NMHC OpTech 2018: Getting to the BI Metrics that Matter

A treat each year at the National Multifamily Housing Council’s OpTech Conference & Exposition is unveiling or examining apartment industry trends. Every other year, the NMHC/Kingsley Resident Preferences Report forces a few subtle realities of what residents really want. Last November, the report drew oohs and aahs from those who filled the Islander Ballroom at the Mandalay Bay conference center in Las Vegas when it was revealed that San Jose renters really wanted covered bike storage, not so much of the techie apartment things. Also, a few eyebrows raised after learning that residents in Orlando, the site of this year’s technology conference, much prefer a place to live that offers recycling and package storage than one that encourages playing in the Florida sunshine. NMHC OpTech 2018, held Nov. 14-16 at Rosen Shingle Creek, will again look at what motivates apartment renters, although the Renter Preferences Report takes a year off. A pair of back-to-back conference-opening general sessions on Wednesday is loaded with insight on what’s on the minds of renters. Taking a deep dive into last year’s renter survey First, NMHC will report on a dive deep into the findings of last year’s survey in an effort to better understand the lifestyle dynamics affecting renter decisions. The organization commissioned RE Tech Advisors to get into the minds of renters and learn what they think about smart technology and other features the industry offers to drive occupancy and retention. Right behind, conference attendees will get a special delivery: The 2018 NMHC Kingsley Package Delivery Survey results. A host of apartment leaders will discuss what thousands of property managers surveyed across the U.S. said about managing parcels for residents and what has changed since the last survey four years ago. The new information is sure to intrigue and will, no doubt, evoke a few whispers or curious glances at the overhead monitors. But what does al...