2026 Innovate Technology & Education Conference
30 years of Innovation in Multi-Housing
Join us for the 6th Annual Innovate Conference as we celebrate 30 Years of Innovation in Multi-Housing and look ahead to what’s next. This year’s conference brings together industry leaders, bold thinkers, and solution-driven professionals for an afternoon of learning, collaboration, and connection.
What to Expect:
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Lunch and networking with multifamily professionals and industry partners
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Keynote presentation by Tony Sousa on leading in an AI-powered culture
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Multiple breakout sessions featuring real-world insights, practical strategies, and candid conversations
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Access to the Innovation Station Power Hour with live demos from sponsors
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Cash prize drawings every 15 minutes during the Innovation Station
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Interactive Real Talk Roundtables driven by attendee-submitted topics
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Happy Hour with drinks and networking to close out the day
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Opportunities to connect, collaborate, and share best practices with peers across the industry
This is your opportunity to gain actionable insights, and expand your professional network. Don't miss out—secure your spot today!
Sponsorships are available. Click the Registration button to learn more!
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR:
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Early Bird Admission
Registration Ends 4/16/26 at 11:59 AM EDT
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$229.00 |
Agenda
| April 23 | |
| 11:00 AM | Registration Opens |
| 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM | Lunch & Networking |
| 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM |
Welcome & Keynote Session by Tony Sousa
Leading in an AI Culture: Navigating Change, Elevating Teams, and creating Human Value in an AI-Powered Generation |
| 1:25 PM - 2:10 PM |
Breakout Session 1
"The Leadership Gap: What Your Teams Wish You Knew (and Won’t Say Out Loud)" with Candice Manning & Caj Jennifer OR "Why Ya Gotta Be So Mean? Understanding difficult behavior without letting it wreck your day" with Lisa Trosien |
| 2:20 PM - 3:10 PM |
Breakout Session 2
"Who Decided This Was a Good Idea? Why things that sound smart don't always work in real life" with Lisa Trosien OR "Practical AI" with Russ Webb |
| 3:10 PM - 4:10 PM |
Innovation Station Power Hour
A designated hour to visit our sponsors in the demo lab Innovation Station area. Cash drawings every 15 minutes! |
| 4:10 PM - 5:00 PM |
Breakout Session 3
"Real Talk Roundtables - Topics submitted by attendees. Share best practices and work on solutions with focused peer conversations" by Becky Smith |
| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Networking Happy Hour |
Keynote Speaker: Tony Sousa
The day kicks off with lunch and networking before welcoming our Keynote Speaker, Tony Sousa, long-time multifamily leader, speaker, podcast host, and founder of the Sousa Supplier Network. Tony’s keynote, Leading in an AI Culture: Navigating Change, Elevating Teams, and Creating Human Value in an AI-Powered Generation, will challenge and inspire attendees to lead with intention in a rapidly evolving industry.
Breakout Session Presenters:
Lisa Trosien
Lisa Trosien is one of the most respected and recognizable voices in the apartment industry. A nationally known consultant, educator, keynote speaker, and proptech advisor, she brings over 25 years of hands-on experience to every engagement. Lisa helps companies improve leasing, marketing, customer service, and resident retention with practical, measurable strategies that deliver results. A frequent presenter for NAA and NMHC, she speaks to thousands of multifamily professionals each year, known for her smart insights, sharp wit, and real-world takeaways. Major media outlets—including The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Forbes Magazine, and NPR—rely on her as a trusted resource on rental housing trends
Candice Manning, CALP, CAM, CAPS, is the Director of Workforce Development, Education & Digital Strategy for the Maryland Multi-Housing Association. With over 20 years of sales experience and more than 15 years in property management, she brings a proven track record of leading teams, developing talent, and driving operational success. Candice is the creator of the award-winning Leasing Training Academy, a program that connects individuals to careers in multifamily housing through comprehensive, hands-on education.
Holding a degree in Speech Communication/Broadcasting, Candice leverages her background to design and deliver impactful training that inspires mindset shifts, behavior change, and performance improvement. A passionate advocate for workforce development, Candice is known for cultivating coachable, accountable teams across all levels of experience. Her commitment to innovation and education earned her recognition as a 2025 NAA ACE Educator of the Year—solidifying her role as a respected industry leader and changemaker in multifamily.
Caj Jennifer is the Senior Learning & Development Specialist for the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA), bringing more than 17 years of hands-on property management experience to advance the organization’s education and workforce development initiatives.
Caj began his career as a Leasing Professional and progressed through roles including Leasing Manager, Assistant Property Manager, Senior Property Manager, and Regional Property Manager, building deep expertise in Class A lease-ups and the build-to-rent space.
A recognized industry leader, he served on the Greater Nashville Apartment Association’s Education Committee and was named Property Manager of the Year in 2021. He later led large, multi-unit communities and major service projects in competitive markets.
Caj completed the NAAEI Advanced Facilitator Training in 2025 and is known for his empathetic leadership and commitment to developing the next generation of property management professionals at MMHA.
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