In the multifamily world, no conference dominates anywhere close to Apartmentalize, which has grown to mammoth proportions over the years.  Before any conference, I dig into the schedule and try to create a plan of attack.  This is where I ran into trouble.

As we get closer, I like to highlight four or five sessions I am especially excited about, with a little blurb of why I think it is impactful.  This means I open up a thousand tabs and try to narrow the massive number of sessions to something manageable.  As I ordered them up, however, I started seeing a major problem: Thursday at 2:15pm kept popping up.  And since I've apparently lost my time-turner, there is no way I can possibly see all the sessions I want to.

That said, I took it as a sign that these sessions should be the ones I feature, so everybody here reading can also share my burden of trying to decide where to plant myself.

Bye, Bye Bye - Getting Rid of Outdated Operations

Why I find this session intriguing:

This may be hitting a bit close to home as someone who struggles with this exact issue, but we often get so caught up in some new initiative that we don't look backwards at our existing processes.  How much value can we create by modifying existing programs and inefficiencies? Optimizing an existing process isn't nearly as flashy as rolling out something new, but it can also have dramatic impacts. 

Is that Ancillary Income, or Junk in your Trunk?

Why I find this session intriguing:

Yes, I'm a 47 year old grown man, but I'd be lying if it didn't amuse me that NAA actually greenlit a session with "junk in your trunk" in the title. But alas, that isn't actually why I am looking forward to this session. The reality is that there are multiple forces at play when it comes to ancillary income, from lack of rent growth over the past year which has put a highlight on this revenue driver, to a counter force of renters feeling like they are nickel and dimed in all aspects of their lives. Even tipping is starting to see a cultural shift as its seen as yet another add-on for people. From legal implications to cultural ones, ancillary income is a fascinating story in 2024. 

The Search Convergence: Navigating the Future of Apartment Websites  

Why I find this session intriguing:

The apartment community's website is still one of the most important pieces of "real estate" in multifamily, so I'm always intrigued by how companies are approaching that critical touchpoint. Beyond that, however, sometimes I look at who is speaking and that is what drives my interest. Just take a look at that lineup and tell me this isn't going to be an outstanding session. 

That's just one hour of sessions, so beyond that difficult hour of choice, here are some other sessions you will likely find me at:

Wednesday, June 19 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

What's the Big Idea? Marketing Innovators Pitch Game-Changing Strategies

Wednesday, June 19, 3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

Are We Tech-Ing Things Too Far OnSite?

Thursday, June 20, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Surviving Centralization: Unlock the Power of Human Connection 

Thursday, June 20, 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Why I find this session intriguing:

I think when people view cultural and societal changes, they often split into two camps: One embraces those changes and sees the positive impacts made along the way. The other laments how far we have come from "the good old days" of yore. The reality, like most things, is often in the middle. Every step forward doesn't come without tradeoffs, and the same will likely be true with centralizing certain functions on-site, and how it will impact human connection. I think hearing how companies are trying to navigate that dual challenge of both embracing change while maintaining existing positive sales interactions is fascinating. 

ALSO, it features brand new Multifamily Insider, Chelsea Kneeland!

Saving on Maintenance Without Deploying Bubble Gum and Duct Tape 

Wednesday, June 19, 3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

They Did What? Creating Safety Culture and Lowering Insurance Costs

Thursday, June 20, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Where Have Controllable Expenses Gone? Innovations in Rental Housing Financials 

Thursday, June 20, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Pod People: Practical and Technological Considerations for New Staffing Models

Friday, June 21, 11:00 AM - 11: 50 AM