Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the frequently asked questions about APRO’s Legislative Conference below. If you need further assistance, please contact us at info@rtohq.org or call (512) 794-0095.

General Questions

Why is it important that I attend the Legislative Conference in 2025?

Attending the 2025 APRO Legislative Conference is an investment in the future of the rent-to-own industry. It allows you to directly impact legislation, build lasting relationships, and contribute to the overall success of the RTO community.

  • Shaping the Future of the RTO Industry: Your presence helps shape the future of the rent-to-own industry. By consistently attending, legislators become familiar with the industry and its concerns, making them more likely to support it when advocating for its interests.
  • Building Relationships with Lawmakers: The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with incoming leaders, strengthen relationships with current legislators, and share the rent-to-own story. This is especially important with a new administration taking office. Building relationships with legislative staffers, particularly young professionals who may become future leaders, is also crucial. These connections can be valuable when unexpected issues arise.
  • Educating Legislators about the RTO Industry: Many legislative staffers, especially younger ones, may have limited knowledge about the rent-to-own industry. The conference allows attendees to educate them about the industry's nuances and challenges, fostering understanding and cooperation. Sharing personal stories about the positive impact of RTO on employees, customers, and communities can be particularly effective in demonstrating the industry's value.
  • Networking and Learning from Industry Experts: The conference provides a platform for networking with other RTO professionals and learning from industry experts. This exchange of ideas and experiences contributes to the collective growth and success of the industry.
  • Unity and Camaraderie: The conference fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among RTO professionals. It's an opportunity to come together and collectively elevate the industry by sharing inspiring stories and initiatives. This shared commitment to advocacy and education strengthens the industry as a whole.

Where will the Legislative Conference take place?

The 2025 APRO Legislative Conference will be held in Washington, D.C., at the Kimpton George Hotel, located at 15 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.

This centrally located hotel is just a short walk from the Capitol Building, where attendees will engage in scheduled meetings with Senators’ and Representatives’ offices. The Kimpton George Hotel’s proximity to Capitol Hill makes it the perfect venue for this important event, ensuring easy access to key sites and facilitating impactful advocacy efforts.

Do I need to pay for my spouse and/or children that will be traveling with me?

Yes, if your guests will be attending any of the Legislative Conference events, you must purchase a guest registration for them.

When will I receive the conference materials?

Conference materials will be emailed to you the week before the event. These materials will include the final schedule, attendee list, team rosters, talking points, and other important information to help you prepare.

What kind of weather can I expect?

In Washington, D.C., from April 8-10, 2025, you can expect typical spring weather conditions. Average high temperatures will be around 65°F, with lows around 47°F. The weather is usually mild but can be unpredictable, with a chance of rain during this time of year. It’s a good idea to bring layers, including a light jacket or sweater, and an umbrella just in case.

What is the dress code during the Legislative Conference?

The dress code is business attire: jackets and slacks for men, and dresses or slacks with blouses for women. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, even if they’re not as formal. Consider bringing an umbrella and a light sweater or jacket for added comfort.

Consent to Use of Photographic Images

Registration and attendance at, or participation in, APRO Legislative Conference meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to the use and distribution of the registrant's or attendees' image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions, and audiotapes of such events and activities by APRO and other third parties, including but not limited to the venue, the host city, and the host CVB.

SCAM NOTICE

SCAM NOTICE: Protect Yourself from Cybercrimes

Keep an eye out for emails from online criminals who make fraudulent claims that they can set you up with hotel arrangements for our upcoming APRO Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Protect your identity and your money. Never book a hotel room that’s not through the official room block link provided by APRO.

Any other housing companies contacting you and offering hotel reservations at significant discounts are fraudulent. Protect yourself by not engaging with these emails or phone calls.

Check the domain name of the sender - all official communications will come from @rtohq.org. If contacted by someone other than APRO, please forward the email to info@rtohq.org.

Hotel Questions

What is the Guest Amenity Fee, and do I have to pay it?

The Kimpton George Hotel has a $32 nightly Guest Amenity Fee, but it will be waived for APRO Legislative Conference attendees. The fee may still appear on your online reservation due to legal disclosure requirements, but it will be waived when booking in our block and will not be charged at check-out.

How much is the hotel deposit?

The hotel will collect a deposit for the first night’s room rate and tax, which is refundable if the hotel is notified of cancellation at least 72 hours prior to arrival.

Can I extend my stay in the hotel block before or after the Legislative Conference?

The group room rates will apply three days prior and three days after the conference dates, based on the availability of group rooms at the time of the request. You must reserve any extended dates before our room block deadline of March 10, 2025, to receive the discounted rates.

What is the hotel parking policy?

Valet parking is available on the Kimpton George Hotel property. It is 24 hours with in-and-out privileges. It is not included in the room rate. Overnight Valet Parking $55 + Tax. Eco-friendly hybrid vehicles get $10 off parking.

What is the cancellation policy?

You may cancel your reservation with no penalty by notifying the hotel of cancellation at least 72 hours prior to arrival; after that, you will be charged for one night's stay.

Upcoming Events




Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis is a Premier Rental Purchase franchisee with multiple stores and currently serves as Vice President of Operations. With 33 years of experience in the rent-to-own industry, he has spent the past 20 years working closely with franchisee owners and previously spent 12 years in Corporate RTO, gaining a strong foundation in the business.

For the past five years, Mike has been sharing his knowledge by teaching managers and franchisees at the company’s Training Center.

Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, kids, and grandkids, and appreciates the simple things in life – especially riding his Harley Davidson with the sun on his face. If you know, you know!

Lauren Talicska

Arona Corporation dba Arona Home Essentials

Lauren Talicska is an experienced multi-channel marketing specialist and the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Arona Home Essentials. She has found her home in the RTO community, supporting stores in branding, growth, and increasing traffic.

You may recognize Lauren as a former RTO vendor, including her time as a partner for Nationwide RentDirect, or her previous participation in the APRO Vendor Advisory Committee. Lauren calls Columbus, Ohio, home and spends her workday crafting and executing marketing promotions from inception to realization, all while supporting the branding and social media needs of all the Arona stores in 12 states (plus Puerto Rico!).

Charles Smitherman

APRO

Charles Smitherman, JD, PhD, CAE, became CEO of APRO in 2023, bringing years of legal and executive experience in the rent-to-own industry. 

Prior to joining the association, Charles served as COO, General Counsel, and Vice President of PTS Financial Services, where he played an active role in the rent-to-own industry by representing his company through PTS’s club program offering with APRO member dealers. Charles is an attorney with two decades of experience across a wide variety of areas, including RTO, consumer financial services, antitrust, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, franchise law, and privacy law. Following law school at the University of Georgia, Charles earned a Master of Legal Studies and PhD in Law from the University of Oxford in England.

Charles is credentialed as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives, a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with the International Franchise Association, and a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals. As APRO’s sixth CEO in its 45-year history, he brings a collaborative, member-focused approach to association leadership, emphasizing transparency, advocacy, and value creation. Outside of work, Charles is an active ultra runner and open water swimmer.

Mike Kays

Ashley Furniture Industries

As VP of Rental Sales for Ashley Furniture Industries, Mike thrives on building relationships with our RTO industry veterans, and helping businesses grow through new product, new marketing, and new supply chain options.

Mike works to leverage a wide breadth of relationships and influence, intimate knowledge of market trends, and unique knowledge of what RTO dealers need from a supplier to be successful.

The saying goes that a high tide raises all boats, and our goal is to leverage the world’s largest furniture manufacturer to drive the continued growth of the RTO industry and all the suppliers.

Mike Tissot

Countryside Rentals Inc., dba Rent-2-Own

Mike grew up in the rent-to-own industry under the guidance of his father, former APRO President and RTO legend Darrell Tissot. For nearly 25 years, Mike’s innovative leadership has helped expand the family business to more than 40 stores across Ohio and Kentucky while also shaping the industry as a whole.

He has served as President of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association, an APRO board member and Treasurer, and President and Treasurer of the TRIB Group. His contributions have earned him the APRO President’s Award of Excellence and the title of APRO Rental Dealer of the Year.

Outside of RTO, Mike enjoys time at the lake house or in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his girlfriend, Angela Strong McCool. A passionate Cincinnati Reds fan, he rarely misses a game, whether watching or listening alongside his parents. He also takes every opportunity to visit Arizona, where his daughter is currently attending Arizona State University.