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As new technologies, policies and renter demands reshape multifamily housing, professionals can’t afford to operate on outdated information. Resident expectations are evolving rapidly. Technologies that once felt futuristic, like AI leasing assistants or smart locks, are becoming table stakes. Meanwhile, operational costs, staffing challenges and shifting regulations add layers of complexity that demand sharper, faster decisions.
To grow in this environment, multifamily professionals need more than intuition, they need insight. The right information at the right time helps you spot trends before they peak, avoid costly missteps and capitalize on new opportunities. It’s not just about staying “in the know,” it’s about building a team-wide culture of learning and adaptability.
But with so many headlines, sources and social feeds competing for attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve curated seven practical, high-value resource categories to help you keep your finger on the pulse of the industry.
Whether you're managing a few hundred units or scaling a national portfolio, these strategies can help you make smarter, more confident decisions in less time.
1. Organizations
The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) are widely recognized as the most respected and influential voices in multifamily housing. They are essential not just for information, but for shaping the industry itself. These organizations provide:
In-depth industry research, economic reports and benchmarking data to help you understand market trends and operational performance.
Crucial legislative updates and powerful advocacy efforts that influence policy at federal, state and local levels, protecting and advancing the industry’s interests.
Extensive networking opportunities through webinars, conferences (like NMHC OPTECH and NAA Apartmentalize) and member directories, allowing you to connect with peer leaders.
Professional development and educational programs, including certifications, to enhance your team’s expertise.
Best practice guides and expert insights on everything from compliance to sustainability.
Subscribing to their newsletters, attending events or becoming a member is an indispensable way to stay in the loop on the biggest trends, policy shifts and strategic developments.
2. Industry news sites
To keep your finger on the daily pulse of multifamily, turn to dedicated news platforms such as Units Magazine, Multi-Housing News, Multifamily Dive, Multifamily Executive, Multifamily Insiders, ULI's Knowledge Finder and GlobeSt.com. These sites serve as critical conduits for:
Breaking news on transactions and market shifts
Updates on new developments and design innovations
Deep dives into regulatory shifts and their implications
Coverage of the latest PropTech advancements
They offer a wealth of perspectives through articles, interviews and op-eds from leading operators, developers and solution providers, giving you a comprehensive understanding of industry movements. Their regular updates are key for timely decision-making.
Bonus tip: Enhance your news curation by setting up Google Alerts with targeted keywords like "multifamily technology" or "smart apartments" to receive relevant articles right to your inbox.
3. Multifamily podcasts
Podcasts are perfect for busy professionals who want to learn while commuting, exercising or walking the property. They offer on-the-go insights from industry leaders, covering a wide range of topics in an accessible format. A few popular picks include:
"Apartments On The Go" – Practical insights and operational strategies from multifamily leaders.
"The Multifamily Women Podcast" – Engaging conversations around innovation, leadership and tech, often with a focus on women in the industry.
"The PropTech Podcast" – Dedicated to the technology shaping real estate, exploring new solutions and their impact.
“Multifamily Unpacked” (often associated with REBA / Funnel) - Deep dives into multifamily tech, data and how it influences property management and the renter experience.
“Multifamily Media Network” - Covers everything from leadership to proptech to day-to-day operations across various shows.
These episodes often spotlight current challenges, highlight case studies and introduce forward-thinking strategies, making them a rich source of continuous learning.
4. LinkedIn thought leaders
For real-time, direct, and often actionable insights, LinkedIn is a powerful platform. Follow key multifamily influencers, forward-thinking vendor executives and innovation-minded operators. People like Mike Brewer, Donald Davidoff, Moshe Crane and Patrick Antrim regularly share valuable takes on staffing, smart tech, operational efficiencies and the evolving resident experience.
This direct access to industry leaders' perspectives offers a dynamic complement to more formal news sources. Don't just follow, engage with their posts to deepen your understanding and connect with a broader network.
To expand your feed with relevant conversations and discover new voices, start by following industry hashtags like #multifamily, #proptech and #apartmentliving.
5. Conferences and webinars
There’s simply no substitute for the dynamic live learning and unparalleled networking opportunities offered by industry events. These gatherings provide a concentrated burst of insight and connection. Key events to consider include:
NMHC OPTECH: A premier event focusing on technology, operations and business strategy for multifamily owners and operators.
RETTC (Real Estate Technology & Innovation Conference): Dives deep into the latest real estate technology trends and their application.
Tech Executive Summit: Often brings together c-suite and senior leaders to discuss high-level technological strategies.
OPTECH 365 (Owners and Operators only): An exclusive event for top-tier executives to engage in peer-to-peer discussions on critical issues.
Apartmentalize (by NAA): The National Apartment Association’s flagship event, covering all facets of property management, leasing and resident experience.
Multifamily Innovation Summit: Explores cutting-edge and disruptive technologies transforming the industry.
Parks Associates (e.g., CONNECTIONS™ or Smart Spaces): Focuses on connected home technology, IoT and smart living solutions, including their application in multifamily.
AIM (Apartment Innovation and Marketing Conference): Dedicated to the latest in multifamily marketing, leasing and resident experience technology.
These gatherings are packed with robust trend forecasting, practical peer insights and hands-on solutions that can immediately impact your operations. Can’t attend in person? Many now offer virtual access to keynotes, panels and even working sessions, ensuring you can still gain invaluable knowledge and connections, regardless of your schedule or location.
6. SmartRent blog
Yes, we’re including ourselves on this list—and for good reason. The SmartRent blog (Smart Sense) stands out as a valuable resource because our insights are grounded in the real-world experiences of operators, developers and property managers across the country. Our team works closely with a vast network, giving us a unique vantage point on industry challenges and effective solutions.
The SmartRent blog delivers actionable content on critical topics such as:
Smart tech for multifamily: Practical applications, ROI and future trends in connected living.
Sustainability and ESG strategy: How to implement eco-friendly practices that benefit both residents and your bottom line.
Staffing and operations: Strategies for optimizing workflows, reducing costs and empowering your teams.
Leasing and resident experience: Innovative ways to attract, engage and retain residents through technology and service.
Our insights aren’t just theory—they’re built on what’s really working in today’s multifamily environment. Consider making the SmartRent blog a regular stop for practical, data driven strategies.
7. Your own team and partners
Some of the most valuable, real-time insights come from the people around you. Stay closely connected with your leasing teams, maintenance crews and regional managers—they're often the first to notice shifting resident needs, emerging pain points or new operational efficiencies. Beyond your internal team, actively lean on trusted vendor partners. They work across many clients and can share invaluable perspectives on what's working (or not working) across their networks, offering a broad, ground-level view of industry trends.
Building a culture of regular, open information-sharing, both internally and externally, keeps your organization agile, aligned and ready to adapt.
Staying ahead is a shared advantage
In a sector reshaped by rapidly evolving technology, increasing data and rising resident expectations, staying informed isn't just smart—it's one of the most vital investments you can make in your business. Every article, podcast or webinar you engage with adds a critical layer of context, helping you lead more effectively, pivot faster and innovate with purpose.
Remember, staying current isn't a solo act; it's a shared advantage. When your team, your partners and your leadership are all tuned in to the same signals, your entire organization becomes significantly more adaptable and future-ready.
Start small, stay sharp
To begin, pick two or three of the resource categories mentioned above and make learning a regular habit. Consistent engagement, even in small doses, will yield significant returns.
And if you want insights grounded in real-world multifamily operations—from smart tech to sustainability and staffing solutions—make the Smart Sense SmartRent blog part of your regular rotation. Subscribe to our newsletter today and keep your competitive edge in an industry that never stands still.