Each year, the multifamily industry’s premier technology and operations event, OPTECH, brings together professionals passionate about the rental housing industry and property technology, standing out as the go-to event for exploring the latest innovations and trends.
OPTECH offers an excellent opportunity to network with other industry professionals, discover cutting-edge solutions, and gain insights on how to tackle new challenges. You’ll also get the chance to see new products and discuss insights about the evolving landscape of the rental housing sector.
Held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center over three days in National Harbor, MD, from October 21-23, OPTECH is a must-attend event for multifamily professionals. To help you prepare, we’ve put together this guide to ensure you make the most of both the conference and your time in National Harbor.
In this post, we cover:
- Travel tips
- Tips for making the most of your time at OPTECH
- 3 sessions you shouldn’t miss while attending OPTECH
- Things to do in National Harbor
Travel tips
The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) has chosen a fantastic destination for OPTECH 2024. National Harbor, MD, offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and attractions, all just minutes away from Washington, D.C.
While not as large as nearby cities, National Harbor provides a scenic and convenient setting for conference attendees, with a mix of waterfront views and great dining. If you’re looking for history, monuments, or museums, D.C. is just a short ride away, offering endless options for exploration.
When selecting your accommodations, consider staying close to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. This will not only save you time but will also allow you to avoid traffic and other transportation costs.
Tips for making the most of your time at OPTECH
Getting ready for a conference like OPTECH can feel overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead.
Here are some tips to help you maximize your time at OPTECH:
- Make a packing list: While there is not a formal dress code, we recommend business casual attire. Given the expansive layout of the convention center, comfortable shoes are essential. Also, meeting rooms can get cold, so pack a light jacket to keep warm.
- Stay organized: OPTECH will have a large exhibit hall with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest in property technology and operational solutions. Review the exhibitor list in advance to prioritize the booths that align with your goals. Whether you’re looking for tech innovations, new products, or aiming to meet other rising proptech professionals, being selective with your time will help you maximize your experience.
- Bring writing materials: You’ll be exposed to a wealth of new knowledge from industry experts, so be sure to bring something to take notes with. A pen and notebook or your laptop both work perfectly.
Pro tip: OPTECH features a wide variety of educational sessions. While it’s great to have a plan, remember to stay flexible! You never know when a new opportunity will arise that might align better with your objectives.
Sessions you shouldn’t miss while attending OPTECH
Get ready for heaps of new industry knowledge at the education sessions at OPTECH. The multifamily industry is changing every day, so take advantage of these sessions and the panelists speaking at them.
But the panelists aren’t the only folks you can learn from. At each session, you’ll be surrounded by other industry professionals who share your interest — take advantage of this time to grow your network.
Below, we’ve highlighted one must-attend session from each day of the conference:
- Monday, October 21: Data-Driven Renter Insights: Crafting Exceptional Resident Experiences
- Tuesday, October 22: Blueprint for Innovation: Piloting and Sustaining New PropTech in Multifamily
- Wednesday, October 23: Navigating Multifamily Risk: Insurance Challenges and Proactive Mitigation Practices
1. Monday, October 21: Data-Driven Renter Insights: Crafting Exceptional Resident Experiences
This session, scheduled for 2:00 – 3:15 PM as part of the Technology workshops, will help you discover how data can reshape the renter experience in multifamily housing. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to leverage both new and existing data to uncover deeper insights into residents’ shifting preferences. You’ll also gain strategies for enhancing amenities and day-to-day operations that’ll help you build vibrant, thriving communities.
2. Tuesday, October 22: Blueprint for Innovation: Piloting and Sustaining New PropTech in Multifamily
Day two, a session you won’t want to miss will give you an outline for proptech between 10:45 – 11:30 AM. Learn from a panel of proptech industry experts that’ll guide you through launching, monitoring, and scaling tech pilot programs. You’ll also leave with actionable strategies to streamline adopting new technologies and drive innovation in a competitive market.
3. Wednesday, October 23: Navigating Multifamily Risk: Insurance Challenges and Proactive Mitigation Practices
Make the most of the last day by learning how to navigate the risks posed by multifamily properties from 9:00 – 10:00 AM. This session tackles growing risks in the landscape of multifamily housing and offers the latest insights into the insurance market. You’ll learn how to build a sustainable risk management program using advanced tools and technology. You’ll also get a preview of the 2024 NMHC State of Multifamily Risk Survey, explore strategies for overcoming insurance challenges, and discover how proactive risk management can drive long-term business success.
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
Things to do in National Harbor
If you have some downtime before or after the conference, take advantage of National Harbor’s many attractions:
- Get a breathtaking view of the Potomac River and D.C. landmarks from the iconic Capital Wheel Ferris wheel.
- Enjoy the scenic views, public art installations, and the relaxing atmosphere along the Waterfront.
- Check out MGM National Harbor, a luxury casino resort, featuring top-notch restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
- Take a short trip to D.C. and visit the National Mall, tour the Smithsonian museums, or explore monuments and historic sites, just a quick ride away.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our guide to National Harbor and NMHC OPTECH 2024! We hope to see you at booth 541 between October 21st and 23rd to tell you all about ButterflyMX and how we’re driving innovation in the multifamily industry. We can’t wait to show you in person why over 15,000 properties trust us to simplify property management with cutting-edge access control technology.
