REG I STER TODAY AT: meetings.alta.org/federal 2015 ALTA Federal Conference May 18-20, 2015 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Washington, D.C.
A STRONG, UNITED VOICE TO PROTECT OUR INDUSTRY Government policy has changed the marketplace and affected the way ALTA members conduct business. While our industry meets shifting expectations, we must continue to explain to legislators and regulators the value of what we do to protect consumers during and after the closing of a real estate transaction. We have no greater opportunity than ALTA s 2015 Federal Conference and Lobby Day to meet with Congressional leaders and share how federal decisions affect the future of our industry. While ALTA talks with members of Congress every day, it takes you and me to explain how title insurance protects their constituents and others. Over the past few years, title professionals have came to Washington, D.C., to address issues ranging from renewing tax relief, GSE reform and the Qualified Mortgage rule. One subject remains constant: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB will once again be the headliner during our visit to Capitol Hill. We need a strong voice because the bureau s broad reach affects the industry s ability to serve our customers effectively. This is our chance to share concerns about the TILA-RESPA integrated disclosures (TRID). We can tell members of Congress how the new regulations will affect businesses and consumers back in their home state. It s important we explain how the inaccurate disclosure of title insurance fees on the new forms will confuse homebuyers. We will encourage lawmakers to ask the CFPB to follow a period of restrained enforcement after the disclosures go into effect. As with any regulatory change, issues will percolate only after the new forms are used. The Bureau should also clarify that TILA liability doesn t apply to businesses that are not creditors and urge the CFPB to issue guidance to unanswered questions about the regulation. This will allow market participants to recognize their responsibility in the transaction and properly manage their liability. Additionally, we will ask members of Congress to pass legislation to reform the CFPB. I urge you to join me at this important event, exercise your voice and share the important role we play in the real estate transaction. The Federal Conference and Lobby Day is our opportunity each year to have the ears, eyes and attention of those who can influence our profession and how we earn our living. We should not pass up this opportunity to help members of Congress understand what we do and why it is critical to protect homeowners largest investment. With your help and participation, we can tell our story and protect our future. Sincerely, Diane Evans NTP, ALTA President
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE Monday, May 18 8:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. ALTA Registration 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Breakfast for All Committees 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Membership Committee Meeting 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Title Counsel Meeting (separate registration fee) 9:00 a.m. 12 Noon Regional Underwriters Meeting 10:00 a.m. 12 Noon Native American Lands Committee Meeting 12 Noon 1:30 p.m. Congressional Liaison Lunch (lunch for all attendees) 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Government Affairs Committee Meeting 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Title Action Network Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. New Member/ 1 st Time Attendee Orientation 6:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Title Industry Honors: Celebrating the Industry s Greatest Defenders (Reception and Dinner) Sponsored by First American Tuesday, May 19 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. ALTA Registration 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. State Leaders Breakfast 8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. TIPAC Trustees Breakfast 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Hot Breakfast for All Attendees Sponsored by Fidelity 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon Title Counsel Meeting (separate registration fee) 10:00 a.m.-12 Noon Federal Conference General Session 12 Noon 2:00 p.m. Lunch for all attendees 12 Noon 2:00 p.m. Underwriters Section Lunch & Meeting 12 Noon 2:00 p.m. Abstracter/Agent Section Lunch & Meeting 2:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Capitol Hill Lobby Day Prep Briefing 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Inside Washington TIPAC VIP Reception (invitation only) 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Inside Washington with Award-Wining Journalist Candy Crowley Wednesday, May 20 7:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Hot Breakfast Sponsored by Old Republic 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Buses leave for Capitol Hill (staggered departures) 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Meetings on Capitol Hill 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Hospitality Suite & Lunch Sponsored by Old Republic 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Lobby Day Wrap Party Hosted by Title Action Network Thursday, May 21 10:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. ALTA Open House (All Attendees Invited) Register Now at meetings.alta.org/federal/ 3
FEDERAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS New Member/ First Time Attendee Orientation Whether you re new to the industry or a veteran attending this conference for the first time, this session will help you to make the most of your time in Washington, D.C. Members of ALTA s Membership Committee will be able to answer any questions you have about the conference or ALTA in general. Title Industry Honors: Celebrating the Industry s Greatest Defenders (Reception and Dinner) Plan to arrive on Monday May 18th and join us for our kick off reception and dinner honoring those in our industry who have led the way in helping expand our footprint in the grassroots SPONSORED BY and federal lobbying circles. After dinner, the hilariously entertaining satire group, Capitol Steps, will sing and perform skits based on recent political news and headlines. No matter who or what is in the headlines, the Capitol Steps tackle both sides of the political spectrum and all things equally foolish. They truly know how to put the MOCK in Democracy! Federal Conference General Session: Consumer Complaints Panel (CE/CLE credit available) A core function of the CFPB is to collect complaints about financial products and services with a goal to improve the financial marketplace. This panel will explain how the CFPB collects and manages complaints and what steps your company can take to effectively respond when a compliant arises. Additionally, we ll examine how other industries process and resolve consumer complaints. State of Play on Capitol Hill for the Real Estate Industry Don t miss the opportunity to hear from some of the most knowledgeable and engaging members of Congress as they offer insight into the regulatory reform efforts in the House Financial Services Committee. While Dodd-Frank will not be repealed, incremental and positive changes to the current regulatory structure have a chance of passing the House and Senate with bipartisan support. Come hear from Members of Congress about the State of Play for these regulatory reform measures on Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill Lobby Day Prep Briefing The ALTA Government Affairs staff will prepare you with everything you need to know before lobby day meetings on Wednesday. Learn what to expect, how ALTA lobbyists talk about issues that you will discuss, and what talking points to utilize in your meetings. Presentation materials will be distributed for your Hill visits. This briefing is designed to answer all of your questions to ensure a successful visit with your legislators. For those experienced Federal Conference attendees, this year we will be offering an advanced 201 workshop. Designed to help further your relationships with the Congressional offices you will meet with and become a Congressional Liaison back in your own state. 4 May 18-20, 2015 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Washington, D.C.
FEDERAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS Inside Washington: Award-Winning Journalist Gives Behind-The-Scenes View of Beltway Antics The Title Insurance Political Action Committee (TIPAC) and the Title Action Network (TAN) are excited to host award-winning journalist Candy Crowley for an interactive discussion of American politics over drinks and heavy hors d oeuvres. Operating behind the scenes for much of her career, Crowley will share her own experiences and candidly discuss her interactions with politicians through the years. Crowley is one of the smartest and most astute observers of politics of our time. She served as CNN s chief political correspondent and host of its Sunday morning talk show State of the Union with Candy Crowley, a political hour of the week s most important issues. In 2012, she became the first woman to moderate a presidential debate in two decades when she led the general election debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. Covering the most important news stories in recent history, her assignments have taken her to all 50 states and around the world. Crowley has reported on the campaigns of every U.S. President since Ronald Reagan. Thank You to Our 2015 Strategic Partners Diamond Partners Platinum Partners Lobby Day Wrap Party (Hosted by the Title Action Network) Join us after your Lobby Day meetings at Bullfeathers for a lobby day wrap party. TAN members are invited to come put their feet up, enjoy food and drinks and network with other TAN members from around the United States. Not a TAN member? Sign up today at www.titleactionnetwork.com. ALTA Open House (All Attendees Invited) Plan to stay through Thursday and visit your ALTA member office! We will host a festive brunch where you will be able to mingle with the ALTA staff and explore your new headquarters. Gold Partners Silver Partners Bronze Partners Register Now at meetings.alta.org/federal/ 5
YOUR INFLUENCE ON CAPITOL HILL TIPAC in Action ALTA s Title Industry Political Action Committee (TIPAC) is the collective voice of the title insurance industry and plays a critical role in advocacy on behalf of the industry as the official PAC of the American Land Title Association. TIPAC is the only political action committee of its kind, organized for the express purpose of representing the title industry on Capitol Hill. TIPAC enables ALTA to develop relationships with members of Congress, while educating and advocating on behalf of the title insurance industry. TAN at Work The Title Action Network is the title insurance industry s free grassroots organization dedicated to explaining the value of title insurance to regulators and lawmakers. Advocating on issues across the United States and in Washington, DC, TAN aims to ensure our industry has a voice at the table on issues that impact you and your business. Now in its third year of operation, TAN advocates have sent more than 5,000 advocacy messages to elected officials. TAN is 100% free and only takes 90 seconds to join. For more information and to join the Title Action Network, visit www.titleactionnetwork.com. Planning Your Congressional Visits Maximize your Federal Conference experience and meet with your state s Congressional delegation on Capitol Hill during ALTA s 2015 Lobby Day. Your Congressman, Senators and their staff need to know the concerns of their constituents in the title industry, and as their constituent, you are the best person to share your concerns directly with them. ALTA will schedule meetings with your U.S. Senators and Congressman s offices on Wednesday, May 20. If you do not want ALTA to set up your meetings please e-mail Jessica McEwen at jessica@alta.org. It is possible that your meeting may be confirmed with the staff person that handles the financial services, banking, insurance or real estate industries, but do not be discouraged. Staff members are the key advisors to your Members of Congress who have their ear and are critical to Congress role on policy issues important to the title industry and your business. In many cases, you will also see your Representative or Senators. Please keep in mind that you will likely be paired with other ALTA members from your state. What Should I Say in My Meeting? On Tuesday, May 19, ALTA will provide to you briefings on key priorities on Congress in 2015. ALTA will also present a Capitol Hill Lobby Day Preparation to provide you with useful tips for your day on the Hill and important messages and materials for you to share with your Congressional delegation and their staff. Be sure to register for ALTA s Lobby Day Issue Briefing webinar on May 13 before you leave for DC. Register for the free webinar at www.alta.org today. Remember to bring plenty of business cards. Photo Identification Due to the heightened security on Capitol Hill, be sure to bring a government-issued photo identification for your Congressional visits. Security checkpoints will be in force. Please refrain from bringing any items that would be prevented by airport security. 6 May 18-20, 2015 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Washington, D.C.
GENERAL INFORMATION Registration Rates Registrations must be accompanied by the full payment. Early-Bird Before April 17 After April 17 ALTA Member $525 $575 Member Spouse/Guest (non-industry) $249 $299 Non Member $959 $1059 Non Member Spouse/Guest $499 $549 Register today at meetings.alta.org/federal/ Questions? Contact us at meetings@alta.org or 202-296-3671. Headquarters Hotel & Reservations The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Washington D.C. is the headquarters hotel for the 2015 Federal Conference. Participants are responsible for reserving their own hotel accommodations. Be sure to ask for the American Land Title Association (ALTA) group rate to reserve your hotel room. The hotel reservation cutoff date is April 17, 2015. Reservations made after this date will be based solely upon rate and availability. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Washington D.C. 1330 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20024 (202) 554-8588 Travel Accommodations Three major airports service the metropolitan Washington, DC area: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Reagan National Airport is the closest airport to downtown Washington and is the most convenient. Cabs are available outside the baggage claim area and cost approximately $20 for transportation to the hotel. The approximately cab fare from Dulles is $50 and BWI is $70. Rental Car Information For car rental with Avis, please call 800-331-1600 or visit www.avis.com and enter Avis Worldwide Discount Number #D833367. For car rental with Hertz visit www.hertz.com/ and use the Discount Number #2013106. Cancellation Policy Cancellation must be received in writing prior to April 17, 2015 and are subject to a US $100 processing fee. Refunds will be processed within 30 days after the conference. Refunds will not be granted after April 17, 2015 nor will they be given for no-shows. Please mail, fax, or e-mail cancellations to meetings@alta.org. Questions? For questions regarding Lobby Day meetings, please contact Jessica McEwen at (202) 261-2935 or jessica@alta.org. For all other questions, please contact ALTA s Meetings Department at 202-296-3671 or e-mail meetings@alta.org. Register Now at meetings.alta.org/federal/ 7
American Land Title Association 1800 M Street, NW Suite 300S Washington, D.C. 20036-5828 p. 202.296.3671 f. 202.223.5843 w. www.alta.org e. service@alta.org Two Ways To Register: Online: Mail: Visit meetings.alta.org/federal/register-now/ and SAVE $50 by registering on or before February 20, 2015, If you would like to register using a check, ALTA now accepts electronic checks online! If you wish to mail a check, please include the name of the conference (Federal Conference) and the name of the attendee. American Land Title Association Attn: Federal Conference Registration P.O. Box 6930 McLean, VA 22106-9902 Contact ALTA by email meetings@alta.org or phone at (800) 787-ALTA (2582) with any questions. Attn: ALTA