The rental housing industry’s largest annual conference is right around the corner.  We can’t wait for four full days of learning, doing business and networking with power players — all in San Diego at Apartmentalize, powered by the National Apartment Association (NAA)!

This year will be the biggest apartment gathering yet with 9,500+ people in attendance and 70 sessions to choose from. That’s up from 35 sessions just three years ago.

With so much compelling content from the apartment industry’s best and brightest, how do you choose which session to attend? We went straight to the source and talked with Clark Ebbert, NAA’s director of conference education programming, to find out what’s new and get his recommendations.

Zillow Group Rentals (ZGR): What sessions should multifamily marketers keep an eye out for at this year’s Apartmentalize?

Clark Ebbert: Jonathan Mildenhall, former chief marketing officer of Airbnb, is kicking off the conference with a Game Changer talk on the power of purpose. He is incredible and disruptive, and it’s all about doing work that matters and how attendees can tie their personal values to their professional values. It’s a great way to start the conference!

There is also a deep dive breakout session on active shooter training. It’s a tough topic, yet it is increasingly important for this industry. It’s two back-to-back sessions led by Derwin Bradley, master police officer of the Orlando Police Department. The first will cover identifying behaviors of a potential issue, and the second will be about managing the situation.

ZGR: Those sounds incredible and important. What’s something new that you’re excited about?

Clark: People are decreasingly interested in being spoon-fed content. Discovery and engagement is the way to go now. So, we’ve created the Open Space Series, which are sessions for people to talk about issues they are passionate about. They span topics from marketing and leasing to technology, leadership and emergency preparedness. The sessions are facilitated by incredibly talented professionals, and the content is determined by those who attend. We’ve also put together curated content tracks for attendees that will help them choose which sessions to attend.

We created a list of five sessions we’re excited about to help you maximize your time at NAA and boost your conference ROI.

Top Recommended Sessions

*Clark’s choice

Wednesday, June 13

Breakout Session - Do More, Be More: Bringing Corporate Social Responsibility Home
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Research shows millennials want to do work for brands involved with corporate social responsibility (CSR), and people across the age spectrum want to do business with brands that are doing good. This session with Shelters to Shutters shows how companies are successfully implementing CSR strategies.

Game Changer - The Power of Purpose*
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Join former CMO of Airbnb Jonathan Mildenhall to kick off the conference and get inspired about your work and happiness.  

Thursday, June 14

Creating a Culture That Engages and Retains Millennials
10-11 a.m.
Discover what keeps millennials satisfied at work.

Breakout Session - Once Upon a Time ... Selling Through Storytelling
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Stories are more memorable than a sales pitch. Learn how they can help your leasing efforts from The Apartment Expert Lisa Trosien.

Open Space Series*
Various times
You and your peers set the agenda and discuss topics ranging from marketing and leasing to technology.

Friday, June 15

Deep Dive - Preparing for Active Shooter Attacks*
Part A: 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Part B: 2-3 p.m. 
Proactive planning can help you and your company mitigate risk. Learn what to look for and how to develop planning strategies from Orlando Master Police Officer Derwin Bradely and Chip Tatum, chief executive officer of the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando.

Open Space Series*
Various times
You and your peers set the agenda and discuss topics ranging from management and leadership to affordable housing and emergency preparedness.

Don’t forget to stop by and say hi! Zillow Group Rentals is located in booth 813.