To celebrate IIUSA’s 10th year of existence as the trade association of the EB-5 Regional Center Program, we are counting down the TOP TEN reasons to register and lock in your place for next month’s conference!
10). Celebrate IIUSA’s 10-year Anniversary – Come to Washington, D.C. to wish IIUSA a happy birthday. This year is a special one for the Association as it marks 10 years since IIUSA’s
founding in 2005! For those of us who remember, at that time there were less than 10 EB-5 Regional Centers in existence and the concept of EB-5 Program as a source for a multi-billion dollar capital market was just a thought. Today, it is a reality.In 2015, IIUSA represents 260+ Regional Center members and 250+ Associate members, with our Regional Centers accounting for well over 95% of all the EB-5 capital formation (billions of dollars), resulting U.S. job creation (tens of thousands of jobs), and tax revenue (over a billion dollars).
founding in 2005! For those of us who remember, at that time there were less than 10 EB-5 Regional Centers in existence and the concept of EB-5 Program as a source for a multi-billion dollar capital market was just a thought. Today, it is a reality.In 2015, IIUSA represents 260+ Regional Center members and 250+ Associate members, with our Regional Centers accounting for well over 95% of all the EB-5 capital formation (billions of dollars), resulting U.S. job creation (tens of thousands of jobs), and tax revenue (over a billion dollars).
9). Visit IIUSA’s New Offices, Directly Across From the Conference Venue – Stop over at the IIUSA offices at 300 New Jersey Avenue, directly adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. In January, IIUSA moved its headquarter offices from Chicago to Washington, D.C., a milestone that is reflective of the growth and institutionalization of the EB-5 industry. Our new offices serve as a launching point for members to advocate for the EB-5 Program. Located a mere10-minute walk from the Capitol, IIUSA encourages its members to stop by our new offices, utilize IIUSA-branded brochures and collateral that will help them tell their stories of regional economic development on Capitol Hill and then come back to report on your visit and use our office space as needed.
8). Springtime in Washington, D.C. – There is perhaps no more beautiful place to be than Washington D.C. come Springtime. With its thousands of blossoming cherry trees, great outdoor activities along the National Mall and festivals celebrating international cultures, spring is full of awe-inspiring experiences in our nation’s capitol!
7). Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capitol Hill– The Hyatt Regency is a deluxe hotel located in the heart of Capitol Hill literally “within steps of the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Smithsonian Museums, Washington Mall, and Amtrak’s Union Station.” Click here to book your room for $279/night (expires 3/13).
6). Sightseeing and museum going – Washington DC has dozens of wonderful attractions including museums that appeal to a wide range of interests. The best part of about them – they are all (mostly) free! IIUSA staff favorites include the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History and the Lincoln Memorial. For a full list of 100 things to do while in DC, visit this site from Washington.org!
5). First-class Networking– Whether you are new to the EB-5 space or are a veteran to the industry, our DC Advocacy Conference is the ideal place to forge lasting business relationships and further your foothold in the industry! Attend the Conference kickoff reception on Sunday evening April 12th and end your time in D.C. at the closing rooftop reception on April 14th.
4). Opportunity to Sponsor and Exhibit in an Electric Atmosphere – Connect with hundred of industry peers and make a splash by sponsoring/exhibiting and showcasing your EB-5 services to conference attendees. The last day to become a sponsor is Wednesday March 18th. Only a few exhibits places remain. Reserve today!
3). Hear Directly from the Federal Government on the Future of the EB-5 Program – IIUSA has already announced an excellent lineup of Government/Regulatory speakers including members of Congress, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), SelectUSA, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of State Office of Visa Controls,, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Stay tuned for more updates by checking the event page regularly!
Important topics that will be under the microscope and will undoubtedly shape the future of the EB-5 Program include Congressional perspectives on EB-5 Program reauthorization in 2015 and potential regulatory reforms, the impact of visa “retrogression” on EB-5 investor markets, federal inter-agency collaboration and oversight, and more.
2). Expert EB-5 Industry Speakers – Over 20 speakers from within the IIUSA membership will be on panels on hot topics including Securities Laws & EB-5 (Compliance in Today’s Market), Due Diligence (Know Your Customer, Know Your Partners, Protect Yourself), FY2013 Economic Impact Study Overview, Ensuring Deal Terms to Protect Your Investors, Visa Retrogression, China (How Cultural, Economic & Political Trends are Driving Demand in the Largest EB-5 Investor Market), Latest USCIS Adjudication and Processing Trends for EB-5 Petition/Applications and Government & Public Affairs Overview. See the full speaking list below!
1). Unite and Advocate for Immediate EB-5 Regional Center Program Reauthorization – Which is Due to Sunset in September 2015! – With the Program’s “sunset date” of September 30th on the horizon, we must be diligent in educating Congressional decision-makers that #EB5isWorking – to the tune of billions of dollars in capital investment and GDP, the support of tens of thousands of U.S. jobs, and the generation of over a billion dollars in federal/state/local tax revenue on an annual basis – all at no cost to the taxpayer. Our collective efforts over the coming months will determine the future course of the EB-5 Regional Center Program as we work towards re-authorization in a complex political environment with increased industry scrutiny from government, media, and the public alike.
We encourage you to schedule meetings with your local Congressional offices while you are in town, share your success stories of economic development and job creation and urge your representatives to support immediate EB-5 Program reauthorization! If you need any assistance connecting with the right people, please reach out to IIUSA at advocacy@iiusa.org.