2026 Seminars
Seminars That Inspire, Educate, and Empower!
The 2026 Louisville Show Educational Program Lineup is Here!
The Louisville Show will offer an “All-Star” lineup of speakers, consultants, and educators who will share valuable information on how to help grow your business. Organizers this year have expanded the educational programming with more content than ever to help you navigate the opportunities for manufactured housing in 2026 and beyond.
ALL SEMINARS ARE IN THE ROOM C-112 SEMINAR AREA
Wednesday, January 14
8:00 AM
State of the Industry: Manufactured Housing Today, Tomorrow and in the Year Ahead
Panelists: Frank Bowman (Illinois), Logan Hanes (Kentucky), John Lindley (Michigan), Andrea Reichman (Ohio), Eric Oaks (Indiana-Park Lane Finance)
Representatives from the Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation’s five member states — Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio — will share their thoughts on where the manufactured housing industry is heading in 2026, from key trends to emerging opportunities.
9:00 AM
The Economic Landscape: Key Trends Impacting Housing and the Overall Economy
Phil T. Powell, PHD | Executive Director of Indiana University’s Business Research Center
Join economist Dr. Phil Powell as he discusses the biggest economic factors shaping manufactured housing in 2026, and what industry professionals should watch out for to ensure their business stays successful against an evolving economic backdrop.
10:00 AM
Building Smarter: Case Studies and Best Practices for Successful Residential Infill
Moderator: Chris Nicely | ManufacturedHomes.com
Panelists: David Allen (InnovaLab), John Gainer (First Step Homes), Mike Zangardi (Ritz-Craft), Scott Thomas (Champion Homes), Sean Roberts (Villa)
Several of the top experts in building and development will share their case studies, best practices, and secret strategies for smart, SUCCESSFUL residential infill utilizing factory-built housing in 2026.
11:00 AM
Consumer Lending in 2026: Market Dynamics Shaping Chattel and Land/Home Finance
Panelists: Eric Oaks (Park Lane Finance), Dustin Brudnicki (Triad), Michael Johnson (21st Mortgage), Troy Cavallaro (AutoMHatic), Nicole Thompson (Credit Human), Ryan Stum (Cascade Financial), Nelson Deluz (Cascade Financial)
Where is the market heading, and how will the market shape manufactured home financing in 2026? Join the industry’s top consumer financing experts for an in-depth discussion on how a dynamic market outlook will impact both chattel and land/home financing.
Thursday, January 15
8:00 AM
The National Agenda: Advocacy, Opportunities, and Initiatives for the Future of Our Industry
Dr. Lesli Gooch (Manufactured Housing Institute), Teresa Payne (Manufactured Housing Institute)
2026 represents a critical turning point for the manufactured housing industry, and MHI’s Dr. Lesli Gooch and Teresa Payne will reflect on what’s in store when it comes to legislative advocacy and new ways the industry can thrive with government collaboration.
9:00 AM
Unseen Potential: Transforming How We Think, Sell, and Compete in Manufactured Housing
Cesar Mascorro | Manufactured Home Sales Mastery
Sales is ever-evolving, and your sales tactics should be, too. Cesar Mascarro of Manufactured Home Sales Mastery will host a seminar on how your sales tactics can be upleveled during 2026 to keep your business thriving.
10:00 AM
Building What’s Next: A Look at the Trends and Innovations Defining the Modern Factory-Built Home
Panelists: Justin DeSpain (Clayton Homes), Steve Peel (Champion Homes), Wade Wells (Cavco Homes), Shawn Carnahan (Adventure Homes), Norm Newton (Legacy Homes), Paul Lindsley (Ritz-Craft Homes)
When it comes to design and innovation, manufactured housing is evolving faster than ever before. Several of the industry’s top manufacturers will get together and discuss which trends are worth keeping an eye on, and which innovations could emerge in the manufactured homes of the future.
11:00 AM
Opening New Ground: Forward-Thinking Strategies for Development with Factory-Built Housing
Moderator: Chris Nicely | ManufacturedHomes.com
Panelists: Dr. Van Williams (Sustainable Bonds), Logan Hanes (KMHI), John Litten (Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity), Stacey Epperson (Next Step Network)
What’s next for the future of manufactured home development? Join Chris Nicely of ManufacturedHomes.com as he talks with several industry experts to discuss how best to further development, both in practice and in strategy, in 2026 and beyond.
12:00 PM
AI in Action: Intelligent Solutions to Improve Operations and Enhance the Customer Experience
Panelists: Francesco Decamilli (Uniti AI), Curtis Dudley (IT in Flow), Duncan Metts (Mobile Home Guys AI), Scott Stroud (ManufacturedHomes.com), Joe Schultz (Efformance-Mailfuze & Savant)
Artificial intelligence is more than a buzzword, it’s the future of the housing business. In this panel, several of the industry’s top tech experts will discuss how AI is redefining customer interactions and bringing new efficiencies to enhance operations and foster business growth.
Friday, January 16
8:00 AM
Cover Your Assets: Practical Risk Identification and Mitigation Strategies for Community Owners and Managers
Panelists: Kierstin Payne (CoverTree), Victoria Cowart (PetScreening), Dave Staun (Rent Manager), Mike Knab (National Professional Services), Matt Paletz (Paletz Law)
From residents to infrastructure, risk is everywhere for a community owner or manager. How does one best mitigate risk when it can be difficult to identify said risk in the first place? This panel will discuss best practices for identifying risk, implementing sound strategies for mitigation, and protecting your community in the process.
9:00 AM
The Future is Virtual: Mastering Digital Platforms to Reach Today’s Tech-Savvy Home Buyer
Panelists: David Finney (Bild Media), Mike Pollack (Trove), Taylor Peake (Occupi), Jason Hong (ManufacturedHomes.com)
Today’s homebuyers are more tech-savvy than ever before. How do you know where to meet them where they are when it seems like a new platform is popping up every single day? This panel will go over how best to master today’s digital platforms to reach more homebuyers than ever.
10:00 AM
Advanced Installation: Techniques, Tools, and Best Practices for Home Installation
Panelists: James Ferguson (American Modular Services), Dan Malin (Malin Manufactured Housing Institute), Kelly Newcomer (Clayton Homes)
Join several of the industry’s top installation experts as they discuss how installing has evolved, how it will continue to evolve, and what techniques and tools should be implemented to ensure successful home installations in 2026 and beyond.
