterclass 2: Become a HUD Housing Counselor & Educator | 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Harbor B - 2nd Level |
Learn how to become a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor & Educator through the National Housing Resource Council (NHRC), in partnership with the VAREP Training Institute. This pathway, with the option to specialize through the Military & Veteran Counseling Certification (MVCC), equips you to guide and teach veterans, servicemembers, and families while advancing housing stability in your community.Presenter:
MisIvy Reittie, NHRC
| Masterclass 3: Financial Therapy Meets Housing Counseling | 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM | Harbor C - 2nd level |
Learn how to support surviving spouses in accessing VA home loan benefits. This workshop offers practical guidance, real-world case studies, and a clear overview of eligibility, documentation, and benefit options. Attendees will receive a resource guide with VA tools and support contacts.Presenter:
Scott Bell, VA Office of Survivor Assistance
| Masterclass 4: Build Tech-Driven Hero Business & Give Back | 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM | Harbor D - 2nd level |
Session Description:
Financial challenges often stem from beliefs, habits, and emotions-not just numbers. This masterclass helps housing counselors uncover the "money stories" behind client behavior, set boundaries, build trust, and know when to refer for additional support-driving deeper connections and better outcomes.
Presenter:
Simone Griffin, Financial Therapy Coach & Consultant
| Private and Corporate Meetings | 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Harbor F - 2nd Level |
| Association Leadership Committee (ALC) Meeting | 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Harbor A - 2nd Level |
| National Legislative Committee (NLC) Meeting | 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Harbor B - 2nd Level |
| Become the Trainer Video Recordings | 2:15 PM - 4:00 PM | Harbor D - 2nd Level |
| Pre-Award Dinner Cocktail Reception | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Harbor Foyer, & Terrace |
Kick off the evening with our Pre-Awards Reception. Enjoy networking and cocktails as we gather to celebrate the achievements of our peers.Sponsored By:
NewRezSponsor Remarks:
Michelle Crumley, Michelle Crumley, Director of VA Education and Policy, NewRez
| Leadership Gala: Honoring Military Spouses & 250th Army, Navy, & Marines Birthday | 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Harbor GHI&2 - 2nd Level |
Sponsored By:
U.S. Bank
Event Description:
Experience an unforgettable evening of elegance, recognition, and transformation. Celebrate the dedication and impact of members and chapters nationwide, and honor the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Be inspired by keynote speaker Britany Boccher, 2017 Military Spouse of the Year. The evening concludes with the powerful Masking Evolution finale.