The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) annual conference, Assets 2015, will join together hundreds of personal property appraisers from across the United States and Canada, March 20-23 in Philadelphia. Taking place at the newly restored Radisson Blu–Warwick Hotel Philadelphia, the 2015 conference will feature a broad range of distinguished antiques and fine art speakers, special events, optional tours, and more.

This year's conference has attracted a roster of speakers and sponsors that read like a Who’s Who of industry leaders. Speakers include renowned scholars from Winterthur and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, premiere gallerists, distinguished principals and department heads from Christie’s, Freeman’s, Gurr Johns, NYU, Rago, and the IRS.

“Record support for Assets this year reflects ISA's growing reputation for offering the gold standard in appraising art and antiques,” says ISA President Cindy Charleston-Rosenberg, ISA CAPP. “Each and every program segment reflects ISA’s unique collaborative approach to the discipline of appraising: marrying scholarship to appraisal theory and methodology and an inviting collaborative culture of shared expertise.”

The diverse conference program and associated programs have been developed by combining product knowledge, scholarship and advanced methodology with practical, accessible tools to improve appraisal proficiency, and grow a client base.

The educational program includes:

• General sessions, applicable across valuation disciplines.
• Specific break-out sessions for antiques, residential contents and fine art, designed for dealers and appraisers.
• Premium tours of Philadelphia’s mural art, museums, and galleries.
• A Lunch and Learn session to deepen knowledge through collaboration and discussion.

Beyond the educational programs, the conference schedule includes new member functions, exhibitor displays, museum tours and plenty of networking opportunities, from luncheons to smaller social events.

In addition to the appraisal-related content of auction specialists, IRS appraisers, art advisory experts, and decorative art scholars, ISA is pleased to feature business development authority Shelly Berman-Rubera, founder & President of Small Business Results, as the conference closing speaker. Ms. Berman-Rubera will be presenting on growing and propelling appraisal practice revenue. ISA appraisers have regularly requested expert advice and consultancy on growing and expanding the professional appraisal practice. Through the combination of credentials and experience, Ms. Berman-Rubera offers small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals unique and inspiring business development consulting and programs. All personal property appraisers, from the solo professional to the large multi-office practices will benefit from this closing presentation.

Event sponsors for Assets 2015 include Chubb, Eli Wilner & Co., Freeman’s, Great Gatsby’s, artnet, Bonhams, Collector Systems, Modernism.com, The Potomack Company, Stevens Company, Quinn’s and Worthpoint.  

“For the first time in ISA's history, exhibition space has sold out,” says Charleston-Rosenberg. “Only a handful of advertising opportunities to partner with ISA at conference remain. Networking with ISA professional and qualified appraisers and presenting to ISA membership, the largest of the professional personal property appraisal organizations, has become increasingly attractive to business allies and expert presenters alike.”

About the International Society of Appraisers

Founded in 1979, the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is the largest of the professional personal property appraisal associations representing the most highly trained and rigorously tested independent appraisers in the United States and Canada. ISA is a not-for-profit association, formed to support member needs and to enhance public trust by producing qualified and ethical appraisers who are recognized authorities in personal property appraising.

ISA is recognized for hosting the finest personal property appraisal conferences in the profession. Visit ISA at http://www.isa-appraisers.org/annual-conference  for speaker bios and to register for Assets 2015.