What's inspiring me? AIM 2023 recap!

The post-AIM (Apartment Innovation and Marketing Conference) glow is real! (Or is that just the sunburn?)

I'll jump right into the key highlights and memorable moments for me:

A great question from new friends, Stephanie Smith Oehler and Lissi Daniels , NAAEI Faculty: "What's inspiring you lately?" I couldn't think of a better way to kick off a conversation with a stranger.

Automation ≠ Annhiliation: Automating tasks, centralizing workloads, and implementing new technologies do not need to mean eliminating workforces. Instead, it's just a shift of responsibilities - less mundane work, more focus on CX, and potentially higher-level jobs that involve honing tools and techniques.

David Boyle's presentation was a great way to think about emerging AI trends. I cannot wait to dive into the PROMPT book about how to use Chat GPT and other AI tools in an even more advanced way than silly rhyming poems and crafting emails. Building budgets, deeper data analysis... the possibilities seem limitless. 

A Smart Approach to Affordable Housing: Greystar's new LTD brand sells itself as a streamlined alternative to the traditional leasing process - self-scheduled tours, less human interaction, and the kicker... guaranteed renewal rates that somewhat mimic rent stabilization laws for market-rate apartments. I'm very curious to see this take off in markets around the US.

"Marketing Your Marketing" Sometimes we're so in the weeds of "getting it done" that we forget to take a step back and celebrate our accomplishments. I know I definitely can fall victim to this. Lauren Dewey hosted a great breakfast roundtable with actionable tips for managing/selling up. This included a smarter and more concise way to visualize budgets. Sometimes simple visualizations can be even better than Excel.... even for those of us that love to lie in spreadsheets.

Connecting and Reconnecting! It was so refreshing to meet such a diverse array of colleagues from across the nation. Specifically loved meeting lots of great folks from Tara "NetworkingTakesWORK" Samuels, CAS's AMP Multifamily Mentoring group. And any chance to hang out with my "boss for life" Debbie Rae Peters is the best. :-) 

I would love to hear your thoughts if you attended - your favorite sessions, speakers, and new connections.