2025 Schedule
The Midwest Multifamily Conference is back and better than ever—with a game show twist! Whether you're looking to level up your skills, make winning connections, or discover top industry solutions, MMC is the place to be. Join thousands of apartment professionals for two action-packed days of education, networking, and a trade show floor that’s full of surprises.
This year’s theme brings the fun, but the knowledge you’ll gain is serious—covering everything from digital fraud and AI to maintenance strategy and leadership development.
No matter your role, MMC 2025 is your ticket to professional growth and industry insight.
View the interactive schedule where you can add sessions to your calendar!
- All
- Leasing
- Marketing
- Maintenance
- Property Manager
- Regional Supervisor
7:30am- Registration Opens - Receive your badge at the registration desk in Hall F.

Jess Ekstrom
9:15am - 10:15am
Keynote: Chasing the Bright Side: Purpose-Driven Thinking Leads to Unstoppable Growth
Nowadays, it’s so easy to get warped into negative thoughts and constantly feeling like you’re moving from problem to problem. A recent study at the American Academy of Neurology found that prolonged negative thinking diminishes your brain’s ability to think or reason clearly and it quickly drains your energy.
You’d think the solution to negativity would be to tell yourself to “just be positive!” but we all know that doesn’t trick your brain, it only frustrates it.
In Jess’ bestselling book, Chasing the Bright Side, she talks about how optimism isn’t about eliminating the negativity, it’s about using it to create something better. Even the spark of her business, Headbands of Hope, was started because of a problem she saw: kids with cancer wanted to wear headbands after hair-loss. Now, her company has donated over one million headbands to kids with illnesses and has reached every children’s hospital in the United States and 22 countries.
But it all began because there was a problem. Problems are where a lot of great ideas begin if we let them.
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Randy Dean, MBA
10:30am - 11:30am
Finding an Extra Hour Every Day: Time Management Tips and Tricks for Busy Professionals
In this popular quick-hitting program on "finding an extra hour of productivity" every day, Randy Dean, MBA, the "Totally Obsessed" Time Management/E-mail Guy uses humor and high energy as he goes into many of the most common areas of productivity loss (and possible gain!) afflicting many busy professionals today: managing your e-mails more efficiently, clearing the clutter in your mind for better focus and attention, keeping staff on task, tracking "who owes you what" and getting that information on time, and better managing your calendar and contacts for better time and relationship management. He even now shares a few time-saving tips for those using the new AI tools like Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT. His goal is to help stressed out performers learn several new and immediately useful strategies for finding a few minutes on every day, as well as a better way to start and manage your day so more time is devoted to your key projects, clients, and activities with less distraction.
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Rommel Anacan
10:30am - 11:30am
The Psychology of Selling: How and Why Customers Buy
The Psychology of Selling: How and Why Customers Buy is your guide to understanding the customer's journey from hesitation to action. In this workshop, you'll uncover the hidden psychological factors that drive buying decisions and how to craft a sales process that speaks directly to your customer's needs. Learn how to guide your customers to the solution they're looking for - and make the sale with ease.
Audience:
- PM Property Manager
- L Leasing
Sponsored by:

Sonnie Sullivan
10:30am - 11:30am
Financial Forensics: Solving the Mysteries of Lost Revenue
This session takes a forensic approach to understanding multifamily finances, uncovering hidden revenue leaks, expense mismanagement, and budget mysteries that impact NOI. Using real-world case studies and financial "crime scenes," we'll investigate key financial elements, identify common pitfalls, and provide actionable strategies to maximize property profitability.
Audience:
- RS Regional Supervisor
- PM Property Manager
- L Leasing
Sponsored by:

Bill Nye
10:30am - 11:30am
From Maintenance Shop to the Presidents Desk: The Keys to Career Growth
How did a maintenance supervisor become the CEO of a multifamily development company in less than 10 years? Bill will share his journey and what he learned along the way in an effort to help the audience have a road map for career progressions.
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Suzanne Hopson
11:45am - 12:45pm
Navigating the Wilderness of the First 90 Days: Charting a Path to Success in Multifamily Transitions
The multifamily talent landscape is shifting, creating a wild and uncertain terrain for professionals stepping into new roles - whether through a promotion or joining a new company. The first 90 days are like entering uncharted wilderness, where every step shapes your future path. Will you blaze a trail toward success, or will you find yourself lost, questioning the journey?
In this session, we'll equip you with the compass and survival tools needed to navigate this critical transition period. Learn how to establish trust, deliver early wins, and avoid common pitfalls that can leave both you and your company wondering if the risk is worth it. With the right strategy, you can turn the first 90 days into a defining adventure - one that leads to lasting success. Don't wander aimlessly - discover how to confidently chart your course and make your mark in the multifamily landscape!
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Rommel Anacan
11:45am - 12:45pm
Mastering Stress: How to Beat Overwhelm and Take Back Control
In Mastering Stress: How to Beat Overwhelm and Take Back Control, you'll learn how to stop letting the pressures of life steal your peace and drain your energy. This is about more than managing stress - it's about reclaiming the strength and joy that's been buried under the weight of constant demands. You'll discover how to build resilience, restore your heart, and take control of your life with courage and purpose, no matter the storms around you.
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Randy Dean, MBA
11:45am - 12:45pm
Quick Tips for AI Productivity: Using Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Personal/Professional Growth
We've had access to leading AI productivity tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot for a while now, but most haven't started integrating these tools into their day-to-day activities to save time and enhance productivity. In this session, led by Randy Dean, MBA: The E-mail Sanity Expert (R), you will learn immediately-usable tips for integrating popular AI tools into your suite of productivity tools with a strong focus on Microsoft Copilot (although many of these tips also work with Gemini, ChatGPT, and other popular AI tools).
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Jason Kae
11:45am - 12:45pm
Navigating Cultural Change: Leader's Guide to Sustainable Transformation
Driving sustainable cultural change is one of the most challenging yet impactful responsibilities of a leader. In an industry as complex as multifamily housing, effective cultural change demands intentional strategies, resilience, and the ability to manage both resistance and enthusiasm. This session will equip leaders with actionable insights into facilitating meaningful cultural shifts that lead to enhanced employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance. By understanding how to assess participants will leave prepared to lead their teams through change with clarity, empathy, and determination.
Audience:
- RS Regional Supervisor
- PM Property Manager
Sponsored by:

Daniel C. Schaffer
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Lunch - Life Is Magic
Daniel C. Schaffer has been performing magic for almost 30 years, captivating audiences professionally for the past 15. He has been featured in numerous television appearances, performs hundreds of shows year-round, and has consulted for top audiences across the United States, including several Fortune 50 companies.
Specializing in mentalism and mind reading, Daniel amazes audiences with impossible predictions, mind-reading feats, and deep connections—all while keeping them laughing throughout the experience.
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

1:45pm - 5:00pm
Trade Show Open
Visit with more than 200 suppliers on the trade show floor to find the newest products and services for your apartment community. This year’s trade show is going to be forward-thinking, with vendors decorating with a futuristic theme!
Audience:
- A All

Sonnie Sullivan
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Netflix and CHILL OUT: Staying Calm and Having Crucial Conversations
This interactive session leverages the Netflix platform as a creative framework for mastering critical conversations. Participants will learn practical strategies to stay calm, navigate conflict, and achieve positive outcomes - whether addressing residents, team members, clients or supervisors.
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Bill Nye
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Relationship Selling is an Art
The ability to close a lease or a sale has always been about our ability to connect with our clients and prospects. This session will introduce the audience to a proven, time-tested approach to quickly connect with anyone during a leasing tour or sales presentation. This session will have you laughing at yourself while learning so much about the human temperament and how to apply the lesson to leasing and sales.
Audience:
- PM Property Manager
- L Leasing
Sponsored by:

Lia Nichole Smith
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Negative Reviews: Why Every Online Story Needs a Villain
Here's an eye-opening statistic: 70% of renters admit to intentionally looking for negative reviews during their most recent apartment search. Digital story telling has become and integral part of brand identity, with negative reviews playing critical roles in shaping the narrative of a product, service, or experience. This session goes beyond marketing; it's an exploration into the art and science of online criticism with real-life examples to innovate. See these "online villains" in a new light and leave with the tools to transform adversity into your greatest ally.
Audience:
- PM Property Manager
- L Leasing
- MK Marketing
Sponsored by:
8:00am- Registration Opens - Receive your badge at the registration desk in Hall F.

Lia Nichole Smith
9:15am - 10:15am
Market Relevance: The Unicorn Everyone is Chasing
Chasing unicorns is a phrase to describe the pursuit of something exceptional and extraordinary; and if attained, has the potential for significant rewards. Market relevance is our industry's unicorn but we're not alone; 80% of executives believe that customers and employees are changing faster than they can change their businesses. To stay top-of-mind, companies need to see their customers as they see themselves, imperfections and all, and align their marketing message accordingly. But when the proverbial "P's and C's" of marketing are not working, what else is there to do? Take a seat and get ready to learn how 3 companies across the nation have managed to capture the market share of relevance against the competition and what your organization can do to elevate your communities above the fray.
Audience:
- RS Regional Supervisor
- PM Property Manager
- MK Marketing
Sponsored by:

Monica Frazier
9:15am - 10:15am
Breaking Barriers: Elevating Cultural Intelligence in Multifamily
Join us for an engaging session on Cultural Intelligence and its role in navigating the complexities of today's multifamily environment. Learn how to recognize and address microaggressions, build a culture of inclusivity, and lead with empathy. Through real-life scenarios, you'll gain practical strategies to enhance communication, reduce conflict, and drive innovation in your community. Don't miss this opportunity to raise your cultural IQ and become a champion of diversity in your workplace!
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Mark Sharp
9:15am - 10:15am
Tools, Talent, and Talk: The Complete Maintenance Professional
"Tools, Talent, and Talk: The Complete Maintenance Professional" is an engaging and interactive session designed to enhance the communication, customer service, and teamwork skills essential for success in multifamily maintenance.
In this session, we’ll explore how effective communication, professionalism, and a customer-focused mindset can improve resident relationships, streamline teamwork, and boost job satisfaction. Through real-world scenarios and interactive exercises, attendees will learn how to handle difficult situations, prioritize tasks, and deliver top-tier service.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the field, this session will provide practical strategies to help you master the human side of maintenance. Because a great maintenance professional doesn’t just fix things, they build trust and connections.
Audience:
- M Maintenance
Sponsored by:

Valarie M. Sargent
9:15am - 10:15am
Supercharge Your Telephone Skills: Answering Leasing Calls with Confidence
In this session, you will discover telephone techniques that help you stand apart from the competition, drive traffic to your business, and provide excellent customer service. Identify how you sabotage yourself on the phone and learn how to prevent it while approaching phone calls with confidence. Further, you will understand the importance of building rapport, establishing a relationship, and engaging the prospect's interest enough to turn into a visit or a sale. Learn to get the results you want from one of the most productive tools available: the telephone.
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Monica Frazier
10:30am - 11:30am
Economics and Empathy: Navigating Revenue Growth in Challenging Times
In today's dynamic real estate landscape, mastering the delicate balance between economic prosperity and genuine empathy is crucial for sustained growth. This session delves into the intersection of economics and empathy, providing practical strategies to navigate revenue challenges. Participants will learn how to diversify revenue streams, prioritize profitability alongside resident welfare, and adapt to evolving market trends.
Audience:
- RS Regional Supervisor
- PM Property Manager
- L Leasing
Sponsored by:

Sonnie Sullivan
10:30am - 11:30am
Bake it 'Til You Make It: A Time Management Recipe for Multifamily Pros
Time management in multifamily is like baking the perfect dish - having the right ingredients, using the correct tools, and following a step-by-step process to get the best results. In this session, we'll break down time management strategies using a baking-inspired framework, helping attendees create the perfect "productivity recipe" to manage their workload, stay organized, and reduce burnout.
This isn't just another time management lecture - its The Productivity Bake-Off, where we take real-life time management challenges and turn them into a winning strategy.
Audience:
- A All
Sponsored by:

Ishea Shepherd
10:30am - 11:30am
I Speak Fluent Tech: Bridging Communication Between Maintenance and Property Managers
Clear communication between maintenance teams and property managers is critical to creating efficient operations and satisfied residents. This session focuses on breaking down communication barriers, improving collaboration, and ensuring everyone is on the same page. We'll explore how to use technology to streamline requests, set clear expectations, and provide consistent follow-ups. Maintenance professionals will gain tools to better articulate challenges and updates, while property managers will learn how to provide the context and support needed to help maintenance teams succeed. Together, we'll uncover how effective communication not only improves workflows but strengthens relationships across teams, ensuring smoother operations and happier residents.
Audience:
- RS Regional Supervisor
- PM Property Manager
- M Maintenance
Sponsored by:

Valerie M. Sargent
10:30am - 11:30am
Become an EQ Sales Pro - How Your Emotional Intelligence Can Drive More Leases and Sales
Did you know you can use your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) to boost your leasing and sales? Most things in life involve a sales process but people make buying decisions for their own reasons - not yours! And buying decisions are definitely emotional. How do you navigate the emotions of others? Learn to use your social awareness to understand stakeholders and risks. Your self-awareness will lead you to sales and success increase your win probability.
Audience:
- PM Property Manager
- L Leasing
- MK Marketing
Sponsored by:

11:45am - 12:45pm
Lunch & Awards
Join us for our lunch presentation, where we will honor a portion of our Midwest Prodigy Awards and Awards of Excellence winners.
Audience:
- A All

12:45pm - 3:45pm
Trade Show Open
Visit with more than 200 suppliers on the trade show floor to find the newest products and services for your apartment community. This year’s trade show is going to be forward-thinking, with vendors decorating with a futuristic theme!
Audience:
- A All

Lia Nichole Smith
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Concessions and Unintended Consequences: Secure Leases Without Paying For Them
Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of offering concessions to fill vacancies? The fact is, 72% of renters are willing to rent at a community without expecting any form of discount. Learn how concessions can devalue your community, attract the wrong kind of resident, and set a precedent for future renewal decisions. Instead of discounting your way to occupancy, we'll show you how to create a community that residents want to live in by leveraging your community's unique features to attract and retain high-quality residents. Discover innovative approaches to framing concessions as special offers, rather than discounts. By the end of this session, you'll gain a fresh perspective on leasing and discover effective strategies to secure more lease and renewals without sacrafficing your bottom line.
Audience:
- PM Property Manager
- L Leasing
Sponsored by:

Ishea Shepherd
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Powering Down as a Property Manager
Burnout is a common challenge for property and regional managers juggling competing demands, but prioritizing rest and recovery is key to sustaining success. This session highlights why recharging isn't just to personal benefit - it's a leadership strategy that enhances individual performance and empowers your team. Discover how recognizing your limits, delegating effectively, and modeling a balanced approach can boost productivity and morale. We'll provide actionable strategies to cultivate a work culture that prioritizes well-being, helping you and your team thrive in the fast-paced property management industry.
Audience:
- RS Regional Supervisor
- PM Property Manager
Sponsored by:

Mark Sharp
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Boosting Mental Health and Well-Being as a Maintenance Technician
This presentation focuses on Maintenance Technician's mental health and well-being challenges and how to overcome them. We will explore the impact of the 2020-2021 pandemic, the stressors specific to the maintenance industry, and how mental health directly affects job performance, safety, and productivity. Attendees will learn practical strategies to manage stress, set boundaries, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This session will also highlight the role of employers in supporting their teams through mental health resources and open communication.
Audience:
- M Maintenance
- PM Property Manager
- RS Regional Supervisor
Sponsored by:

Rommel Anacan
1:15pm - 2:15pm
The Power of Untamed Leadership
The Power of Untamed Leadership calls you to step into the wild, authentic leader you were created to be. This isn't about playing it safe - it's about leading with courage, conviction, and a heart on fire. Break free from the tame and step into a leadership that inspires others to follow you into something greater.
Audience:
- PM Property Manager
- RS Regional Supervisor
Sponsored by:

3:30pm - 5:00pm
Maintenance Executive Social Hour
Celebrate the excellent work of our maintenance professionals at this networking event, which will include food, beverages, and door prizes.
Audience:
- M Maintenance
Sponsored by:

6:00pm - 9:30pm
Midwest Prodigy Awards Reception & Dinner
Come celebrate the best in the Midwest and close out MMC 2024 with a bang! Attend this highly anticipated awards show and recognize the outstanding properties and professionals in the multifamily industry.
Location: Indianapolis Marriott Downtown - Marriott Ballroom (350 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46225)
Audience:
- A All