I am new to the multifamily industry and my property has been chosen to plan our District meeting this Spring. With having only attended one of these in my life, I have little knowledge as to what is expected of me. I know that I need to invite someone to come and speak about a service/product that could be useful to not only my property but all of our properties. Since all of our properties are different I'm having a hard time choosing what kind of product/service would be beneficial for all of us to learn about. I also need to plan some kind of game or interactive activity to use as an icebreaker. Any ideas or suggestions would be great, at least to get my mind going in the right direction. Thanks so much in advance!
Include a brain storming session about your current software and how to utilize all the functionality. Find reports that help you "Inspect What You Expect". Socialize new functionality and the adoption rate at your properties. Can you find ways to increase resident retention using your software? Can you track expenses and reduce them to increase NOI? How do your district managers feel about concessions or true market rent (versus an inflated dream rent)? Can you track and increase ancillary income? Generate buzz and excitement by sending a short questionnaire prior to your meeting to get people talking and thinking about ideas to bring to the table.
I am not sure this is groundbreaking, but it's a lot of fun and is MUCH better than go-around-the-room-and-talk-about-yourself for an icebreaker. Make name tags with several very prominent celebrities (widely-known celebs who would be known by different age ranges, residents of different areas, etc. Ex: include people like Madonna, Roseanne, Charlie Sheen, don't include 50 Cent, Honey Boo Boo, Khloe Kardashian). A leader sticks the nametag on to the center of each person's back. Divide them into small groups (like 4-5 people). Give prizes--first, second, and third--for the first people to figure out who they are. You find out by going around and asking other people identifying questions like, "Am I a TV star?" "Am I a singer?" etc.