Conference Agenda
Details Of The Policy Conference
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| VAREPNation Arrives |
All Day | Hyatt Regency Riverfront – Jacksonville, FL |
| Staff & Committees Run of Show Huddle | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Grand 6 – 8 Foyer |
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| MVPro™ Class Check in & Registration |
6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | In Front of Classrooms |
| HP103: MVCC (Military & Veteran Counselor Certification) | 8: 00 AM – 3:00 PM | Daytona |
Class Description:
Designed for Financial & Housing Counselors, this Core Course applies toward the MVPro™ Counselor designation. Develop the military competency needed to guide military-connected clients toward financial readiness, housing stability, and successful use of the VA Home Loan benefit.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: HP103 – MVPro™ Counselor Core Course = 6.0 credits
| PROCE-171: Understanding Guard & Reserve Borrowers | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Clearwater |
Class Description:
Take a deep dive into VA financing for manufactured homes and the Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) that often determine whether a loan closes. Learn how property eligibility, foundations, appraisals, water, septic, termite inspections, and lender overlays impact underwriting, approvals, and closing.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: PROCE-158 - A Housing Professional CE Course = 3.0 credits.
| PROCE-158: Manufactured Homes & MPRs | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | St. Johns |
Class Description:
Take a deep dive into VA financing for manufactured homes and the Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) that often determine whether a loan closes. Learn how property eligibility, foundations, appraisals, water, septic, termite inspections, and lender overlays impact underwriting, approvals, and closing.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: PROCE-158 - A Housing Professional CE Course = 3.0 credits.
| LUNCH | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | River Terrace 3/Deck 3 |
| PROCE-159: VA vs. Ginnie Mae & VA Condo Requirements | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Clearwater |
Class Description:
Explore two very important topics of VA lending: the differences between VA and Ginnie Mae Requirements, and a discussion on VA Condominium Approvals. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how each impacts VA loan eligibility, financing, and the homebuying experience. Learn how to identify issues early, avoid costly delays, and keep transaction moving smoothly.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: PROCE-159 - A Housing Professional CE Course = 3.0 credits.
| PROCE-160: VA Specialty Programs: EEM, Renovation Loans, SAH, SHA, & NADL | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | St. Johns |
Class Description:
Learn how VA specialty housing programs provide financing and grant opportunities beyond the traditional VA loan. Explore Energy Efficient Mortgages, Renovation Loans, Adaptive Housing Grants, and Native American Direct Loans while learning the eligibility requirements, documentation, and compliance considerations for each program.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: PROCE-160 - A Housing Professional CE Course = 3.0 credits.
| USA/VAREP/VETCARES National Board Meeting |
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Orlando |
| Vendor Booth Set-up |
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer 6-8 |
| Chapter Leadership: Presidents & Vice Presidents | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Clearwater |
Session Description:
A leadership roundtable for Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents focused on governance, strategic planning, compliance, succession, and chapter growth. Share best practices, address common challenges, and align on strategies to strengthen your chapter.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Chapter Operations and Compliance: Secretaries & Treasurers | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | St. Johns |
Session Description:
Learn best practices for chapter governance, meeting documentation, financial reporting, and compliance. Gain practical tools to improve accountability, transparency, and day-to-day operations.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Education & Advocacy: Education & Government Affair Directors | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Daytona |
Session Description:
Explore strategies to expand chapter education and advocacy initiatives. Learn how to leverage VTI, MVPro™, BOOTS2™, and legislative advocacy to increase member engagement and community impact.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Community Impact & Outreach: Community Outreach Directors | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | City Terrace 7 |
Session Description:
Learn how to expand your chapter's community impact through outreach, partnerships, and service initiatives. Explore VAREPCares, VETCares, and practical strategies to maximize your chapter's local impact.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Membership Growth & Engagement: Membership Directors | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | City Terrace 9 |
Session Description:
Learn proven strategies to recruit, engage, and retain members. Explore membership tools, CRM resources, and best practices to grow a stronger, more active chapter.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Welcome Reception & VETCares Fundraiser | 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM | TBD |
Sponsored by: U.S. Bank
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!
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| Registration Desk |
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Breakfast |
6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Opening Session: The Life You Were Meant to Live & State of VAREP |
8:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Grand Ballroom 6 - 8 |
Kick off the convention with author and leadership expert Shawn Mingus as he explores how recognizing life's drift and creating greater balance can bring clarity, purpose, and fulfillment. Drawing from Reimagining Balance, Viktor Frankl, lessons from nature, and his humanitarian leadership in Afghanistan, Shawn challenges us to design a life that sustains success without burnout and regret. The session concludes with the NEC Update and State of VAREP, highlighting our progress, priorities, and vision for the future.
| Breakout 1: Serving Military Millennials. Modernizing for the Gen Z Marketplace |
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Clearwater |
Session Description:
National Guard and Reserve borrowers require specialized knowledge. Learn how to navigate VA Home Loan eligibility, military documentation, and income analysis to avoid costly mistakes, prevent loan delays, and better serve military-connected borrowers.
Presented by: Navy Federal Credit Union
| Breakout 2: Make an Impact & Build Stronger Communities Through Education | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | St. Johns |
Session Description:
Turn education into community impact. Learn how to lead with education—not sales—to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create outreach programs that engage, educate, and deliver lasting results.
Presented by: Loan Depot
| Breakout 3: PCS Like A Pro: The Housing Professional’s Guide | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Daytona |
Session Description:
Learn from PCS expert Megan Harless how the military move process really works—and what housing professionals need to know to better serve military families before, during, and after a PCS.
Presented by: NewRez
| Breakout 4: VA Survivor Benefits – Understanding Benefits & Eligibility | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | City Terrace 7 |
Session Description:
Learn directly from a VA benefits professional about benefits available to eligible surviving spouses and families, including DIC, Survivors Pension, education, health care, home loan benefits, and other VA resources—and how to navigate eligibility and access.
Presented by: Department of Veteran Affairs
| Private and Corporate Meetings |
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Orlando |
| Luncheon: Frontline Briefings – Policy, Advocacy, & Impact | 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM | Grand Ballroom 6 - 8 |
Session Description:
Stay informed on the issues shaping housing and the military-connected community with congressional remarks, housing and regulatory updates, VAREP advocacy priorities, and a special Bank of America home donation presentation.
Featured: Mortgage-Free Home Donation
Presented by: Bank of America
| General Session: AI Bootcamp for Housing Professionals |
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 6 -8 |
| Expo Hall Opening & Networking Reception |
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| Registration Desk |
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| General Session: The Team You Were Meant to Lead |
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Grand Ballroom 6 - 8 |
Begin day three with leadership expert Shawn Mingus shifts the focus from ME to WE, exploring how trust, accountability, ownership, and engagement turn volunteers into stronger, sustainable teams. Using the Team Polygon, chapter leaders will identify strengths, uncover blind spots, and focus on what it takes to better lead and execute their mission.
| Expo Hall Open |
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Private, Corporate, and Miscellaneous Meetings |
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Orlando |
| Expo Hall Breakdown |
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Masterclass 1: PCS Like A Pro – The Servicemember’s Guide to Military Moves |
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Clearwater |
| Masterclass 2: VA One-Time Close Construction Loans - Everything You Need To Know |
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | St. Johns |
Session Description:
VA construction loans are one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—VA home loan options. Learn how Veterans can buy land, build a home, and finance it all with one loan and one closing—and what it takes to successfully go from dirt to dream home.
Presented by: Supreme Lending
| Masterclass 3: SBA VetCert – Get Certified. Win Government Contracts |
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Daytona |
| Masterclass 4: AI Quick Build – Build a Military Relocation Package |
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | City Terrace 7 |
| National Legislative Committee (NLC) Meeting |
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | St. Johns |
| National Education Committee (NEC) Meeting |
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Daytona |
| Association Leadership Committee (ALC) Meeting |
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | City Terrace 7 |
| Pre-Award Dinner Cocktail Reception |
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Leadership Awards Dinner Gala: Celebrating Your Accomplishments! |
7:00 Pm – 10:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 6 - 8 |
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| VAREPNation Arrives |
All Day | Hyatt Regency Riverfront – Jacksonville, FL |
| Staff & Committees Run of Show Huddle | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Grand 6 – 8 Foyer |
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| MVPro™ Class Check in & Registration |
6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | In Front of Classrooms |
| HP103: MVCC (Military & Veteran Counselor Certification) | 8: 00 AM – 3:00 PM | Daytona |
Class Description:
Designed for Financial & Housing Counselors, this Core Course applies toward the MVPro™ Counselor designation. Develop the military competency needed to guide military-connected clients toward financial readiness, housing stability, and successful use of the VA Home Loan benefit.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: HP103 – MVPro™ Counselor Core Course = 6.0 credits
| PROCE-171: Understanding Guard & Reserve Borrowers | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Clearwater |
Class Description:
Take a deep dive into VA financing for manufactured homes and the Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) that often determine whether a loan closes. Learn how property eligibility, foundations, appraisals, water, septic, termite inspections, and lender overlays impact underwriting, approvals, and closing.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: PROCE-158 - A Housing Professional CE Course = 3.0 credits.
| PROCE-158: Manufactured Homes & MPRs | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | St. Johns |
Class Description:
Take a deep dive into VA financing for manufactured homes and the Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) that often determine whether a loan closes. Learn how property eligibility, foundations, appraisals, water, septic, termite inspections, and lender overlays impact underwriting, approvals, and closing.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: PROCE-158 - A Housing Professional CE Course = 3.0 credits.
| LUNCH | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | River Terrace 3/Deck 3 |
| PROCE-159: VA vs. Ginnie Mae & VA Condo Requirements | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Clearwater |
Class Description:
Explore two very important topics of VA lending: the differences between VA and Ginnie Mae Requirements, and a discussion on VA Condominium Approvals. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how each impacts VA loan eligibility, financing, and the homebuying experience. Learn how to identify issues early, avoid costly delays, and keep transaction moving smoothly.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: PROCE-159 - A Housing Professional CE Course = 3.0 credits.
| PROCE-160: VA Specialty Programs: EEM, Renovation Loans, SAH, SHA, & NADL | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | St. Johns |
Class Description:
Learn how VA specialty housing programs provide financing and grant opportunities beyond the traditional VA loan. Explore Energy Efficient Mortgages, Renovation Loans, Adaptive Housing Grants, and Native American Direct Loans while learning the eligibility requirements, documentation, and compliance considerations for each program.
Presented by: VAREP Training Institute (VTI)
MVPro™ Course Information: PROCE-160 - A Housing Professional CE Course = 3.0 credits.
| USA/VAREP/VETCARES National Board Meeting |
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Orlando |
| Vendor Booth Set-up |
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer 6-8 |
| Chapter Leadership: Presidents & Vice Presidents | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Clearwater |
Session Description:
A leadership roundtable for Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents focused on governance, strategic planning, compliance, succession, and chapter growth. Share best practices, address common challenges, and align on strategies to strengthen your chapter.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Chapter Operations and Compliance: Secretaries & Treasurers | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | St. Johns |
Session Description:
Learn best practices for chapter governance, meeting documentation, financial reporting, and compliance. Gain practical tools to improve accountability, transparency, and day-to-day operations.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Education & Advocacy: Education & Government Affair Directors | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Daytona |
Session Description:
Explore strategies to expand chapter education and advocacy initiatives. Learn how to leverage VTI, MVPro™, BOOTS2™, and legislative advocacy to increase member engagement and community impact.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Community Impact & Outreach: Community Outreach Directors | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | City Terrace 7 |
Session Description:
Learn how to expand your chapter's community impact through outreach, partnerships, and service initiatives. Explore VAREPCares, VETCares, and practical strategies to maximize your chapter's local impact.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Membership Growth & Engagement: Membership Directors | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | City Terrace 9 |
Session Description:
Learn proven strategies to recruit, engage, and retain members. Explore membership tools, CRM resources, and best practices to grow a stronger, more active chapter.
Presented by: Association Leadership Committee (ALC)
| Welcome Reception & VETCares Fundraiser | 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM | TBD |
Sponsored by: U.S. Bank
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!
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| Registration Desk |
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Breakfast |
6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Opening Session: The Life You Were Meant to Live & State of VAREP |
8:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Grand Ballroom 6 - 8 |
Kick off the convention with author and leadership expert Shawn Mingus as he explores how recognizing life's drift and creating greater balance can bring clarity, purpose, and fulfillment. Drawing from Reimagining Balance, Viktor Frankl, lessons from nature, and his humanitarian leadership in Afghanistan, Shawn challenges us to design a life that sustains success without burnout and regret. The session concludes with the NEC Update and State of VAREP, highlighting our progress, priorities, and vision for the future.
| Breakout 1: Serving Military Millennials. Modernizing for the Gen Z Marketplace |
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Clearwater |
Session Description:
National Guard and Reserve borrowers require specialized knowledge. Learn how to navigate VA Home Loan eligibility, military documentation, and income analysis to avoid costly mistakes, prevent loan delays, and better serve military-connected borrowers.
Presented by: Navy Federal Credit Union
| Breakout 2: Make an Impact & Build Stronger Communities Through Education | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | St. Johns |
Session Description:
Turn education into community impact. Learn how to lead with education—not sales—to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create outreach programs that engage, educate, and deliver lasting results.
Presented by: Loan Depot
| Breakout 3: PCS Like A Pro: The Housing Professional’s Guide | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Daytona |
Session Description:
Learn from PCS expert Megan Harless how the military move process really works—and what housing professionals need to know to better serve military families before, during, and after a PCS.
Presented by: NewRez
| Breakout 4: VA Survivor Benefits – Understanding Benefits & Eligibility | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | City Terrace 7 |
Session Description:
Learn directly from a VA benefits professional about benefits available to eligible surviving spouses and families, including DIC, Survivors Pension, education, health care, home loan benefits, and other VA resources—and how to navigate eligibility and access.
Presented by: Department of Veteran Affairs
| Private and Corporate Meetings |
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Orlando |
| Luncheon: Frontline Briefings – Policy, Advocacy, & Impact | 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM | Grand Ballroom 6 - 8 |
Session Description:
Stay informed on the issues shaping housing and the military-connected community with congressional remarks, housing and regulatory updates, VAREP advocacy priorities, and a special Bank of America home donation presentation.
Featured: Mortgage-Free Home Donation
Presented by: Bank of America
| General Session: AI Bootcamp for Housing Professionals |
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 6 -8 |
| Expo Hall Opening & Networking Reception |
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|
| Registration Desk |
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| General Session: The Team You Were Meant to Lead |
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Grand Ballroom 6 - 8 |
Begin day three with leadership expert Shawn Mingus shifts the focus from ME to WE, exploring how trust, accountability, ownership, and engagement turn volunteers into stronger, sustainable teams. Using the Team Polygon, chapter leaders will identify strengths, uncover blind spots, and focus on what it takes to better lead and execute their mission.
| Expo Hall Open |
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Private, Corporate, and Miscellaneous Meetings |
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Orlando |
| Expo Hall Breakdown |
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Masterclass 1: PCS Like A Pro – The Servicemember’s Guide to Military Moves |
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Clearwater |
| Masterclass 2: VA One-Time Close Construction Loans - Everything You Need To Know |
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | St. Johns |
Session Description:
VA construction loans are one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—VA home loan options. Learn how Veterans can buy land, build a home, and finance it all with one loan and one closing—and what it takes to successfully go from dirt to dream home.
Presented by: Supreme Lending
| Masterclass 3: SBA VetCert – Get Certified. Win Government Contracts |
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Daytona |
| Masterclass 4: AI Quick Build – Build a Military Relocation Package |
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | City Terrace 7 |
| National Legislative Committee (NLC) Meeting |
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | St. Johns |
| National Education Committee (NEC) Meeting |
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Daytona |
| Association Leadership Committee (ALC) Meeting |
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | City Terrace 7 |
| Pre-Award Dinner Cocktail Reception |
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Ballroom Foyer |
| Leadership Awards Dinner Gala: Celebrating Your Accomplishments! |
7:00 Pm – 10:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 6 - 8 |