Whether you're a multifamily industry rookie or a veteran, conferences are a great way to connect with colleagues and build your career. Not sure where to start? Here's a checklist to help you get ready for each event. Start prepping now to get the most out of your experience, time and investment.

• Goals: Set your personal and professional goals before you arrive so you can make the most of what the conference has to offer.
• Networking strategy: Identify the people you want to connect with ahead of time, but also leave time to network with new contacts.
• Survival kit: Pack a kit that includes ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids, breath mints, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, and, most importantly, a reusable water bottle.
• Portable charger: Bring one for your phone and laptop so you never have to worry about running out of juice.
• Conference schedule: Map out what sessions you want to attend to maximize your conference experience.
• Conference app: Download it to stay informed about activities and any schedule updates.
• Social media strategy: Before you leave, draft posts and tweets so you can share your experience efficiently and with strategic clarity. Identify conference hashtags so your peers can find you.
• Business cards: Have a stack in your bag for people you want to stay in touch with.
• Trade show floor: Review the vendors and the map ahead of time. Schedule meetings with existing and new partners.
• Snacks: Pack a couple of granola bars or other snacks to stay fueled during what promises to be a busy couple of days.

Multifamily conferences in 2019

Here’s a list of the major national conferences by month. Check with your local apartment association for regional or local events as well.

January

• Multifamily Social Media Summit
  • Specifically developed for property management firms and focused on retaining and attracting new residents by leveraging social media and content marketing
• NMHC Annual Meeting
  • Provides a forum for insight, advocacy and action to enable members and the communities they build to thrive
    

May

• Apartment Internet Marketing (AIM) Conference
  • Covers a variety of topics, among them: marketing technology, automation and artificial intelligence, and leasing technology
    

June

• NAA Apartmentalize Conference
  • NAA's annual education conference, the premier forum for educating professionals of all types in the rental housing industry
    

October

• Zillow Unlock
  • Zillow Group’s exclusive annual conference, where leading multifamily professionals from around the nation discuss the latest in marketing innovation
    

November

• NMHC OpTech Conference & Exposition
  • Features 150+ participating speakers and over 40 sessions focused on emerging trends in property operations, marketing, technology, sustainability and telecommunications