Connect. Learn. Build.
What is the ADU Academy?
The ADU Academy is a one-day intensive for professionals seeking in-depth, cutting edge education on the ADU market taught by experienced industry practitioners.
Join us for the most comprehensive information available in the country and connect with a national network of ADU professionals.
Attendees are eligible to earn the nationally-recognized ADU Specialist designation.
ADU Specialist Designation
Attend the event and become eligible to earn the ‘ADU Specialist' designation in order to join the professional network over 1,000 ADU Specialists across 21 states.
The designation will lend valuable credibility to your business so you can tap into this growing market with the backing of an organization that has trained and credentialed thousands of professionals across the country.
Learn more about the designation
Why Should You Attend?
The ADU Academy is a one-day conference focused on the emerging ADU industry and customized for architects, designers, builders, lenders, real estate agents, appraisers, municipal leaders, and developers.
Attending the ADU Academy will prepare you to:
Excel in the rapidly changing and growing ADU market
Receive in-depth education about ADU issues that will set you apart as an ADU practitioner and professional
Expand your ADU network, client base and business opportunities
Gain an edge on the competition by gaining the nationally recognized ’ADU Specialist’ Designation from Earth Advantage
“The ADU Academy was especially valuable to me for two reasons. First it helped lay out the broad scope of ADU approaches across the country and then focused on my geographic area. Second, it helped me understand all the other components that go into this ADU movement in my area including advocacy, collaboration, and unique strategies that navigate the complex zoning regulations.”
ADU Academy event workshops are designed to provide detailed and expert-level insights about ADU development from top industry practitioners who have first-hand experience in this growing sector within leading US markets for ADUs.
8:30 - 9:30 AM
Plenary - Welcome Session
Morning Sessions
Real Estate Workshop
ADU Consultation
Development models
Market Forces
Investment Scenarios
Integrating ADUs into your business
Design Workshop
Site Design
ADU Design
ADU Structural Types
Utilities
Client Services
Catered Lunch
Afternoon Sessions
Finance Workshop
Financing Options
Lending Concepts & Challenges
Innovations in ADU Financing & Development
Appraisal Theory
What makes ADU appraisals different and challenging
Techniques to valuing homes with ADUs
Build Workshop
Working on site with homeowners
Design/build process
Setting expectations
Specializations: Garage conversions, basement conversions, internal ADUs
Potential Shared assets
Utilities
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Breakout Groups
Plenary
Exam
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Post event gathering and networking
Instructors | Denver 2026