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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
S CH EDULE- AT - A- GL AN CE
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
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/ 1st Time Attendee Orientation
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Title Industry Honors: Celebrating the Industry’s
Greatest Defenders (Reception and Dinner)
(separate registration fee)
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
9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
Title Counsel Meeting
10:00 a.m.-12 Noon
Federal Conference General Session
12 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch for all attendees
Sponsored by Fidelity
(separate registration fee)
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
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Inside Washington with Award-Wining Journalist Candy Crowley
(invitation only)
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
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Meetings on Capitol Hill
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hospitality Suite & Lunch
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Lobby Day Wrap Party Hosted by Title Action Network
(staggered departures)
Sponsored by Old Republic
Thursday, May 21
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
ALTA Open House
(All Attendees Invited)
Register Now at meetings.alta.org/federal/
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FED E R AL CO N F E R E N C E H I G H LIGH T S
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 SPONSORED BY
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
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.
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May 18 - 20, 2015 • Mandarin Oriental Hotel • Washington, D.C.
F E D E R A L CO NFEREN CE H IGH LIGH T S
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)
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
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.
Bronze Partners
Register Now at meetings.alta.org/federal/
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YOUR I NF LUE N C E O N CA P I TOL H ILL
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.
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May 18 - 20, 2015 • Mandarin Oriental Hotel • Washington, D.C.
G EN ER AL IN FORM AT ION
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/
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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