The 2017 Convention and Trade Show was spectacular!
Even the Orlando sky showed its excitement about the 29th Annual NARPM® Convention and Trade Show by rolling out a rainbow to greet leadership and staff as they arrived at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Hotel to set up for #NARPM2017. This year was set to be a hub for some of the best property management people and resources on the planet! Some attendees arrived in Florida early Monday to get their #NARPMSmart Education on with classes. Others arrived early to take part in the 2017 Past Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament to support The PTSD Foundation of America on Tuesday, October 17, 2017.
The sun rose over the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club on Tuesday morning as the tournament’s putters practiced their golf swing. The tournament sponsors Bella Real Estate Inc., Propertyware, A RealPage Company, Terra Management Services, LLC, and WilkinsonPM, and HomeFirst were on-hand bright and early to welcome the teams. By 8 am, the caravan of golf carts set-off in different directions to begin game play. The golfers and their luncheon participants reconvened in the afternoon for a delicious meal catered by the venue to announce the day’s triumphs.
There were no losers for the day as all proceeds went to support our troops through the PTSD Foundation. Most of the winners in this amazing group returned their prize money to go to the soldiers receiving help and healing at Camp Hope in Houston, TX. The fundraising didn’t end there; during the week, convention participants were able to donate additional money for American flag pins and for bracelets that honored Robert Winger, MPM® RMP®. By the end of the week, the efforts raised more than $75,000 for the brave service members and families receiving help through the PTSD Foundation of America. See the event pics.
Convention registration opened Tuesday afternoon, with a special First Time Attendee Welcome/Orientation and Coffee with NARPM® Leadership. Even though the President’s Pool Party that was scheduled that evening was rained out, that didn’t stop the celebration. The party was moved indoors where live music, food, and games created a lively event that was a great way to officially start this year’s convention.
That night, the NARPM® PAC Online Silent Auction also opened for bidding to raise money to help give property managers a voice in final legislative decisions in Washington D.C. The Silent Auction ran all week long, ending Friday night by raising $10,645 from 191 bids from 175 registered bidders. Even if you missed the auction, you can still help make a difference on critical property management legislation issues by making a donation or getting involved with the NARPM® PAC.
Register for this Year’s Convention and Trade Show
The first full day of the #NARPM2017 convention started with the Business Development Session, featuring the “Master of Innovation” Scott Steinberg.
He lit up listeners’ imaginations with real innovative ideas to advance attendees’ property management business. The challenge was made for participants to consider ways to shift their normal business approach to come up with innovative solutions for their future business success. Incentivize was the keyword given as groups brainstormed ideas to strategize and adapt their business solutions to gain a competitive edge.
That afternoon, the Opening General Session started with the premiere of our new #NARPMSmart video about the value of designations and certifications.
That set up for one of our favorite parts of each year, inviting our military veterans to the stage so we could honor them during the pledge of allegiance and national anthem sung by Anne McCawley, MPM® RMP®.
Browse the #NARPM2017 Photo Album
After everyone returned to their seats, 2017 President Steve Shultz, MPM® RMP®, invited Chris Lister, Chief Customer Officer of our Official Partner Buildium to the stage to share information about all they have to offer the property management industry. After their presentation, Steve returned to share the secret to getting the most out of NARPM Membership—#GetINvolved. This call-to-action set the tone from this year’s convention to the next, as members are encouraged to not only get the most out of their membership with involvement, but to know they can make the difference in the association’s success.
Internationally respected and serial entrepreneur, Troy Hazard then took the stage to engage attendees with real-life strategies for Future-Proofing Their Businesses.
Re-engineering a business for future success started with guidance from Troy to shift focus each day from things people cannot change, to the things they can change. Adding to this, another key element people need for business is clarity of purpose about the desired future outcome. In addition, Troy challenged participants to shift focus from avoiding the “accident at Turn 1”, to focus instead on the strategy needed to successfully navigate “Turn 4” to win the race. Full of inspiration and ideas to take back to improve their business, the convention shifted to the trade show entrance where 2017 President Steve Shultz, MPM® RMP®, and Convention Chair Danielle Coke, RMP®, cut the exhibition ribbon to let the #NARPM2017 Trade Show begin!
Some famous faces waited with OnSight PROS to welcome patrons to the #NARPM2017 Trade Show.
Wednesday night ended with networking at its finest as the great minds of exhibitors and attendants came together to discuss expert services, tools, and information to grow and improve their business. Thank you to all of the exhibitors in attendance!
Thursday morning, October 19, 2017, picked up where the previous night left off. Coffee and a light breakfast were shared with Trade Show exhibitors until Regional Chapter meetings convened. Chapters continue to provide excellent tools for our members by offering networking and learning opportunities with industry professionals in each person’s area. Find a Chapter near you.
Convention Chair Danielle Coke, RMP®, welcomed members and guests back to the main convention hall in the late-morning. Manager Heather Burlson, from Convention Patron Yardi, delighted the crowd in song as she introduced their new product Yardi Breeze. J.J. Kercher from our Official Partner AppFolio shared all they have to offer industry professionals.
2017 President Steve Shultz, MPM® RMP®, then recognized the Volunteer of the Year and presented the President’s Award. There were two rounds of standing ovations as Volunteer of the Year Shannon McLaughlin-Ives, MPM® RMP®, and recipient of the President’s Award, Mike Mumford, MPM® RMP®, accepted their awards.
After everyone returned to their seats, the 2017 Annual Business Meeting was called to order. 2018 President-Elect Brian Birdy, MPM® RMP®, reiterated the mission and vision of our great association. The importance of adhering to anti-trust was established. As Gail Phillips approached the stage to present the Executive Report for 2017, our new “Are you #NARPMSmart?” video series premiered.
2019 President-Elect Eric Wetherington’s, MPM® RMP®, presentation of the Treasurer’s Report showed that NARPM® remains strong as the association continues to grow and give back to the property management industry.
NARPM® would be nothing without our committees and volunteers; time was taken to give gratitude for everyone who makes our work possible. The invitation was extended and all were encouraged to #GetINvolved by volunteering for one of our committees.
A panel of experts claimed the spotlight when the Annual Business meeting was adjourned, to provide real solutions to property management issues attendees experience every day. Andy Propst, MPM® RMP® (Past National President – 2015), Steve Schultz , MPM® RMP® (Current National President), Susan Albern (Former NARPM® Member and Property Manager), and Steve Hart (President of Property Management, Inc.) took questions and discussed the ins-and-outs of Buying, Selling, and Expanding Your Reach.
Amped up with information, the break out workshop sessions started with four different tracks that catered to different and individual business needs. Business Coach Kelly Ikenberry asked, “Do you have what it takes?,” as she uncovered how Profit Comes from Your People Skills. Robert Locke, MPM® RMP®, of Crowne Realty and Management, CRMC® covered the Office Policies & Procedures for Managing Litigation. Chris Litster of Buildium & our Executive Director, Gail Phillips, provided an in-depth look at The Current State of Property Management. Get your full copy of the Buildium and NARPM 2017 State of the Property Management Industry! Opening Sessions Speaker, Troy Hazard, returned to pick up where he left off the previous day by breaking down specifics on How to Develop Significant Customer Connections.
The lunch crowd gathered back in the main ballroom to eat and take part in the Instillation of the 2018 Board of Directors. Great information was provided from Sales Manager, Pini Lackner, about the wonderful things Rently has to offer. Curt Fluegal from our Platinum Sponsor PM Toolbelt joined the presentation to introduce how they make maintenance for property management easier. Then Senior Vice President, James Wagley, of our Gold Sponsor Propertyware told about their products that serve industry needs, before 2014 Past President, Steve Foster, MPM® RMP®, began the induction for the 2018 Board of Directors.
The 2018 Board of Directors were invited to the stage to be reminded of their duties and sworn in for service duties. In an emotional moment, 2018 President Brian Birdy’s father took the podium as the baton of leadership was passed for the coming year.
All of the Past Presidents gathered to welcome Brian to their ranks. What a great group! We had the most Past Presidents in attendance in 2017 than any other previous convention. The new “PONARPM” President of NARPM, Brian Birdy, MPM® RMP®, was sworn in for service for 2018. The Past Presidents passed the gavel to symbolically hand over the leadership responsibilities for 2018 to Brian Birdy, MPM® RMP®.
When current 2017 President Steve Shultz, MPM® RMP®, handed over the gavel, it served as the official welcome to 2018 President Brian Birdy, MPM® RMP®!
#2018PONARPM shared how he came to the association when he was starving for property management education he couldn’t find. That decision led Brian to his place as part of the NARPM® family. With 85% of our members coming from word of mouth referrals, our members are family that makes a difference. The incoming President shared how NARPM® will take people places they’ve never been before. It’s a life changing experience—if and when members get involved. The #GetINvolved slogan for 2018 was unveiled, with the reiterated call, if you want to get everything you can possibly get out of NARPM®, you have to get involved!
2018 President Birdy challenged members to invite new members to benefit by joining, to attend events, to volunteer, and become #NARPMSmart through courses, designations, and certifications. In a fantastic way to prove his point, he shared a video compilation of members telling their personal stories: “What is NARPM® and What Can it Do for Me?”
Brian’s
Excited for the future, the crowd rose to their feet to thank and honor 2017 President Steve Shultz, MPM® RMP®, for his year of service where he put members first and better engineered NARPM® for member’s success. After he shared some words about his time as president, the crowd headed out for two rounds of networking with the fabulous exhibitors and valuable workshop sessions.
Dave Hurt from Rent Manager broke down the Top 10 Operational Reports for Business. A team from Fourandhalf and Andrew Dougill of Hoffman Realty educated about how to Identify, Target, and Close Your Most Profitable Clients. Tom Sedlack, MPM® RMP®, of 33rd Company, Inc. led colleagues to examine how to Increase Revenue with HOA Management Services. Melissa Prandi, MPM® RMP®, of Prandi Management passed on learn-by-doing advice on how to Become a Better Speaker and Develop Leadership Skills. Others received the 7 Steps of Successful Leadership from Eric Wetherington, MPM® RMP®, of Carolina One Property Management. Other participants received effective techniques for Automatic Marketing for Property Managers with Dave Borden of Property Manager Websites. Phil Owens from OnSight PRO‘s taught about the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Property Inspections. Participants were able to Explore the Virtues of Virtual Property Management: How to Grow, Increase Profitability, and Transform You Company with Progressive Property Management Group.
That night was full of fun as exhibitors hosted events all over town. It was an evening of celebrations before the final day of #NARPM2017. The morning of Friday, October 20, started with coffee and snacks with exhibitors, as well as different meetings. Then attendees were challenged to set down their cell phones to learn how to Thrive in an Age of Distraction with the leading voice in strategic communication, Curt Steinhorst.
Tech distraction is impacting every single age in every single demographic. This causes distinct challenges for personal life and the workplace. Endless access to technology delivers us to the world at the same time that it delivers the world to us. This creates a poverty of attention and focus. As people try to do everything at once, lots of energy is used w/out a lot of productivity.
Curt Steinhorst, founder of FocusWise, discussed ways to let distraction facilitate focus to create subtle stimulation so people can focus on what’s important. Steinhorst suggested finding technology that promotes focus instead of prevents it in order for it to help manage resources dividing your attention. In a great take-away he asked, “Do we want to be tools of our tools or let our tools be our tools?” To this he answered sage advice, “Don’t be a tool.” The crowd was left with the challenge to rewrite the script they tell themselves each day to be proactively aware through mental modelling in a way that determines our undivided focus.
With attention in check, the attendees dispersed for more networking time with trade show exhibitionist and another round of informational workshops. Participants were able to Gain the Fundamentals of Growing Your Local NARPM Chapter with James Anderson of Alderson Properties. Michael McCreary, MPM® RMP®, of McCreary Realty Management gave lessons on Maintenance – Tips From the Trenches – War Stories & Lessons Learner. Brian Birdy, MPM® RMP®, of Property Management, Inc. took attendees through the 2 Property Management Company Structures — Portfolio vs Departmental. “Ever hired the wrong person?” asked Carletta Clyatt of Omnia Group, as she broke down What Behavioral Insights Really Can Do For You.
A delicious lunch was provided by the venue as guests returned to the main ballroom for awards and recognition. Dave Borden of our Official Sponsor, My Property Management Websites, shared all that he and his crew have to offer property management professionals. Then Philip Scarborough, RMP®, shared a video asking everyone to save the date for #2018BrokerOwner in #LasVegas in April. Register now for Broker/Owner.
2017 President, Steve Shultz, MPM® RMP®, then recognized with gratitude our 5, 10, 15, & 20 year NARPM® Members. Special honors were given to our distinguished 25-year NARPM® Members.
Then cheers went up all around to welcome all new members to the NARPM® family and give thanks to our NARPM® Member Services Committee for all they do for the association.
The following awards were presented:
The award for State Chapter of the Year went to the California State Chapter (CALNARPM).
The large Chapter of the Year went to the Orlando/Central Florida Chapter.
Congratulations to the Medium Chapter of the Year – King County Chapter.
Great job, Virginia Peninsula Chapter for being the Small Chapter of the Year.
Excellent work, Texas Hill Country Chapter for being the New Chapter of the Year.
Alicia Weaver from Phoenix, AZ was the recipient of this year’s Rocky Maxwell Award.
Thanks was given to our New Member Recruiters for helping to expand the NARPM® family.
The #NARPM2017 Large Affiliate of the Year was awarded to Property Manager Websites.
Congratulations to our Small Affiliate of the Year, OnSight PROs.
Great job, Real Time Leasing, CRMC® and Carolina One Property Management, CRMC® for earning your CRMC® Designations.
This year’s Darryl Kazen Scholarship Award winner was A.J. Shepard, RMP®.
With minds already full of ideas to take home to ramp up their business success, participants attended the last round of workshop sessions. Find out Why to Get Involved in NARPM was a popular choice, with Vicki Gaskill, MPM® RMP®, of Bell-Anderson and Associates, LLC, CRMC® as she shared, How I Grew as a NARPM® Leader. Anne and Mark Lackey of Hire Smart VAs detailed the 5 Steps to Solving Your Biggest Operational Problem in 30 Days. Attendees got a jump on Lawsuits Waiting to Happen — Navigating HUD’s New Guidelines for the Use of Criminal Records in Rental Decisions with John McTighe from Background Decisions. Participants followed J.J. Kercher of AppFolio through the Customer Journey Workshop – Understanding Your Customer to Deliver Exceptional Services.
#NARPM2017 concluded with honoring the hardworking members who have earned NARPM® Designations and Certifications this year.
We were grateful to celebrate the professionals who take the industry seriously enough to earn professional designations and certifications. We’re proud to have welcomed Trish Ferrier, MPM® RMP®, to honor her late-husband Robert Ferrier, MPM® RMP®, and receive the MPM® designation he earned before his passing.
Gratitude was also shown for Past President, Bart Sturzl, MPM® RMP®, for the leadership and service he’s given this association.
In final closing, 2018 President Brian Birdy, MPM® RMP®, ended the festivities with a preview of what to expect for #NARPM2018 in San Diego. We’re taking over the Loews Coronado Bay Resort for the week of October 16-19, 2018 with an event that’s bigger and better than ever! Don’t wait to sign up; registration will begin in spring 2018. But we hear some people are already reserving their hotel rooms. This will sell out!
We had a phenomenal time in Orlando for #NARPM2017, making new friends and learning vital information to improve our personal and professional life! Our minds are still processing all of the new ideas and real business solutions we gained. Thank you to our wonderful partners, sponsors exhibitionist, speakers, and staff, we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you to our members—you are the greatness behind this association. Now it’s time for all of us to #GetINvolved! This year we have the distinct privilege of advancing person and business property management goals by joining and serving this great association.
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If you missed #NARPM2017 or want to relive the fun, here’s a video* recap by Philip Scarborough, RMP®, and Mario Gonzalez, MPM® RMP®: http://ow.ly/Y2Ka30g95Qe
*Note: Please note the name correction of Past President of Austin Chapter NARPM®, Greg Doering, MPM® RMP®, Broker/Owner of GDAA Property Management, LLC, CRMC®.
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