Jess Ekstrom

Chasing the Bright Side: Purpose-Driven Thinking Leads to Unstoppable Growth

Jess Ekstrom is the founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, investor in women, 2x best selling author, Forbes Top Rated Speaker and mom.

Her first brush with success was selling all of her toys on eBay when she was twelve. Since then, Jess and her companies have been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and more. More importantly, her companies have helped millions of women and girls around the world.

She’s the bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Create Your Bright Ideas. Her hobbies include writing, hiking, board games with her husband, playing hide and seek with her kids, and searching for the best breakfast burrito in America.

Daniel C. Schaffer

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.
In 2020, Daniel mentored under the legendary motivational speaker Les Brown, where he was trained in developing and delivering powerful, impactful messages and stories. It was during this time that he learned how to seamlessly integrate meaningful messages into his performances. Since then, he has gone on to win multiple awards and receive rave reviews from clients and organizations seeking more than just entertainment—an experience that is fun, positive, memorable, and, most importantly, meaningful.

Rommel Anacan

Sessions:

• The Psychology of Selling: How and Why Customers Buy
• Mastering Stress: How to Beat Overwhelm and Take Back Control
• The Power of Untamed Leadership

Rommel Anacan (Roe-mell Ana-kin) doesn’t just talk about success—he’s out to set people free from the limits holding them back.

Known for his powerful, thought-provoking, yet practical and relatable approach Rommel (as a speaker, consultant and coach) has helped thousands go beyond surface success and step boldly into their potential by leveraging the power of human connection.

Top companies have trusted him to work with their teams, and his keynotes at world-class conferences have helped thousands transform big challenges into breakthrough moments. When not speaking around the nation Rommel loves spending time with his family in Southern California, is an ordained pastor, is vice president of Briers to Myrtles Ministries, volunteers with Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, and loves wearing cowboy boots, and watching sports and Hallmark movies.

Monica Frazier

Sessions:

• Breaking Barriers: Elevating Cultural Intelligence in Multifamily
• Economics and Empathy: Navigating Revenue Growth in Challenging Times

Monica Frazier, hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, serves as the General Manager at Midwood Investment & Development, bringing over 12 years of experience in residential and commercial management across multiple states. As the founder of Melanin In Multifamily, she fosters a sense of community and empowers Black professionals in the multifamily sector. Monica's dedication to the industry is further demonstrated through her active involvement in the National Apartment Association and as a member of NAAEI Faculty. Recognized as a 3 time NAA Excellence Award nominee, as well as graduate of the NAA 2023 Leadership Lyceum Class, Monica also leads the charge as a committee chair for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of her state apartment association. Her outstanding contributions were celebrated with the PAA's 2023 Property Manager of the Year Award and winner of the NAA IDEI Grant in 2023. Monica's expertise lies in training, leadership development, and operational excellence.

Suzanne Hopson

Sessions:

• Navigating the Wilderness of the First 90 Days: Charting a Path to Success in Multifamily Transitions

Suzanne Hopson has been in the multifamily space for over 20 years and has elevated hundreds of people in their careers by sharing her extensive experience in operations, training, sales/marketing, human resources, technology, construction, asset management, finance and more. 

After her latest role as President of a multifamily owner/operator in the Midwest, she ventured into entrepreneurial endeavors of her own. She is the Founder and Principal of Here2Elevate, a fractional, executive firm assisting not only multifamily, but all industries. She partners with small to medium business owners to help scale, grow and manage their companies on a fractional basis.

She leverages her credentials and competencies in leadership development, visionary partnership, people advocacy, strategic planning, organizational scaling, systems/process, culture cultivation, and customer journey mapping to enhance leadership and results, elevate lives, and positively impact the world. 

Jason Kae

Sessions:

• Navigating Cultural Change: Leader's Guide to Sustainable Transformation

Jason Kae has spent his entire twenty-five-year-plus career on the front lines of businesses building team cultures with the goal of helping employees, the companies they work for, and the clients they serve to increase their potential for mutual success. Since 2005, he has worked exclusively within the multifamily industry, where he has held every role within an on-property office team. He currently leads a global team of over 30 training facilitators who onboard and enable Product Support and Implementations agents at RealPage. He is also the author of Journey to a Rain forest Team Culture, a fable base in the multifamily industry that teaches leaders the framework needed to build and sustain high performing team cultures.

Randy Dean

Sessions:

• Finding an Extra Hour Every Day: Time Management Tips and Tricks for Busy Professionals
• Quick Tips for AI Productivity: Using Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Personal/Professional Growth

Randy Dean, the “E-mail Sanity Expert” ® is a professional speaker and expert on time & e-mail management, effective organization, and the related use of technology. For more than 25 years, Randy has been leading programs for major corporate, university, association, and government audiences. Obsessed with time management and personal productivity, he left a successful career in major corporate, university, and nonprofit organizations to become a leading speaker and trainer. The author of former Amazon bestseller, Taming the E-mail Beast and the new video-integrated e-book REBOOT version, and producer and creator of several highly-rated video self-study courses and popular YouTube channel, he has led programs for thousands of satisfied and inspired students, managers, and professionals on being more productive with their time and life. His highly informative and entertaining programs leave audience members with immediately usable tools, strategies, and skills on how to better manage their time, technology, and information overload following their program experience.

Bill Nye

Sessions:

• From Maintenance Shop to the Presidents Desk: The Keys to Career Growth
• Relationship Selling is an Art

Bill is a full-time presenter with nearly 30 years of experience presenting to organizations all across the county. He also has an extensive background in multifamily, having worked as a maintenance supervisor, community manager, regional manager, COO, President and CEO. In addition to his experience as a speaker and multifamily professional, he is the host of the podcast "Leading your Culture with Bill Nye and is the author of the book "Culture Grows". Bill is also a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served our nation from 1981-1990. 

Valerie M. Sargent  

Sessions:

• Supercharge Your Telephone Skills: Answering Leasing Calls with Confidence
• Become an EQ Sales Pro - How Your Emotional Intelligence Can Drive More Leases and Sales

Valerie M. Sargent is President of Yvette Poole & Associates and Valerie M. Sargent, Inc. A skilled Speaker, Trainer, Consultant and EQ Executive Coach, Valerie specializes in Leasing, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service and Leadership. She obtained her Level 1 & 2 TalentSmart Emotional Intelligence Trainer certification in 2013 and thrives in taking companies’ teamwork and communication to new levels as an Emotional Intelligence Strategist. After the pandemic, she became one of NAA’s inaugural Mental Health First Aid instructors to help others focus on mental health needs. Valerie is a dedicated philanthropist, and in 2022 she earned the title of Orange County’s “Woman of the Year” for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, leading her team to raise the most funds for the area. She chaired the LLS OC/IE Visionaries Leadership Team for 2023-2024. This expert knows how to inspire others and bring vitality to individuals and organizations! Find her at www.valeriemsargent.com and www.ypooleandassoc.com. 

Mark Sharp

Sessions:

• Tools, Talent, and Talk: The Complete Maintenance Professional
• Boosting Mental Health and Well-Being as a Maintenance Technician

Mark Sharp, Director of Maintenance Education for The Maintenance Academy, brings over two decades of unparalleled expertise in the multifamily industry to his role. With a comprehensive background that spans every facet of property management, Mark has accumulated invaluable insights and honed his skills through various positions, from on-site roles to supplier partnerships and corporate environments. Mark's dedication to excellence is not only evident in his extensive experience but also in his commitment to industry leadership. He served admirably for eight years as a Board Member of the Apartment Association, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills during two terms as President of the Upper State Apartment Association and as an Executive Board Member of the South Carolina Apartment Association. His dedication to professional development is showcased through his numerous certifications, including the CAMT Designation, Universal EPA Certification, and CPO Certification. Mark's passion for education extends beyond his own advancement; he serves as an educator for the industry, imparting knowledge through continuing education courses for Maintenance and EPA Certification. Outside of his professional endeavors, Mark is a dedicated swim coach for Eastside High School, exemplifying his commitment to mentorship and community involvement. When he's not on the pool deck, Mark enjoys treasured moments with his children and family, exploring nature through hiking, and discovering new bike trails. Mark Sharp is not just a leader in property management; he's a multifaceted individual dedicated to making a positive impact both professionally and personally.

Ishea Shepherd

Sessions:

• I Speak Fluent Tech: Bridging Communication Between Maintenance and Property Managers
• Powering Down as a Property Manager

Ishea loves to lead and build teams and has been a manager in several industries including construction and hospitality. She is currently Assistant Vice President at AMC Delancey Group, overseeing the effective management of over 55 scattered-site properties including property management, maintenance, capital improvements. She was recognized as the 2023 Emerging Leader of the year by the National Apartment Association and strives to empower managers to lead with joy and authenticity. Ishea is passionate about leadership, operations and creating inclusive spaces. She creates content and leads discussions to empower managers to become effective and successful leaders.

She is a 2021 Graduate of the National Apartment Association Diversity Leadership Program and a 2023 Leadership Lyceum Graduate. Ishea is a licensed real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania and is a board member of the National Apartment Association Board of Directors. She is a wife and mother and loves traveling with her family in her free time.

Lia Nichole Smith

Sessions:

• Negative Reviews: Why Every Online Story Needs a Villain
• Market Relevance: The Unicorn Everyone is Chasing
• Concessions and Unintended Consequences: Secure Leases Without Paying for Them

Lia Nichole Smith is a trend-spotting thought leader, with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of solving challenges for conventional, affordable, senior and student communities. Recognized by GlobeStreet as an influencer in Multifamily, Lia Nichole is an expert in predictive analytics and a highly sought-after international speaker due to her ability to bring together market research, renter trends and effective storytelling. She is a published author, industry leader and all around data nerd. 

Sonnie Sullivan

Sessions:

• Financial Forensics: Solving the Mysteries of Lost Revenue
• Netflix and CHILL OUT: Staying Calm and Having Crucial Conversations
• Bake it 'Til You Make It: A Time Management Recipe for Multifamily Pros

Sonnie Sullivan is a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in the apartment industry. Since 2008, she has been dedicated to elevating the residential experience and currently serves as a Regional Manager, expertly overseeing a diverse portfolio of property types, from Class A communities to value-add projects, in Austin and the surrounding areas. In 2016, Sonnie earned her CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) certification, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in property management. Her expertise goes beyond operations, as she has made a significant impact in Learning & Development by designing and delivering customized training programs on topics ranging from leasing fundamentals to advanced conflict resolution. Sonnie is also passionate about education and community empowerment. Through her work with Goodwill Industries, she has taught CALP (Certified Apartment Leasing Professional) courses, opening doors for individuals seeking to grow their careers in the apartment industry. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sonnie is a devoted wife and proud mother of four daughters. Known for her resilience and dedication, she balances her career with family life while indulging her love of true crime podcasts, diving into captivating mysteries during her downtime.