AIM Conference©

🚀 Reflecting on AIM Conference©: A Note to Both Vendors and Operators Having just returned from my favorite industry conference, I wanted to share some observations, thoughts, and advice stemming my recent move back to the ops/marketing side after 5ish years in Proptech. To Vendors/Proptech Peeps: 💌 Let's talk emails: Leading up to the conference, I'd been inundated with a minimum of 20 emails per day from vendors vying for my attention. Here's the truth: I can't possibly read them all. My best advice? Keep it short, not salesy, and personalized to the recipient, not just the company. ⏰ When someone shows interest in your product, respect their timeline. Ask about it and be understanding. We know you have goals to meet, but pushy sales tactics rarely win hearts, let alone contracts. 💼 I've crossed paths with many vendors on the conference circuit, but I've rarely had the chance for a full demo. If I reach out, it doesn't necessarily mean I'm ready to buy. It means I like you and I'm genuinely curious to see what you offer and if it aligns with our portfolio. Don’t try to hard sell me. I know how to reach you if/when I’m ready! 🤝 Lastly, be open, honest, and real. We all prefer to work with people who we trust. Authenticity goes a long way in building lasting relationships. To Operators/Marketers: 🍽️ Fancy dinners are nice, but let's not waste each other's time and money if we don't foresee a collaboration. While vendors may enjoy hanging out with you, they are expected to have some ROI, and understandably so. 👻 Ever been ghosted after an incredible date? That's exactly how it feels when a potential client disappears after a lavish evening. Let's be mindful of each other's time and intentions. 💬 Communication is key. If you're interested, say it. If not, say that too. Let vendors know where they stand so they can invest their time wisely. As we power through conference season, let’s all try to strive for transparency while fostering genuine partnerships and driving innovation forward together! 🌟

✨ Day 1's keynote at #AIMConf brought a master class on branding to the main stage. Shruti Buckley, Senior vice president and Brand Leader for Hampton by Hilton, delivered an insightful keynote on making a business case for brand investment. Some key takeaways: ☝🏻 Getting More $$ for Branding: To get your organization to invest more in marketing, know your stakeholders. Understand what KPIs matter to *them* and communicate your strategy in *their language.* 🌟 Branding Starts with Experience: Establish your brand as an experience, not just a transaction. Every detail, from lobby furniture to gym equipment, should be chosen based on data that supports your brand identity. 📋 Clear Brand Standards: Hold operations teams accountable for upholding brand standards, but you're responsible for making sure those standards are clear from the start. Hint: HAmpton's brand guide is 150+ pages 💡 Value Proposition: Determine what your guests want and what they're willing to pay for. Talk to your customers to find out, but remember that cleanliness, friendliness, and reliability are fundamental. 😊 Happy Employees, Happy Customers: Happy employees lead to well-maintained assets and happier customers. Invest in your people because it pays off. 📈 Show Economic Impact: When advocating for a specific amenity, demonstrate how it will positively impact economic performance. 🔍 Competitors & Market Position: Do your homework! Learn about your competitors' performance, brand strength, services, and property maintenance. Understand what they're doing better so you can set yourself apart. A huge thank you to Shruti Buckley for sharing these incredible insights at #AIMConf. Let's continue creating brands that inspire customer loyalty and drive growth! 🚀

AIM Conference© was one of the best events this year, delivering powerful insights by industry experts. Here are the highlights from a few sessions: - In the session on Economic and Marketing Innovation, insights from Daryl Fairweather, PhD, chief economist at Redfin, highlighted the shifting dynamics in the rental market, emphasizing lifestyle flexibility and the impact of economic factors on renter preferences. - Shruti Buckley from Hampton Inn by Hilton and Michelle Moriello shared strategies on branding and enhancing guest experiences, underscoring the importance of understanding customer needs and fostering a positive company culture. - The discussion on AI and predictive analytics, led by speakers Rich Hughes and Kadi Mancuso Rice, delved into leveraging technology to enhance marketing strategies and improve lead quality. -The keynote session on using humor in advertising, presented by Tina Mortera and Jon Kevolin, showcased the effectiveness of humor in engaging audiences and creating lasting brand impressions. - Our very own Dorota Firek and Bozzuto's Daniel Paulino explored the significance of lifestyle data and psychographics in community marketing and resident engagement, emphasizing the shift towards understanding residents' mindsets for building inclusive communities. -The startup showcase session with the format of the Shark Tank and judges like John Helm, Kari Warren, and Amanda Maclin showcased innovative technology solutions for the multifamily space, highlighting the industry's forward momentum in embracing new technologies. All three presenting companies did very well on stage. As a growing startup success story, Tour24's self-guided tour technology continues to pave the way for innovation in the multifamily industry. We welcome fresh ideas and remain committed to driving positive change. Thank you for being part of this transformative experience at the AIM conference and meeting with us. #AIMConference #MultifamilyMarketing #SelfGuidedTours #LeasingInnovation