Reflections on the 2025 ASA International Conference (ASAIC25) in San Juan, Puerto Rico

By Gary A. Stone, ASA, Manager at Swartz and Associates

¡WEPA!

¡WEPA! was the greeting we received from the emcee at the beginning of the 2025 ASA International Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, ¡WEPA! is a slang expression used to convey excitement, jubilation, or celebration. The emcee, a native of Puerto Rico, was using this exclamation to convey an excitement to the attendees that Puerto Rico was excited about having us visiting their community. But it was also exciting for many to reconnect with friends from other parts of the world as well as meet new ones.

ASAIC25 – Highlighting the ASA’s Strengths

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) International Conference, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The event brought together professionals from across the world, with attendees traveling from as far as India, Australia, Europe, and Israel. Having that kind of global turnout really showed how strong ASA’s network is and how important our work is across the world.

One of the strengths of the American Society of Appraisers is its multidisciplinary focus. The program offers the opportunity to engage with experts across a range of specialties, including business valuation, real estate valuation, personal property appraisal (fine art, jewelry, gems, collectibles, and stained glass), and machinery and technical specialties. The exchange of ideas among disciplines fosters collaboration and a broader appreciation for how each specialty contributes to the overall professionalism and credibility of the valuation community.

You only live Juan-ce!

I saw this pun and could not resist including it-it just feeds my sense of humor. The outstanding educational sessions and networking opportunities would have been enough for a memorable event. However, the setting made it even better. The people of San Juan were warm and welcoming and provided us a wonderful time. My wife, Melissa, and I had an opportunity before the conference to explore Old San Juan. The colorful architecture and rich history were amazing!

The ASA International Conference was an outstanding experience, both professionally and personally. The sessions were informative, but what truly made it special were the people. I left the conference better educated, with new friendships and richer for experiencing the culture of Puerto Rico!

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!