2024 MX Summit Agenda
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Welcome Reception & Registration
The Bistro Bar
7:00pm – 9:30pm
Let's get the party started!
Kick off the 2024 MX Summit at the Bistro Bar with cocktails and appetizers while connecting with industry peers, Melders, and speakers. Don't forget to register and pick up your swag bag!
Sunrise Hike
Shuttle Departs
6:00 am
Watch the sunrise from M-Hill
Description
Kick start your MX Summit with a refreshing sunrise hike up M-Hill. Enjoy fresh air and stunning views of the Black Hills. This is the perfect event to rejuvenate your mind and body before tackling maintenance’s biggest challenges.
Registration & Breakfast
Ellsworth Ballroom A
7:30am – 9:00am
Fuel Up for Day 1
Grab breakfast and coffee to fuel up for day 1. Don't forget to grab your swag bag at the registration booth, swing by the MXpert Bar, and say "Hey!" to our rockstar support team.
General Session
Ellsworth Ballroom A
9:00am – 10:00am
How Maintenance Benchmarking is Changing the Industry
Description
Industry leaders have long desired metrics to compare themselves against their competitors, analyze performance, and build trust with owners.
In our opening session, Ray Hespen, CEO and Co-founder of Property Meld, will explore maintenance benchmarking, discuss how this data is changing the industry, explore critical findings, and provide the keys to leverage it to set yourself apart from the competition.
Presented by:
Ray Hespen, CEO & Co-founder of Property Meld
General Session
Ellsworth Ballroom A
10:00am – 10:30am
Unveiling the Future: A Sneak Peek at Upcoming Innovations
Description
Join our CTO and co-founder, David Kingman, for an exclusive session where he’ll provide a sneak peek at the exciting product innovations set to launch. David will delve into the cutting-edge features and enhancements that will revolutionize our platform, showcasing how these advancements will improve user experience, boost efficiency, and address key industry challenges. This session is a unique opportunity to gain insider knowledge directly from the visionary behind our technological advancements.
Presented by:
David Kingman, CTO & Co-founder of Property Meld
Product Breakouts
10:30 – 11:30am
choose one
Product Small Group Breakouts
Your chance to sync with our product team and help drive future innovation in property Maintenance.
Discovering New Partners: Future Enhancements Await
Ellsworth Ballroom
Description
Join us for an exclusive demo of Property Meld’s latest release, paving the path for partnerships. In this interactive session, your feedback will shape future innovation, and you will see first-hand the significant enhancements at the core of Property Meld’s future.
Presented by:
Cody Gray, VP of Product at Property Meld
Addressing the Major Challenges with Technician Management
Raider Salon C
Description
Join us for an exclusive demo of Property Meld’s latest release, paving the path for technician management. In this interactive session, your feedback will shape future innovation, and you will see first-hand how Property Meld is raising the bar for efficiency yet again.
Presented by:
Andrew Bien, Product Manager at Property Meld
Exploring New Tools for Viewing & Managing Melds: the Future of Meld 2.0
Raider Salon D
Description
Join us for an exclusive demo of Property Meld’s latest release, paving the path for maintenance coordination. In this interactive session, your feedback will shape future innovation, and you will see first-hand the continued evolution of Meld 2.0.
Presented by:
Adam Rayman, Product Designer at Property Meld
Breakout Sessions
11:30 – 12:30pm
choose one
Secrets to Building a World Class Internal Maintenance Team.
Ellsworth Ballroom
Description
Having the oversight to see technician performance is more critical than ever. Justin Mann, Co-founder of Stonelink Property Management, will share his experience with transforming his powerhouse internal maintenance team to handle over 97% of their maintenance work with best-in-class efficiency. In this session, we will share the keys to world-class technician utilization and what metrics matter to increasing NOI with an internal maintenance team.
Presented by:
Justin Mann, Managing Partner at Stonelink Property Management
How to Leverage Your Maintenance Metrics to Market Your Business
Raider Salon C
Description
Your maintenance performance should be your most powerful marketing tool. Molly Sperlich-Best, Marketing Coordinator and Maintenance Minute contributor will share her experience leveraging metrics to produce compelling marketing content. This session will teach you how maintenance metrics can boost your property management business’s marketing. Discover data-driven insights to enhance your value proposition, attract clients, and stand out in a competitive market. Understand how to leverage AI and SEO to build actionable strategies to incorporate metrics into compelling marketing materials, driving growth and success.
Presented by:
Molly Sperlich-Best, Marketing Coordinator at Property Meld
Resident Adoption: Why Does it Matter and How to Improve it
Raider Salon D
Description
Old habits can be hard to break. This is particularly true with residents, where some need more incentive to embrace technologies and are unwilling to abandon their old ways. Maria Napolitano, Broker at Allegiant Management Group, will share her experience setting expectations with residents to increase their adoption. In this session, we will analyze the data to better understand the metrics resident adoption impacts and share ways to improve it.
Presented by:
Maria Napolitano, Broker at Allegian Management Group
Lunch with Keynote Speaker
Ellsworth Ballroom A
12:30am – 1:30pm
Lunch with David Meltzer
Description
Join us for an engaging Lunch Q&A with keynote speaker David Meltzer. This session offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a meal while interacting directly with David, a renowned entrepreneur, author, and business coach. David will share his insights on leadership, success, and innovation, drawing from his extensive experience in the business world. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and participate in a lively, interactive discussion. This informal yet informative setting is perfect for gaining valuable knowledge, networking with peers, and getting inspired by one of the industry’s most influential thought leaders.
Event Sponsor General Session
Ellsworth Ballroom A
1:30pm – 2:30pm
The Impact of AI on Maintenance Coordination and Troubleshooting
Sponsored by EZ Repair Hotline
Description
Now more than ever, it’s essential to approach AI with a critical eye. In this session, discover the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on maintenance coordination. Learn how pairing Property Meld and EZ Repair AI can streamline processes through troubleshooting, work order routing, categorization, and tenant communication. We’ll also explore leveraging AI data analysis for improved efficiency and decision-making.
Presented by:
Andy Shinn, Founder of EZ Repair Hotline
Meld Academy Sessions
2:30pm – 3:30pm
choose one certification course
All Meld Academy sessions will be the same each day, allowing you to attend multiple sessions.
Meld Academy: Metrics & Data 101
Raider Salon D
Description
This session will be a live rendition of our monthly Meld Academy webinar series. This breakout is perfect for those looking to master the basics of Property Meld or for long-time users looking to master Meld 2.0. Each attendee will receive a Meld Academy 101 certificate. Please note all Meld Academy sessions will be the same each day allowing you to attend multiple sessions.
Presented by:
Property Meld Customer Onboarding Team
Meld Academy: Vendor Experience
Raider Salon C
Description
This session will be a live rendition of our monthly Meld Academy webinar focused on the vendor experience. This breakout is perfect for those interested in the vendor experience and looking to increase vendor adoption. Each attendee will receive a Meld Academy Vendor certificate. Please note that all Meld Academy sessions will be the same each day, allowing you to attend multiple sessions.
Presented by:
Property Meld Customer Success Team
Meld Academy: Advanced
Ellsworth Ballroom
Description
This session will be a live rendition of our monthly Meld Academy Advanced webinar series. This breakout is perfect for those looking to master the advanced features of Property Meld. We will dive into some of the more complex features that introduce many automated functions that will save you time, if implemented properly. Each attendee will receive a Meld Academy Advanced certificate. Please note all Meld Academy sessions will be the same each day allowing you to attend multiple sessions.
Presented by:
Property Meld Customer Success Team
Sponsors & Networking
Raider Salon A&D
Exhibit Hall
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Happy Hour with our Sponsors
Description
Unwind and connect at the MX Summit Happy Hour with Sponsors, a networking session where attendees can meet and mingle with our generous sponsors. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about our sponsors’ innovative solutions and services while enjoying refreshments and lively conversations. Discover how these industry-leading partners can support and enhance your business operations, build valuable relationships, and exchange ideas with peers and experts alike.
Free time
5:00pm – 6:30pm
Exhibit Hall & MXpert Bar
Networking
Ellsworth Ballroom A
6:30pm – 7:00pm
EZ Repair Hotline Reception
Dinner & Keynote
Ellsworth Ballroom A
7:00pm – 9:00pm
David Meltzer's Keynote:
Master Your Mindset
Description
Prepare to be inspired by David Meltzer’s keynote. As a celebrated entrepreneur, author, and business coach, David will share his profound insights on leadership, success, and the power of empathy in business. Drawing from his vast experience and compelling personal journey, David will explore strategies for achieving personal and professional growth, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and the impact of giving back to the community. His engaging storytelling and practical advice promise to motivate attendees and equip them with actionable takeaways to implement in their careers. This keynote highlights the MX Summit, offering a blend of inspiration, wisdom, and empowerment.
The After Party
Ellsworth Ballroom A
9:00pm – 11:00pm
LIVE Music with Johnny Hastings
Description
Wrap up the first day of the MX Summit with an unforgettable after party featuring live music! Unwind and socialize with fellow attendees as you enjoy vibrant performances and lively tunes. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, network, and celebrate the day’s accomplishments in a fun and energetic atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this exciting conclusion to day one!
Sunrise Yoga
Courtyard Patio
6:30am – 7:00am
Yoga with Kris Hewlett
Description
Begin day two with a peaceful sunrise yoga session with Kris Hewlett. Embrace the calm of the morning as you rejuvenate your mind and body. The session is designed for all levels of experience.
Breakfast
Ellsworth Ballroom A
8:00am – 8:30am
Fuel Up for Day 2!
Grab breakfast and coffee to fuel up for day 2. Don't forget to swing by the MXpert Bar, and say "Hey!" to our rockstar support team.
Breakout Sessions
8:30am – 9:30am
choose one
How to Build a Best-in-Class Performance Incentive Program
Ellsworth Ballroom A
Description
Offering performance incentives to maintenance staff can improve the work environment, increase job satisfaction, and improve overall operational performance. This session will discuss the key performance metrics to monitor and how to monitor them to ensure and provide the foundation for building an impactful incentive program tailored to your organizational goals.
Presented by:
Josh Wright, Maintenance Director at Nestwell Property Management
How to Sell Preventative Maintenance to Your Investors
Raider Salon C
Description
The benefits of preventative maintenance programs are a no-brainer for your operation, but getting your investors to buy in can be a challenge. In this session, John Kearns, Head of Solutions at Property Meld, will share what he has learned over 18 years in sales. This session will explore top sales techniques, the what/why/how methodology, and how to overcome potential roadblocks and objections.
Presented by:
John Kearns, Head of Solutions at Property Meld
Ctrl Alt Del Your Self-Talk
Raider Salon D
Description
Ready to declutter the mental chaos? Inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear, “Ctrl Alt Del Your Self-Talk” dives headfirst into the mental sh*t storm we all face. We’ll confront the self-doubt, the negativity, and all the messy thoughts that hold us back. This session is about clearing out the mental clutter, taking control, and unleashing your inner badass!
Presented by:
Tara Samuels, CAS, Founder & CEO, Multifamily Mentor Matchmaking
Sponsors & Networking
Raider Salon A&D
Exhibit Hall
9:30am – 10:00am
Check out the Exhibit Hall
Join our sponsors for coffee and snacks in the exhibit hall!
General Session
Ellsworth Ballroom A
10:00am – 10:30am
What is the Vendor Nexus?
Description
Vendor Nexus is the future of vendor management. In this session, Aaron Seaholm, VP of Customer Success & Operations at Property Meld, will provide an overview of the program and share exciting plans for the future. Attendees will understand how Vendor Nexus can transform their operations, improve vendor relationships, and drive business success. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and learn about the future of vendor management.
Presented by:
Aaron Seaholm, VP of Customer Success and Operations at Property Meld
General Session
Ellsworth Ballroom A
10:30am – 11:00am
Meet the Vendor Nexus Partners
Description
Vendor Nexus Partner Panel is a dynamic session in which our esteemed Vendor Nexus partners introduce themselves and share their expertise on pressing issues impacting property maintenance today. This interactive panel discussion will feature leaders from various partner organizations, each bringing unique perspectives and solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand about the challenges and innovations shaping the future of property maintenance.
Presented by:
More information coming soon!
Breakout Sessions
11:00am – Noon
choose one
How to Maximize Vendor Relationships and Leverage Data to Increase Performance
Ellsworth Ballroom A
Description
Vendor relationships are more important than ever and are a crucial part of keeping maintenance costs low. This session will explore how the focus has shifted from price negotiations to maximizing value, encompassing aspects such as service level agreements, preferential support, after-hours assistance, and expert guidance. When prioritizing value over cost, having the correct data is critical for property managers to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
Presented by:
Mike Nelson, Jr., SVP of Operations and Josh Harrison, Director of Operations Excalibur Homes
The Secret to Building and Managing Rockstar Remote Maintenance Teams:
Raider Salon C
Description
Remote team members in the property management space are far from a new concept. But how can you be sure you are leveraging them to reduce operational costs, improve efficiency, and have the most skilled team members working for your company? In this session, you will learn how to build and manage a remote team from the industry’s first and only staffing platforms dedicated exclusively to property management.
Presented by:
Todd Ortscheid, CEO of Revolution and Property Management Consultant
Why Quarterly Maintenance Performance Reviews with Investors are Important and How to Structure Them
Raider Salon D
Description
Maintenance performance is critical in fostering relationships and ensuring alignment between property managers and owners. Finding the right cadence and structure for regular review can be difficult. Karen Jordan, Director of Operations at HBR Rentals, will share her experience in building a quarterly maintenance performance review with her owners and how it has fostered a relationship of trust and transparency while enhancing communication and overall performance. In this session, we will share the benefits of regular performance discussions with owners, how to work with owners who want to manage their own maintenance while still ensuring a performance standard, and the critical components needed to build quarterly owner performance reviews.
Presented by:
Karen Jordan, Director of Operations at HBR Rentals
Lunch
Ellsworth Ballroom A
Noon – 1:00pm
Afternoon Fuel Up!
Don't forget to swing by the MXpert Bar, and say "Hey!" to our rockstar support team.
General Session
Ellsworth Ballroom A
1:00pm – 2:00pm
The Lowdown: Centralized Maintenance in Rental Housing
Description
Centralization” is the hot topic in multifamily property management, as companies increase efficiency and improve service quality. And as companies change their models for delivering maintenance, something interesting is happening: multifamily and single-family are looking more and more similar.
In this session we will break down the trends in centralized maintenance delivery. We’ll provide examples of different approaches and their pros, cons and benefits. And we’ll demonstrate why—SPOILER ALERT—all successful operational improvements start with DATA!
Presented by:
Dom Beveridge – Principal, 20for20
Breakout Sessions
2:00pm – 3:00pm
choose one
Unleashing the Profit Potential in Property Maintenance
Ellsworth Ballroom
Description
Maintenance is one of property management’s best and most underutilized value-creation opportunities, but it has to be done right. This session will explore the nuances of different maintenance structures and their profitability, providing insights on whether to view maintenance as a break-even necessity or a massive profit center. We will discuss strategies for outsourcing, handling maintenance in-house, or using a blend of both, and the advantages of managing vendors versus hiring in-house technicians.
Additionally, we’ll cover effective monetization strategies such as markup versus no markup and flat fee versus hourly billing. Participants will learn how to choose the right maintenance structure to create maximum value and monetization, whether it’s through straight third-party, in-house using third-party vendors, or a fully internal team. The session will also offer detailed insights on monetizing third-party, internal, and turnkey maintenance structures, supported by data-driven analysis of best strategies. Join us to unlock the secrets of transforming maintenance into a powerhouse of value creation and profitability in property management.
Presented by:
Brad Johnson, CEO of ProfitCoach
Shielding Your Business – How Proper Documentation Can Fortify Your Legal Defenses
Raider Salon C
Description
In the fast-paced world of property management, meticulous documentation is more than just a best practice—it’s a critical safeguard against potential legal challenges. This breakout session will dive deep into the significance of detailed documentation in your maintenance operations and its indispensable role in protecting your business during legal litigations. We will explore the multifaceted benefits of maintaining comprehensive records, from tracking work orders to capturing detailed communication logs and photographic records. Learn how robust documentation practices ensure regulatory compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and serve as your most robust defense in court.
Presented by:
David Pruitt, Director of Property Management at West USA Realty, Inc
Staffing a Powerhouse Maintenance Operation from the KPIs Up
Raider Salon D
Description
Hiring more talent is often the first place most management turns when looking to resolve systemic problems. Yet this school of thought can backfire if proper thought isn’t put into role optimization. Deb Newell, Business Consultant and owner of Real-Time Consulting Services, shares her experience with staffing, talent management, and professional development. In this session, you will gain insight into how to evaluate employee performance, what maintenance KPIs indicate the need for operational growth, and how to systematically set your maintenance team up for success as you strive to grow your company.
Presented by:
Deb Newell, PhD-ABD, MBA MPM RMP, Founder of Real-Time Consulting Services
Training Breakout Sessions
3:00pm – 4:00pm
choose one certification course
All Meld Academy sessions will be the same each day, allowing you to attend multiple sessions.
Meld Academy: 101
Raider Salon C
Description
This session will be a live rendition of our monthly Meld Academy webinar series. This breakout is perfect for those looking to master the basics of Property Meld or for long-time users looking to master Meld 2.0. Each attendee will receive a Meld Academy 101 certificate. Please note all Meld Academy sessions will be the same each day allowing you to attend multiple sessions.
Presented by:
Property Meld Customer Onboarding Team
Meld Academy: Vendor Experience
Raider Salon D
Presented by:
Property Meld Customer Success Team
Description
This session will be a live rendition of our monthly Meld Academy webinar focused on the vendor experience. This breakout is perfect for those interested in the vendor experience and looking to increase vendor adoption. Each attendee will receive a Meld Academy Vendor certificate. Please note that all Meld Academy sessions will be the same each day, allowing you to attend multiple sessions.
Meld Academy: Advanced
Ellsworth Ballroom
Description
This session will be a live rendition of our monthly Meld Academy Advanced webinar series. This breakout is perfect for those looking to master the advanced features of Property Meld. We will dive into some of the more complex features that introduce many automated functions that will save you time, if implemented properly. Each attendee will receive a Meld Academy Advanced certificate. Please note all Meld Academy sessions will be the same each day allowing you to attend multiple sessions.
Presented by:
Property Meld Customer Success Team
General Session
Ellsworth Ballroom A
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Navigating Change: Strategies for Success in Modern Property Management
Description
In the ever-evolving landscape of property management, companies must adapt and innovate to stay competitive, regardless of their tenure in the industry. This presentation explores embracing technology, leveraging data for decision-making, and managing your team throughout the transition all while enhancing resident and investor experiences. The strategies learned in this session will equip property managers to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Presented by:
Steve Parrish, Director of Maintenance, and Chris Barber, President, at Invest West Management
Sponsors & Networking
Raider Salon A&D
Exhibit Hall
5:00pm – 5:30pm
Happy Hour with our Sponsors
Description
Unwind and connect at the MX Summit Happy Hour with Sponsors, a networking session where attendees can meet and mingle with our generous sponsors. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about our sponsors’ innovative solutions and services while enjoying refreshments and lively conversations. Discover how these industry-leading partners can support and enhance your business operations, build valuable relationships, and exchange ideas with peers and experts alike.
Free Time
5:30pm – 6:00pm
Exhibit Hall & MXpert Bar
Shuttles to Property Meld HQ
Hotel Lobby
6:00pm – 6:30pm
Catch a Shuttle to Property Meld HQ
See Shuttle Ticket for Departure Time. Departing from Courtyard by Marriott
BBQ & Games
Property Meld HQ
6:30pm – 9:00pm
Annual Property Meld HQ BBQ
Description
The Property Meld headquarters BBQ has become an MX Summit tradition! This event is a wonderful opportunity for our team, partners, and customers to come together, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate another successful year of growth and achievements. Get ready for rooftop games and see where all the magic happens.
Breakfast
Ellsworth Ballroom A
8:30am – 9:00am
Fuel Up for Day 3!
Grab breakfast and coffee to fuel up for day 3. Don't forget to swing by the MXpert Bar, and say "Hey!" to our rockstar support team.
General Session
Ellsworth Ballroom A
9:00am – 10:00am
Decoding the Maintenance Enigma: Overcoming labor shortages & building the future
Description
In the industry, maintenance team turnover and burnout are some of the greatest challenges we face today. The outdated practice of “throwing a pizza party” as a quick fix is no longer effective, even if you might have just hosted one last week. This session will explore the unspoken frustrations of your maintenance teams and explore practical strategies to address and resolve these issues. By gaining a deeper understanding of their concerns, you can attract and retain great talent, ultimately building a foundation for a brighter future where your service team members look forward to the next workday.
Presented by:
Adrian Danila, host of the Multifamily Chronicles
Breakout Sessions
10:00am – 11:00am
choose one
Ready for Anything -- Weathering the Storm with an Ironclad Strategy.
Ballroom
Description
Presented by:
Joni Wolfswinkel, Broker/Owner Real Property Management Preferred
Hiring Best-practices to Build Your Maintenance Dream Team
Raider Salon C
Description
Hiring new talent is an inevitable part of being a business leaders and when it comes to maintenance staff it’s more complex than simply reviewing resumes and conducting interviews. Andrew Coniff, CSM and former Hiring Manager at Property Meld, will share strategies for identifying top talent, tips for conducting effective interviews, and how to assessing technical skills and customer service abilities. As well as how to create a supportive work environment to retain skilled employees. In this session, we will share valuable insights into streamlining the hiring process, enhancing team productivity, and ultimately improving property maintenance operations.
Presented by:
Andrew Coniff, Customer Success Manager at Property Meld
Getting the Most Out of Technology
Raider Salon D
Description
Technology can significantly streamline operations and boost efficiency, but its full potential is realized only through proper implementation and utilization. In this insightful panel discussion, our industry experts will delve into the key aspects of maximizing the benefits of technology.
Join us as our panelists discuss the essential steps for a smooth implementation, strategies to ensure team buy-in, effective integration with existing systems, and the importance of customization to meet specific needs. We’ll also explore how leveraging automation, as well as AI, can revolutionize your operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical advice to set yourself apart in the competitive property management landscape.
Presented by:
Rent Manager
