Couldn’t make it to Apartmentalize 2021? No worries. We compiled the top multifamily property management trends to takeaway from the conference, including tech highlights, and experiences you can apply to your own operations.

1. Virtual Maintenance Is Here to Stay

The “Virtually Unstoppable – Managing Properties from Anywhere” session showed how digital workflows are transforming onsite operations. From remote diagnostics to resident self-service tools, this shift is a game-changer for workforce efficiency—and a crucial property management takeaway for teams adapting to new staffing challenges.

2. Hiring & Retaining Maintenance Team Members Will Continue to be Difficult

Industry leaders echoed familiar frustrations: maintenance turnover is hovering above 40%. As one operator shared at a panel, “Ease of training and intuitive tools are essential to retaining technicians.” That means property teams must invest in mobile-friendly platforms and streamlined onboarding experiences to stay competitive.

3. Analytics and Map-Based Inspections Made a Splash

At the expo, our analytics dashboard and plan-view inspection tools caught a lot of attention. Property professionals were excited about features that let them annotate floor plans, track inspection results by room, and assign follow-up tasks—all part of the shift toward data-driven maintenance that enhances the resident experience.

4. Most Innovative Product at the Expo

While there’s no shortage of “furnace filter changing” policies & practices, it has always been a pain to manage & track replacements!

We were blown away by the furnace filter subscription service, Second Nature, and their new foldable furnace filters. Small enough to ship directly to residents and includes instructions! This is an early Multifamily Property Management trend to be part of.

5. Human Connections Matter

Nothing beats face-to-face conversation. After a long stretch of virtual events, Apartmentalize 2021 reaffirmed the power of human connection. Whether it was market insights, conference swag, or hallway chats, the energy and collaboration reminded us why live events still matter.

Putting These Takeaways to Work

Here are three ways to apply these multifamily property management trends today:

• Invest in mobile-first tools that speed technician deployment and reduce errors.

• Make data actionable—use inspection analytics to prioritize preventative maintenance.

• Think creatively—sometimes the simplest solutions (like direct-to-resident products) have the highest impact.

Ready to Turn Insights into Action?

Let the lessons from Apartmentalize 2021 fuel your strategy for success. Discover how NetVendor Maintenance can help you digitize inspections, centralize communication, and optimize workflows—built for modern property teams.

Schedule a demo and see how to apply these insights to your operations today.