My EdCon East Experience

Posted By: Libby Patton Articles,

As a speaker at WMFHA's EdCon East, and as a Community Manager in the Spokane area, I had the honor of not only sharing insights on social media marketing but also immersing myself in an environment brimming with innovation, collaboration, and industry expertise.

EdCon East is a wonderful training opportunity for property management professionals, offering a platform to explore the latest trends, exchange ideas, and make meaningful connections. Here, I reflect on my experience at this event and the takeaways it provided. This is more than just a conference - it's a vibrant community where like-minded individuals converge to elevate their skills and drive collective progress.

From the moment I stepped into the venue, I was greeted by an atmosphere buzzing with anticipation and enthusiasm. The energy was palpable as attendees from diverse backgrounds and roles came together, united by a shared passion for excellence in property management. The event kicked off with a keynote address from Costar, providing insights into the current state of the rental housing market in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, and throughout the day, industry leaders taught workshops to share their insights and offer fresh perspectives to grow industry knowledge for attendees.

There was something for everybody, offering a diverse range of workshops and educational sessions tailored to the needs of property management professionals. From leadership development, to maintenance, legal updates and tips to improve operational efficiency, the event covered a wide spectrum of topics designed to empower attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today's competitive, and ever-changing, rental market.

As a speaker, I had the privilege of contributing to the event by sharing my experiences and expertise in social media marketing. My session sparked engaging discussions and provided attendees with actionable strategies to effectively leverage the power of a variety of social media platforms. It was truly gratifying to see participants eager to learn and exchange ideas, which is a testament to the professionalism and culture of continuous improvement that permeated the event.

One of the most rewarding aspects of EdCon East was the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and industry experts. The trade show and networking provided significant opportunities to exchange insights, forge new partnerships, and strengthen existing relationships. Throughout the event, I found myself engaged in meaningful conversations with our industry partners, learning about new products, tips, and tricks that I could immediately take with me and implement at the communities I manage.

Beyond the educational content, EdCon East also fostered a sense of camaraderie and community spirit that left a lasting impression. Whether through activities in the sessions or via networking at the trade show, I saw many attendees from various companies and properties (yes, even those that compete with one another!) working together towards common goals. This reinforced the notion that, in this industry, we are stronger when we support and uplift one another.

In conclusion, WMFHA's EdCon East was a great experience that left me inspired, informed, and invigorated. From the insightful sessions to the meaningful connections, the event promoted the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines the property management industry. As I reflect on my time at EdCon East, I am reminded of the immense potential that lies ahead and the importance of continuing to learn, adapt, and grow in the pursuit of excellence.