Event and conference season is charged with fresh energy for 2023. With so many conferences to attend and/or host, decisions must be made on which are the most important. Whether attending several or just one, the same rules apply to all. Here are some do’s and don’ts to remember at your next conference. DO: Take many notes. Come prepared with a pen and a journal or smart tablet. Be ready to write anything that you think is important. Repeated information is essential, so write it down. Explore the floor. Many conferences have an exhibition hall with vendors showcasing products or services. Explore the opportunities for products or services you didn’t know existed and won’t know until you see a live demonstration. Network. Conferences are an excellent networking opportunity. Sit with new people when you can. Attend different sessions when possible. It’s best not to repeat the same things if you want the most out of any conference, and yes, that includes hanging out with the same people you see every day. This is your chance to learn from other professionals in your field and gain fresh perspectives. Also, ensure you have plenty of business cards. It leaves a good impression and conveys that you are open to communication once the conference ends. Capture memories. A great way to remember conferences is to take pictures. Pictures are a great way to show appreciation to the conference group by tagging quality photos on social media. However, when attending conferences, pictures can be a tricky task to accomplish. Keep in mind the position of the camera when taking pictures. Keep the camera vertically if you want to post to social media, particularly on live stories. If you are taking a group picture, keep the camera horizontal. You...
YASC Global
Supplies Innovation On Demand
Next month, thousands of Yardi clients from around the world will join together in learning, fellowship and fun. The occasion is YASC Global, the fourth annual virtual Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, which happens March 1-2. The conference, which is offered free with automatic registration for all Yardi clients, will showcase the company’s latest technology innovation updates through hundreds of new on-demand classes and spotlight sessions delivered on the company’s Yardi® Aspire platform.. Commercial, multifamily, senior living, affordable and real estate investment management are just some of the areas covered in the 250-plus class offerings. And, and always, YASC Global isn’t just about work – it also lets participants catch up with their industry peers, interact with Yardi solution specialists, and win daily prizes and big grand prizes at the end of the conference. In short, it’s a lot of fun! “YASC Global helps our clients enhance the value they gain from their software, discover new solutions they might not be aware of, and connect with their fellow software users and our product experts – all of which move their business forward,” said Kevin Yardi, the company’s vice president of global solutions. The most recent YASC Global in March 2022 drew more than 15,000 clients who collectively attended more than 100,000 classes over three days. Two other online events in 2020 and 2021 also drew tens of thousands of participants. After YASC Global, Yardi will continue its series of popular in-person YASCs in Asia, the Middle East, North America and Australia/New Zealand this year. See the...
Shared Perspectives
The Buildings Show Panel
Simply providing an open desk isn’t enough for coworking and flexible workspace providers in Canada. What else must space operators do to attract and retain tenants in this dynamic business? That was the topic of a recent panel discussion moderated by Warren Hersowitz, regional sales manager for Yardi Kube. The session at The Buildings Show in Toronto explored ways that space providers can serve members and improve staff efficiency at all stages of the business, from lead generation, IT infrastructure, and space and member management to accounting. Here is a recap of the key points discussed among panelists Christine Andrews, founder of Toronto coworking space provider Acme Works and a founder of Deco Group, a consultancy, and Kane Willmott, cofounder and CEO of iQ Offices, Canada’s largest independent coworking company. Maximize the member experience Creating value in a coworking space requires more than “just good coffee and Wi-Fi,” said Andrews. Settings that are attractive, enable flexible use of furniture and other items and provide opportunities for human connections help operators differentiate their offerings from competitors. “You, and your tenant, will get more out of the spaces when you include the human experience. Only focusing on the space misses an opportunity to charge more per square foot,” added Willmott. He described workspace leasing as shifting from a business-to-business model to business to consumer. Augment the experience with tech With shared space more prominent in the post-pandemic world, technology for managing shared space can make the difference. “Prospective tenants are less inclined to tour the space. That’s where a website that operators can use to post amenities as well as manage leasing and operations management makes a big difference,” Andrews said, adding, “Look for solutions that make it easier for your staff by speeding up the...
ONPHA 2022
Experts Share Tech Insights
Yardi Canada recently contributed in multiple ways to the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association’s annual conference and trade show this month. The three-day event in Toronto attracted 500 in-person and 500 online attendees and offered sessions dedicated to exploring emerging trends in housing innovation, funding opportunities and technology. Along with hosting a booth and serving as a sponsor of the conference, Yardi team members moderated a pair of panels. One session, with Wayne Tuck, Yardi senior director of residential housing for Yardi Canada, focused on the implications of funding affordable housing stock with social impact capital, also known as “patient” capital, that favours impactful social infrastructure over the traditional demand for immediate market returns. Panel focuses on strategies A second session, moderated by Yardi Canada’s Meherzad Bakht, focused on the challenges of using technology as a means of satisfying the next generation of social housing management. Panelists Clinton Reid, manager of quality assurance and compliance for Toronto social service agency WoodGreen Community Services, and Thomas DiCarlo, CFO for housing and health service provider Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP), examined how holistic technology strategies can help community housing providers reduce communication barriers, increase tenant satisfaction and maintain data integrity. Here are some of the key takeaways from their session: Crisis triggered tech adoption For SHIP, and many other organizations, the pandemic and the shift to remote work accelerated the implementation of new software solutions. “We worked in a paper environment with manual processes, making information not readily available or reliable. This added to the time and effort staff dedicated to reporting,” DiCarlo said. That pain point prompted SHIP to implement solutions for procurement management and payment processing, to help reduce redundant and error-prone processes. This step also improved SHIP’s ability to effectively complete financial...
Visit SMASH 2022
Let’s network!
If you’re planning to attend SMASH 2022, the Senior Care Marketing and Sales Summit, you’ll get the chance to network with innovative sales and marketing professionals in senior living. Taking place in Las Vegas, there’s no event quite like it in the industry. We’re proud to be a platinum sponsor of this one-of-a-kind event, scheduled for October 24-26 at the Green Valley Resort. If you’re set to attend, we can’t wait to meet you! Team Yardi will be in attendance and looks forward to connecting throughout the two and a half-day experience. About SMASH 2022 What makes SMASH 2022 different? Simply put, the SMASH conference is exclusive to sales and marketing executives in senior care. That allows for a value-packed few days where attendees receive takeaways applicable to their role. The agenda was crafted to meet the needs of sales and marketing experts, too, with over 40 tailored workshops, master classes, foundational sessions and boot camps in total. Explore the full SMASH 2022 schedule. With experts coming together from leading organizations across the continuum of senior care, SMASH 2022 is bound to be a great experience. Visit team Yardi We’re excited to partake in SMASH 2022 as a platinum sponsor, and we invite you to come chat with us anytime. Our senior living management software includes a dynamic sales and marketing solution, RentCafe Senior CRM, which we’ll show you in detail. In preview, this single connected solution helps providers nurture leads, save time and ultimately maximize occupancy. Wanting to learn more about Yardi solutions in advance? Reach out for a personalized demonstration. Either way, we look forward to seeing you at SMASH...
Discover New Technology
Visit LeadingAge 2022
Ready to energize your business this Fall? Visit the 2022 LeadingAge Annual Meeting + EXPO, an experience bringing experts together to converse, strategize and even form new partnerships. It’s a must-attend event for senior living professionals across the industry. Set for October 16-19, LeadingAge 2022 will host team Yardi at booth 1804. We’re ecstatic to be attending and invite you to come see the newest advancements to our senior living management software. For event details and steps on how to connect with our stellar team, see below. Get ready for LeadingAge 2022 Taking place at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, LeadingAge 2022 offers a customizable experience for attendees. But regardless of which sessions you choose, one thing is certain: you’ll explore critical topics impacting the industry today. And you’ll get to chat with leaders who are shaping the future of senior care. That offers an exciting opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and develop strategies for your own organization. As LeadingAge puts it, progress is made together. You can find registration details on LeadingAge’s website and you can preview the schedule of events as well. Connect with Yardi It’s no secret that technology is playing a big role in senior living today. The right solutions can shift the way your communities operate — and provide care — for the better. Here at Yardi, we offer tools that do exactly that, all of which unite on a single platform. Sound interesting? Stop by booth 1804! If you want a more detailed look at the Yardi Senior Living Suite before the event, get in touch with us. Here’s to networking, learning and growing at LeadingAge...
October With AHCA/NCAL
Senior Living Event
Who doesn’t love an event packed with networking, educational sessions and snazzy giveaways? AHCA/NCAL has it all — plus more — during their annual convention. AHCA/NCAL 2022 takes place from October 9-12 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. All this in mind, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo is something we wouldn’t miss. We look forward to connecting with a fantastic array of senior living professionals throughout the 4-day summit! If you would like to meet with us, be sure to stop by booth 740. Learn about AHCA/NCAL 2022 The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents long term and post-acute care providers across the U.S., with more than 14,000 member facilities. With such a large national footprint, AHCA/NCAL works to make the industry a better place on every level. And that translates to their annual convention which brings professionals together to discuss the challenges facing senior living today, as well as solutions for the future. AHCA/NCAL 2022 is full of impactful experiences for c-suite executives and community experts alike. Learn more about what’s in store from the AHCA/NCAL 2022 event schedule. Get in touch with Yardi We make attending events like AHCA/NCAL 2022 a priority, as it allows us to join the conversations most crucial to senior living today. We kindly invite you to visit booth 740 to discuss where the industry is headed and how our senior living management software is here to support you. Feel free to stop by whenever it’s convenient, or fill out our AHCA/NCAL form to get a meeting scheduled. Enter for a chance to win! Remember the snazzy giveaways we mentioned? If you visit booth 740 at AHCA/NCAL 2022, you can enter for a chance to win some Yardi swag. Simply leave us your business card to join our raffle of Wrapsody Noise Reducing Bluetooth Headphones. See you October...
Rent Relief Summit
Yardi Staff Collaborates
A group of Yardi employees met in Atlanta late this summer for a first-of-its-kind staff summit. The gathering was an opportunity for the team to share challenges, successes, and plans to optimize Yardi’s new Core Relief suite of products. The weeklong event brought together Yardi project managers, case supervisors, file auditors, service managers, payment processors, call center agents and legal staff. This contingent of Yardi employees began developing, marketing and implementing Yardi Relief software and service solutions in early 2021. “I am so proud of this entire department! This team is extremely passionate about our Relief suite and the impact it means to our communities.” said Elisabeth Daniels, director for Yardi. Rent Relief was the first product from the suite released by Yardi. Rent Relief simplifies and streamlines how state, county and city housing agencies implement Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds. ERAP funds are tied to economic recovery legislation enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rent Relief has processed more than $1.3B in payments to households who used the Yardi solution to qualify for assistance. “ERAP’s success depends on quickly qualifying renters and landlords in need of economic assistance due to financial hardship during the pandemic. Rent Relief enables our clients to quickly and securely collect applications, determine eligibility and disburse payments to landlords, renters and utility companies. We have leveraged the success of Rent Relief to expand our Relief solution and support other direct-to-beneficiary programs,” said Daniels. The Yardi Relief Suite now includes Mortgage Relief, designed for states that have been granted funds to assist homeowners in financial need due to the pandemic. Similarly, Utility Relief is a management solution for programs that help residents behind on utility payments. The final piece of the suite is Core Relief, which is available...
YASC 2022
A momentous return as Yardi celebrates 40 years
The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) returned in person for the first time in three years. The sold-out event welcomes 3,000 Yardi clients in San Diego, Calif. for three days of learning, networking, exposure to exciting new technologies, and fun. Yardi president and founder Anant Yardi addressed attendees at the San Diego Convention Center, the first time YASC has utilized such a large venue for its general session gatherings. The host hotel for the event is the Manchester Grand Hyatt, where classes and Knowledge Center, a technology resource lab, are taking place. “It is just so exciting to have this conference in person once again after almost a three-year hiatus. Thank you for making the time to be here and to enjoy the atmosphere, the educational sessions and to network with each other,” Mr. Yardi said. Marking the company’s 40th anniversary, Mr. Yardi shared his perspective on the changes that the pandemic will bring to real estate holistically. The last two and a half years have been transformative for the industry. “For me, change is not a setback. It’s an opportunity to figure out how to respond to a theme such as the pandemic and the things that we see occurring around us,” Mr. Yardi said. Anticipating a coworking boom Those pandemic-prompted changes include the vast numbers of knowledge workers no longer working in offices full time, and residential shifts that have taken place as the result of increased workplace flexibility. Mr. Yardi cited a recent CoreNet study that found that 29 percent of knowledge workers are not required to be in the office unless requested by a manager, and close to 60 percent are required to be there less than four days a week. This shift has been buoyed by employers finding that employees are just as productive at home as they are at the office – 83 percent of CoreNet corporate respondents stated this was the case. This change in where people are working portends a significant shift for the commercial office space market. “Corporate real estate agencies or employers are beginning to shed office space. They’re reducing their footprints,” he said, citing national average office vacancy rates that are averaging 16 percent, but are 20 percent in some major markets. Mr. Yardi expects that the shift in space utilization will create a boom for coworking spaces and services. He forecast that coworking space – places where traveling or fully remote employees can use temporarily to have meetings, use the Internet, answer emails or accomplish tasks – will become prolific in the next few years. “Today there are 6,000 coworking locations (nationally). And the expectation is that in three to five years, it will be close to 30 times that number, and every large building will end up with a coworking location,” Mr. Yardi said. “My suspicion is that in course of time, coworking will get to a point where sites such as Expedia will allow you to book your hotel, your airline and your coworking conference space.” Marking 40 years of real estate technology After sharing some of the highlights for other real estate sectors – including rising rents in the multifamily space, an increased focus on built-to-rent single family developments, and a need for more affordable housing nationwide – Mr. Yardi reflected on the journey Yardi has taken as a company over the last four decades. Sharing a photo of the Apple II, an 8-bit home computer on which he wrote the first basic program that became the start line for Yardi’s software, Mr. Yardi contrasted the laborious process of manually programming the original code with today’s AI algorithms, which enable the production of code via machine learning. “The reason I wanted to show this to you is that innovation is one thing, but when the markets change, technology changes,” Mr. Yardi said. “We all have to learn new things.” Yardi continues to innovate technology solutions...
YASC Returns Live!
Aug. 31-Sept. 2 in San Diego
Yardi is excited to welcome clients back in-person to the Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) beginning Aug. 31, marking a return to real time after successful interactive virtual events over the last two years. The event is sold out with more than 3,000 clients expected to attend. Social media hashtag for the event will be #YASC2022. Be sure to download the conference app for fun games, interactive features and the full course schedule. Registered attendees have received a direct link to app via email. Attendees can also use the class list, course descriptions and agenda to prepare for their time in San Diego. YASC combines classroom learning with social activities in a beautiful seaside setting. The event will feature more than 280 unique classes presented in 300-plus sessions, with some classes offered multiple times. The classes and dozens of product experts will give thousands of real estate professionals in attendance insight into Yardi software solutions that improve efficiency in marketing, leasing, acquisition, energy management, investing and other operations. Yardi experts will provide personalized consultations and panel sessions will examine key industry trends. Exclusive live outdoor entertainment and fun social activities comprise other elements of a memorable experience at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, the new host resort on San Diego’s waterfront. You don’t want to miss it! During the pandemic, YASC was held as successful interactive virtual events in May and October 2020, May 2021 and March 2022. The events drew tens of thousands of attendees from more than 60 countries. Virtual YASC events will continue on an annual basis, with dates for 2023 to be announced soon. “We’re proud that our clients continued to gain value from virtual gatherings but there’s nothing like meeting face-to-face with colleagues. Our software is designed to connect people and communities, and we look forward to continuing that effort in San Diego,” said Kevin Yardi, the company’s vice president of global solutions. International clients can see what’s planned for regional in-person YASCs around the world in 2022. YASC Sydney is set for Sept. 20-21. YASC London is planned for Nov. 8-9. YASC Asia will return in Spring 2023, with a location to be announced...
Events This Fall
In Senior Living
Looking for a lineup of senior living events coming this fall? There’s an array of opportunities to choose from — but fear not. We have a list to share with you, which includes three industry events packed with networking opportunities. Yardi’s senior living team will be attending each event, so if you’re eager to learn more about our senior living management software, we’ll explain how to schedule time to connect with us. Read on to see what each event has to offer. CALA Fall Conference & Trade Show Meet top decision makers including CEOs, CFOs, COOs, executive directors, clinical staff, marketing professionals and more at the CALA Fall Conference & Trade Show in Palm Springs, California! You can find Yardi at booth 60. Schedule time to meet with us and learn about our single connected solution, an integrated system designed for the unique needs of senior living providers. Event details: Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel & Palm Springs Convention Center Palm Springs, California November 7-9, 2022 NIC Fall Conference Join Yardi at the 2022 NIC Fall Conference in Washington, D.C. This networking event presents an opportunity to meet and engage with operators, investors and care partners in senior living. Team Yardi will be available to show you around our senior living management software, demonstrating how it works to elevate your communities. Fill out this form to schedule time to meet us there. Event details: Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. September 14-16, 2022 Oregon Healthcare Association Annual Convention Network with us at the Oregon Healthcare Association Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon. Here you’ll gain insight into the staffing crisis and other top challenges in senior living. You can find team Yardi at the conference, ready to show you how the Yardi Senior Living Suite helps you empower...
ESG Ready
OSCRE Innovation Forum
According to Naseem Wenzel, Executive Director and Head of Real Estate Assets at Lionpoint Group, “ESG is coming fast and furious, which leaves investment managers, real estate owners and operators and service providers in a position of either being reactive or proactive.” What position is your company in? In OSCRE’s May 25 Innovation Forum, ESG: Insights to Assess Your Readiness, the panel, moderated by Wenzel, discussed what’s needed to move the industry forward. The speakers represented “a mix of perspectives from change leaders in the industry” including Chris Devine, head of client analytics, Cushman & Wakefield, Rick Ferrino, senior VP technology, Blackstone and Soheil Pourhashemi, senior VP business technology, Brookfield Properties. When asked individually about their company’s approach to ESG, the panelists touched on creating long term strategies, dealing with resource issues including staffing and training to focus on ESG and the overall need to automate data collection, analytics and reporting. The speakers agreed that evolving practices and focusing on how data flows — including real-time reporting from assets, are important initiatives. With regard to governance, the panel discussed measuring and normalizing data, creating data standards and developing organizational maturity. One speaker commented that ESG practices are integral to building a resilient business and creating value for investors. ESG is also a critical aspect of capital fundraising. For service providers, the focus is on the occupier side and how to get data standards in place, with information flowing from investors to occupiers. All the panelists agreed that automating data collection and reporting is key. Survey responses on ESG readiness In OSCRE’s recap of the session, the audience’s answers to the polling questions included these key takeaways: 53% of respondents described their organization’s level of preparedness as just getting started and 0% reported that...
5 Questions
For Better Marketing Returns
Are you ready to drive results that matter? Property marketing spend can significantly impact NOI — in a positive way — but only if you know what questions to ask your marketing team. It used to be hard to see and understand property marketing results. Marketers had a hard enough time tracking which leads came from where, let alone which sources brought in leases. ILS and lead journey data was incomplete, and it could be hard to tell which budget items resulted in returns. If you were outside of marketing, perhaps working in operations or another adjacent department, understanding marketing spend could be even trickier. Fortunately, with better technology comes better data. Today, it’s easy to see exactly where a lead first became aware of your brand and at what point they converted. It’s also easy to see how much you’re spending per lead and lease. In fact, you can calculate how much you’re getting back for every $1 of advertising budget spent (keep reading to find out how). When you’re looking to guide your marketing team and help drive results that matter, here are five questions you should ask. 1. What is our current marketing mix, and is there data to support it? Marketers should know how the marketing budget is organized and why. Your corporate and regional marketing strategy should be based on historical conversion data and — if including a new technique or source — industry research and case study data. Marketing sources should include a balance of traditional ILS advertising and director-to-renter marketing. ILS marketing is critical for the awareness phase of the renter journey, but it doesn’t also get you the most qualified leads. Director-to-renter marketing, such as SEO and PPC advertising, sends renters directly to your websites where...
Apartmentalize 2022
NEW TECH + EVENT DETAILS
Apartmentalize, powered by NAA, is back! Starting June 22, multifamily leaders from around the nation will gather at the San Diego Convention Center. See the latest innovations and take part in conversations that will shape the future of multifamily. Find out where success happens at booth 815. We’re excited to share how our solutions are solving for industry trends at every stage of the resident lifecycle. Trusted solutions that fit your workflow We’re here to help you attract quality prospects, convert leads into leases, manage the resident experience and optimize your business. Here’s a preview of just some of what we can help you with: Attract quality prospects with expert help Ready to attract more prospects that convert? Learn how to grow awareness, traffic and marketing ROI with help from REACH by RentCafe, a dedicated digital marketing agency for multifamily.Schedule a free consultation with our REACH by RentCafe experts during the show. In just 15 minutes, you’ll learn how to create a winning web presence, stand out in search and lower your cost per lease. Convert prospects with automated communication, nurturing & fraud prevention Your customer is more than just a renter. Create a seamless prospect-to-resident experience and assist your staff with these customer-centric solutions: Chat IQ is an automated attendant that responds to chat, text, email and voice. This solution saves our clients time and money, all while delivering superior customer experience 24/7. Yardi’s CRM is your site staff’s ultimate partner. It has online and in-person functionalities that engage with your prospects and residents, supporting your staff through the entire leasing lifecycle. ID Verifyand Income Verificationare mobile-friendly solutions that use AI and automation to quickly authenticate applicant identities and income. No more back-and-forth emails to manually verify applicants – just fast, simple, online leasing. Book a meeting at booth 815 to see these solutions in action! Manage residents with an industry-leading system In multifamily real estate, delivering the right customer experience means retaining residents and keeping them in the family. Make it easier for residents to stay by enabling them to pay rent online, renew their lease, submit a work order and more from a branded resident mobile app. Then, level up with Maintenance IQ, which reduces days from your unit-turn process – making every property hum with efficiency. Stop by booth 815 to see how Yardi software continues to put your customers first. Optimize asset performance with an elevated solution One of the smartest systems in the industry just got smarter. Yardi’s Elevate Suite, including Asset IQ, Revenue IQ and Forecast IQ, helps you optimize NOI and asset value with predictive analytics backed by data and benchmarking. Make more informed decisions with a 360-degree view into your business. Expense and revenue benchmarking allow you to understand the full performance picture, placing you at an advantage to optimize occupancy and increase asset value. That’s just the start. Reserve a private demo at booth 815 to see our solutions work. See more, do more, learn more Make the most of your time at Apartmentalize with sessions that will inspire you to take action. Yardi leaders will be there to share industry insights and more. Here’s a peek: Youth & Wisdom: Pairing Experienced Marketers with Fresh Perspectives – June 22, 12:30-1:30 p.m. What can seasoned marketers learn from new employees? A lot! Hear from KETTLER and The Management Group, two industry-leading brands that create marketing magic by combining proven strategy with innovative insights. Learn how to encourage mentorship and collaboration to drive measurable results. Hosted by Esther Bonardi, vice president of marketing at Yardi and REACH by RentCafe. Imploding Myths on Technology Advancement with Affordable Housing – June 23, 3-3:45 p.m. Explore potential affordable housing solutions and learn about the latest tech to advance your industry knowledge. Join Chris Voss, vice president at Yardi, in a conversation designed to address misunderstandings about barriers unique to affordable housing, including the recertification...
CFAA Conference
Spotlights Multifamily Tech
The first in-person Canadian Federation Apartment Association (CFAA) Rental Housing Conference in three years made up for lost time with a wide-ranging assessment of recent market and technology updates. Key themes resounding throughout the three day event include an optimistic multifamily outlook, rising cybersecurity concerns and increasing commitments to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). As CFAA’s 2022 Supplier of the Year, as well as a long-term industry partner, Yardi Canada Ltd. occupied a central role in the event. Yardi presenters underscored the importance of marketing technology, talent development, R&D in IoT and energy innovation. Here are some takeaways from those sessions. Confidently moving forward on marketing On the second day of the conference, panel conversions illustrated the value of making property marketing websites SEO-driven, engaging and easy to use for prospects. Parisa Vafaei, regional manager of sales for Yardi, introduced new technology gaining traction in North America: the omnichannel chatbot, this unique marketing tool applies artificial intelligence and integrates with leasing data to help staff prequalify leads. The bot is built to answer questions around scheduling a tour, amenities, property guidelines, signing leases and more – saving staff time and easing labour constraints. This advanced marketing technology has the ability to target and interact with multi-generations, “elevating a business’ competitive edge and priming them for success,” Vafaei said. Enhancing talent retention incentives Another CFAA session addressed learning management platforms, which became more widely used during the pandemic as a substitute for in-person training. This includes orientation for new employees to professional development and compliance management. Attendees learned how platforms such as Yardi Aspire help property managers work smarter with automated attendance tracking and reporting. With millions of employees considering new job options, on-demand learning management systems are key to retention and stability, according to Patty Evans, Yardi industry principal for Aspire. “If companies offer opportunities to develop skills, employees are more likely to stay in their jobs. When it comes to skill training, more abilities mean more opportunities,” she said, noting that Aspire enables a personalized approach to building skills that avoids an unproductive “one size fits all” training strategy. Solutions for building operations and ESG On day three, sessions centred on another hot topic: smart building operations and technology that satisfies operators’ need for energy efficiency. During one panel, Yardi’s Jacquelyn Bauer, advised CFAA attendees to consult with experts at the outset of planning a new building or upgrading an existing property. With rising smart tech options for smart locks, lights, thermostats and leak detection, “the goal is to create a seamless renter experience and maintain data security with a single connected platform. The frictionless connection will satisfy investors and residents and create a higher ‘wow’ value for your properties,” Bauer said. Smart tech also contributes towards better managing energy and water consumption, a behavioural shift mainly driven by municipal mandates as well as ENERGY STAR® and GRESB reporting requirements. The best approach to a carbon reduction strategy, according to Ryan Bekar, an account executive for Yardi Energy, involves “leveraging technology to track, centralize and benchmark your utility consumption data. These insights will identify low-hanging fruit among your buildings, enabling your team to apply changes at the property level before implementing them across your portfolio.” Final takeaways Information is power and data will revolutionize the real estate landscape. As more organizations publicly release their data, the market needs to prepare for a growing demand for transparency. Industry leaders encouraged CFAA attendees to select a technology partner that simplifies data management while offering solutions that future proofs their business. To get up to date insights on Canada’s multifamily industry, view the recent Yardi apartment report. To learn more about your technology options visit...
Ready to network?
Argentum Executive Conference
Argentum is well known for their advocacy efforts in senior living. From influencing policy decisions to informing the public about pressing issues, they’re always working to better the lives of older adults. This makes their annual conference a can’t-be-missed opportunity. The event gathers thousands of senior living professionals, operators, owners, executives and community leaders to discuss the future of senior living. And this year, you can connect with team Yardi at booth 805. Ready to network at the Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference? We’ll see you May 16-18 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Come to booth 805 There’s no denying the importance of technology in today’s senior living landscape. Integrated, comprehensive solutions like the Yardi Senior Living Suite have the tools needed to unify operations, increase move-ins and enhance resident care. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Our single connected solution has undergone some powerful enhancements lately, and each improvement was built to power your communities like never before. With that in mind, we invite you to meet team Yardi at booth 805 come Argentum 2022! We’ll answer any questions you have, whether it be on the Senior Living Suite as a whole, or individual tools like RentCafe Senior CRM and Yardi EHR. We can’t wait to show you what’s new with each product — and demonstrate how everything connects on a single platform. Want to get something on the books in advance? Schedule time to meet with us at Argentum. Start exploring our single connected solution Eager to learn more about Yardi before Argentum? Check out our newest infographic to see how our software evolves — with functionality like electronic signatures — to help operators succeed. We walk you through every step of our electronic leasing process, and offer testimonies...
11 Big Ideas
Marketing 101 from AIM 2022
More than 800 people joined the Apartment Innovation and Marketing Conference in Huntington Beach last week for four days of learning, networking and fun. The REACH by RentCafe digital marketing agency was in attendance as marketing leaders and multifamily experts from across the country took the stage to share both strategies and results. Here are some quotable moments from this incredible event to help you get inspired for your next campaign. Connect with the speakers by clicking on their names. Making marketing matter “What does it mean to be in marketing? Your job is to make a brand cool and don’t get it sued.” Nick Tran, former global head of marketing at TikTok “Be authentic. Trends aren’t one-size-fits-all. Do what works for your brand and each community.” Sarah Wieman, PRG Real Estate “In marketing, we don’t want to be order-takers. We want to be decision-makers. Stop treating yourself as support. Bring data to the table so you can come in with value.” Kelley Shannon, Bozzuto “For marketing to work in a silo, you might as well just go stand against the wall and bang your head. Getting more traffic isn’t the highest and best use of your marketing dollars. Educate your team about the value marketing brings to the table and how it impacts ROI.” Gigi Giannoni, Gables Residential “SEO should be a foundational element for you. Why would you put money in places with diminishing returns when you could make a winning long-term play?” Melissa Cartagena, Greystar Give renters what they want “We’re focused on our brand and the lifestyle, but we know from looking at our analytics, lifestyle images aren’t necessarily what sells. Lifestyle helps bring your story to life, but we need core property content and images to sell units.” Tim Hermeling, Cortland “Only 2% of residents say property management overcommunicates. And 45% of residents think their rent will stay the same or go down. Are you setting realistic expectations?” J. Turner Batdorf, J. Turner Research “A full 90% of renters are either interested in or won’t rent without soundproof walls. This feature ranks only slightly below air conditioning and in-unit laundry, and yet is advertised by very few properties.” Sarah Yaussi Pienik, NMHC Social media content is queen “We have not traditionally trusted our leasing teams with social media. But in reality, they’re the closest to your customers. Give them the power to create content. They can become the ultimate creators for you.” Kristi Fickert, Realync “You can reach so many more potential renters on Pinterest. Did you know 72% of users use Pinterest to decide what to buy offline?” Brooke Atsalis, The Management Group “I didn’t have any expectations when we tried TikTok, I just didn’t want to offend anyone. We’re in lease-up; we need velocity. We’ve gotten 74 leads. A very interested lead slid into our DMs. I’ve been pleasantly surprised.” Kira Brown, Wood Partners #REACHpeace The REACH team was also able to donate an additional $1,250 to Direct Relief International to provide aid in Ukraine because of engagement at the event. Thank you to all who participated. We look forward to seeing everyone next year at AIM...
Celebrate NSNCW 2022
Creating & Nurturing Connections
It’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW)! Established by the American Health Care Association (ACHA) in 1967, this week-long observance recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s seniors and disabled population. Skilled nursing care centers across the country are hosting events to mark the occasion, which runs through May 14. And this year’s theme — Creating and Nurturing Connections — is especially inspiring. We’re here to share the meaning behind NSNCW and offer some ideas to celebrate. We hope you’ll join us in recognizing skilled nursing care centers, and their staff members, for all that they do to improve residents’ lives. All about NSNCW Skilled nursing care centers and their staff are no stranger to dedication. They continuously strive to provide high-level care for their residents, no matter the circumstance. And we’ve seen just how committed they are throughout the last two years of the pandemic. They’ve worked to provide exceptional care without fail, protecting residents around the clock during periods of limited visitation and social distancing. Staff members became family members and friends when residents needed social connection more than ever. It’s why this year’s theme, developed by ACHA, is perfectly fitting. The focus of this year’s NSNCW is simple: celebrate the essential role that skilled nursing care centers and staff play in creating and nurturing connections for their residents. Learn more about the role of skilled nursing care centers and staff, as well as details on NSNCW 2022. How to celebrate Don’t miss your chance to celebrate NSNCW! Drawn from ACHA’s 2022 planning guide, we have a list of activities designed to help residents staff and families create new connections — and nurture existing ones. Working together, we encourage you to create and...
Senior Living Events
Your 2022 Lineup
There’s no shortage of senior living events this year — but which are worth attending? How should providers fill their calendar for the remainder of 2022? While there are many trade shows packed with valuable takeaways, we’re here to share a few recommendations. These events offer opportunities to connect with experts, discover emerging solutions and ultimately, explore the future of the industry. You’ll find team Yardi in attendance at each, ready to greet you and answer questions about our senior living management software. Keep reading for a roundup of upcoming events to put on your radar. FALA Annual Conference & Tradeshow Happy 30 year anniversary to the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA)! With decades of industry success, FALA’s Annual Conference & Tradeshow is a fantastic setting to learn tips for navigating an ever-changing industry. Whether you’re eager to network with other professionals, receive updates about the latest industry trends or connect with vendors who can help you deliver better care, this year’s conference has it all. You’ll find team Yardi at booth 423. We’ll show you how our single connected solution helps providers streamline operations and deliver excellent care. Schedule time to connect with us at the conference. Event details: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando, Florida May 31-June 2, 2022 CALA Spring Conference & Trade Show Join over 900 providers and top decision makers at the 2022 CALA Spring Conference & Trade Show, including CEOs, CFOs, COOs, executive directors, clinical staff, marketing professionals and more. You’ll tap into a wealth of resources and learn what’s driving the senior living industry forward. Be sure to meet our team at booth 52 where we’ll discuss how the Yardi Senior Living Suite works to empower staff, automate workflows and enhance resident satisfaction. Visit this page to schedule...
A Beautiful Mind
AIM 2022
Are you a right-brained creative or a left-brained pragmatic? And when it comes to property marketing, which is better? That is the subject up for discussion at the Apartment Innovation and Marketing Conference (AIM) this year. For years, there has been a belief that people favor one side of the brain or the other. The theory goes that people with right-brain dominance tend to be imaginative while those with left-brain dominance are inclined to be logical. Recent research shows that the brain is not nearly as dichotomous as previously thought. In fact, many talents are strongest when both halves of the brain collaborate. “The pop psychology notion of a left brain and a right brain doesn’t capture their intimate working relationship,” science writer Carl Zimmer explained in an article for Discover magazine. That said, the popularity of the theory still holds out. People love to find out which is the dominant side of their brain. So why not take a quiz? Then get marketing tips geared toward each talent and learn how to marry the two for property marketing success at AIM 2022. Right-brained or left-brained? Take the quiz. Tips for right-brained marketers Right-brained marketers are intuitive and expressive with a strong interest in storytelling and visuals. Use your creativity to build a strong brand on social media. Focus on creating a compelling visual library that tells the story of your community.Stay up to speed on design trends in different industries — including fashion, interior and tech — then challenge the larger marketing team to incorporate them into initiatives collateral and website updates. Tips for left-brained marketers Left-brained marketers are planned and orderly with a strong interest in results and analytics. Take charge of your company’s paid search campaigns. Compile performance data or use...