Conference Education Content

Bridging Knowledge and Leadership in Assessment Administration

This year's educational program offers a well-rounded approach to professional development for assessors and public service professionals. Participants will strengthen their technical expertise through sessions on parliamentary procedure, assessment appeals, sales study reconciliation, and highest and best use analysis. At the same time, leadership development and self-care are woven throughout, with courses that draw lessons from the Mackinac Bridge and provide practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining balance in demanding roles. Together, these seminars support both professional excellence and personal resilience in the field of assessment administration.

Monday Concurrent Education Sessions

Discussion Panel “Best Practices" - How Do YOU Do it?

This session will feature a panel discussion with past presidents of the Michigan Assessors Association: Marty Marshall, Matt Schmidt, Anthony Meyaard, Paula Jastifer, Amy Robbins (formerly DeHaan), and Stacey Kaake. The discussion will be moderated by Phil Bertolini. Panelists will respond to a combination of attendee submitted and preplanned questions, offering a range of perspectives on how assessors have addressed various challenges in the field. The goal is to foster a collaborative conversation around effective strategies and best practices.(4 hours credit)

Tuesday Concurrent Education Sessions

Parliamentary Procedure

By using parliamentary procedure, you can have more productive meetings. This basic guide to fair and orderly procedure in meetings will help you keep discussions focused to more efficiently accomplish the business on the agenda and the goals of the group. Through lecture, discussion, and “handson” practice, participants learn about the basic principles and objectives of parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules, including handling various types of motions, decorum and rules of debate, voting methods and requirements, developing effective agendas, and producing accurate, succinct minutes. (4 hours credit)
Presented by: Bob Slattery Jr.

Apex Sketch – Desktop to Mobile: Basic

This handson course is designed for both new and experienced users looking to build a solid foundation in ApexSketch, including our desktop version (Av7) and web/mobile version (AvX). Attendees will learn the basics of drawing, editing and annotating property sketches, with a focus on field-to-finish workflows that eliminate the need to redraw property sketches back at the office. We’ll also introduce ApexPortal as part of the mobile workflow. (4 hours credit)
Presented by: Robert Smoote and Brian V Marino

Michigan Self-Storage Facilities and Valuation Issues

The seminar traces the development of the property sector from a primarily local developer/owner to a national market with institutional capital. Development trends in major Michigan markets are presented including new construction, rents, vacancy and sales of properties. (4 hours credit)
Presented by: David Rice

Building the Bridge to Balance – Self-care Habits for Assessors

Serving as an assessor can often feel like living and working in a fishbowl — every decision you make is visible, and the pressure to meet expectations can be overwhelming. Your ability to serve others begins with taking care of yourself. Explore practical strategies for managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and achieving work-life balance. (2 hours credit)
Presented by: Shila Kiander

Leadership Lessons from the Mackinac Bridge

Just as the iconic Mackinac Bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, this engaging class will draw profound leadership principles from its remarkable construction and enduring legacy. We'll move beyond steel andcables to uncover actionable insights applicable to any team, organization, or personal endeavor. (2 hours credit)
Presented by: Shila Kiander

Preparation for a Michigan Tax Tribunal Small Claims Appeal

This course is designed for assessing professionals seeking to improve their knowledge and presentation skills before the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Tribunal’s rules and procedures, along with practical insights through interactive discussions related to Small Claims cases. (4 hours credit)
Presented by: Judge Kari Miles & Judge Sean M. Mulchay

ApexSketch – Desktop to Mobile: Advanced

This class is geared toward users who are ready to go beyond the basics where we will focus on advanced sketching topics and techniques to help you tackle complex structures with irregular shapes, angles, curves and more. We will walk users through examples using both ApexSketch v7 and AvX through ApexPortal to address mobile workflows. This hands-on course is ideal for experienced users looking to sharpen their skills and streamline their workflows from the desktop to the field and back. (4 hours credit)
Presented by: Robert Smoote and Brian V Marino

Contemporary Highest and Best Use Issues

This seminar is targeted primarily for certified general appraisers and assessors. A background in the application of the income approach and familiarity with the operation of a financial calculator (HP12C or equivalent) is recommended. (4 hours credit)
Presented by: David Rice

Basic Review of Appeals & Adjustments

This course equips assessors with essential knowledge of appeal processes across various assessment administration scenarios. Participants will learn basic appeal procedures and best practices for accurately processing adjustments to the assessment roll following Final Equalization. (2 hours credit)
Presented by: Shila Kiander

Sales Study Verification & Reconciliation

This course provides a review of the crucial role of sales studies in the assessment and equalization process. Participants gain insights related to deed and document processing, verification of sales information, and reconciliation of their findings with the equalization department. (2 hours credit)
Presented by: Shila Kiander

Wednesday Education Session

State Tax Commission Updates

The 2025 State Tax Commission Updates will provide instruction on important topics impacting assessment administration and property taxation. ALL certified assessors (MCAO, MAAO, MMAO) and ALL certified assessing technicians (MCAT) must take the 2025 STC Updates class as part of their continuing education renewal requirements
Presented by: State Tax Commission Staff (required annual continuing education)