Yardi’s Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) returned to Canada today, bringing together clients, partners and Yardi team members for an immersive experience in Toronto. The event’s general session highlighted Yardi’s ongoing commitment to the Canadian real estate market, covering Yardi’s journey in the industry, the latest AI-powered solutions and the upcoming Voyager 8. A strong foundation for growth Yardi Canada’s vice president and general manager, Peter Altobelli (pictured, right), opened the general session by acknowledging the year-long planning and immense efforts involved in making YASC Canada a success. “We are focused on education, networking and partnering with you today and for the long term,” Peter remarked, emphasizing Yardi’s commitment to its clients’ growth and success. Reflecting on Yardi’s journey in Canada, Peter highlights the company’s gradual expansion, which began with just five staff and grew to over 500 employees across three Canadian offices. “As our clients grow, we grow and our relationship remains strong,” he shared, illustrating the mutual commitment between Yardi and its Canadian clients. He also highlighted the impact of Yardi’s Saskatoon office, home to a team of 75 who develop products for global clients, reinforcing Yardi’s dedication to innovation and service. Embracing the future with a focus on service Kevin Yardi, vice president of Yardi, provided insights into Yardi’s product roadmap, reflecting on the company’s readiness to embrace the next technology transition with AI. “We’re aligning our products to meet your end-to-end business goals,” Kevin shared, noting that while the business logic remains consistent, Yardi’s enhanced functionality and user experience continue to evolve with client needs. AI-powered innovations: transforming property management Akshai Rao, president of residential at Yardi, took the stage to introduce Yardi’s newest AI-driven solutions, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and creating a seamless user experience. With Virtuoso AI, Yardi is pushing the boundaries of property management by automating complex tasks, providing actionable insights and embedding collaborative tools to streamline workflows. “Our goal is to make your day-to-day easier by embedding AI directly into the solutions you use daily,” Akshai explained. Through Virtuoso, teams can stay aligned by tracking essential interactions and focusing on the 10% of tasks that demand more time and attention. This enables organizations to operate with precision and efficiency, empowering teams to make impactful decisions. The next chapter with Voyager 8 In line with Yardi’s focus on innovation, the session introduced Voyager 8, a reimagined platform focused on enhancing user experience for all roles, from executives to team members. Akshai highlighted how Voyager 8’s updated interface streamlines engagement with platform data, making it simpler for everyone to access and utilize critical information. “It’s about making things easier for your users and organization,” he explained, underscoring Yardi’s dedication to accessible, role-based apps that empower everyone from leasing agents to executives. First day of YASC: a future worth looking at With this year’s YASC Canada, Yardi showcased not only its dedication to innovation and client success but also its unwavering support for the communities it serves. Stay tuned for more insights from this inspiring event as Yardi continues to drive positive change in the Canadian real estate...
National NAHRO Conference
Event recap
Last week, our PHA team attended the National NAHRO Conference in Orlando, Florida. We especially enjoyed the keynote speech by rapper Roxanne Shante who grew up in Queensbridge Public Housing Projects. Her story highlighted how vital safe and affordable housing is for many artists growing up. It’s inspiring to see icons like Shante actively engage with their community and use their platforms to instill change. A big thank you to our friends at NAHRO for giving us a platform to share how technology can shape the future of public housing. We find it incredibly rewarding to witness the real impact we have on our community and to engage in conversations that challenge us to think and act differently. But we didn’t just share our expertise. We also learned about the inspiring work others in the industry are doing. Our team left the conference feeling more motivated than ever to contribute to this positive change. In case you missed us, here’s a quick recap of what our team covered: Harnessing AI in public housing Jeanette Porter and Jeff Bischoff from Yardi took the stage to discuss a hot topic: AI and its potential in the public housing sector. They explored various uses of AI in housing, such as chatbots and optical character recognition (OCR). We also touched on the importance of safety and security when using AI, especially when handling sensitive personal information. “It’s critical that you have the proper plans, policies and cyber security insurance in place,” said Jeff Bischoff, director at Yardi. Looking ahead, we’re excited about using AI to simplify everyday tasks in public housing. This innovation opens a world of possibilities and we’re eager to keep the conversation going. Streamlining PHA operations with Upfront Income Verifications Next up was Mary Beth Snyder, industry principal at Yardi, who always knows how to engage the crowd and break down the complexities of income verification. Mary Beth explained the new HOTMA rules and how Level 5 Upfront Income Verification is now the highest form of verification since EIV isn’t available at move-in. She pointed out that Level 4 Tenant-Provided Verification can raise fraud concerns, while third-party verification forms have been lowered to Level 3. We also heard from Ebony Bell from the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority and Brandi Quiroz from the Corpus Christi Housing Authority. They discussed how their agencies handle to verification and fraud prevention, along with some strategies that have made a real difference for them. We hope to continue empowering housing authorities to streamline their verification processes and maximize staff efficiency. Final thoughts Thank you to NAHRO, Quadel and all the organizations that make this event possible. It was wonderful to see everyone come together, even during a hurricane. We’re grateful our team made it out safely, but our hearts go out to the communities affected by the storm. For more information on Yardi’s public housing solutions, please visit...
Connect With Us
Fall Senior Living Events
2024 fall events are right around the corner! Our senior living team looks forward to meeting with you and sharing the latest innovations with our single connected solution. See which events we’re attending below, then book time to visit us at each. NIC Fall Conference Visit us at the Woodley Park meeting room at the NIC Fall Conference — you’ll learn how our fully integrated technology helps providers unify operations and deliver quality care. We’re pleased to be an official NIC Conference partner. Book time to meet us at NIC. Event details: Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C. September 23-25, 2024 AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo Connect with us at the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo to explore how the Yardi Senior Living Suite creates a foundation for success. You’ll find team Yardi at booth 2119. Schedule a meeting with us at AHCA/NCAL. Event details: Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida October 6-9, 2024 SMASH 2024 Let’s network at SMASH 2024 — we’ll share how our single connected solution helps providers raise the bar. We’re happy to be a Premier Platinum sponsor. Plan time to see us at SMASH. Event details: JW Marriott Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada October 14-16, 2024 LeadingAge Annual Meeting Meet with us at booth 2239 at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting. Our team will show you around the Yardi Senior Living Suite (including what’s new). Get a meeting on the books at LeadingAge. Event details: Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee October 27-30, 2024 CALA Fall Conference & Trade Show Connect with team Yardi at booth 510 at the CALA Fall Conference & Trade Show. You’ll discover how our single connected solution offers every tool you need, all centralized in one place. We’re excited to be an Awards Luncheon sponsor. Reserve time to meet us at CALA. Event details: Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel & Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs,...
Spotlight on Affordable Housing
YASC session gives inside look
If you’ve attended a Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC), you know that Yardi addresses professionals from every property management industry segment, including affordable housing. The Affordable Housing Spotlight Session during YASC drew approximately 400 people representing providers from across the country. During the session, Yardi Director of Client Services Jackie Mills-Delling gave attendees a glimpse into Yardi’s vision for the future of affordable housing property management. Agenda items included a schedule of Yardi software releases, guidance on HOTMA implementation and solution overviews for different types of affordable housing organizations. What’s Happening with HOTMA? HOTMA stands for the Housing Opportunities Through Modernization Act of 2016. Through HOTMA, the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development is updating guidelines for several affordable housing programs that will streamline core administrative processes. Jackie provided HOTMA updates for HUD 50059, Rural Development, HOME and Low Income Tax Credit properties. The updates covered the changes that HOTMA will bring, including new forms, reports, financial calculations and more. “HOTMA has been an ongoing priority for Yardi as we work with affordable housing providers to get prepared for everything coming their way. YASC is a great opportunity to get a lot of people in the room to have a discussion of the current status of these important changes to the industry,” said Jackie. Voyager 8 Perhaps the most anticipated portion of the spotlight session was a look at Yardi’s newest version of its flagship affordable housing solution, Voyager 8. Voyager 8 includes a reimagined user interface for affordable housing professionals called Compliance Manager. YASC attendees saw a demo of Compliance Manager, many for the first time. Yardi expects to release Compliance Manager, powered by Voyager 8, in the coming months. Compliance Manager centralizes access to affordable housing data, compliance reviews, metrics, communication tools and automated income and asset verifications. With Compliance Manger, users can access each of these tools from a dashboard that does not require switching screens or logging into separate modules. “The new Compliance Manager interface will enable users to quickly see and access what they use as their daily routine. It truly is a reimagined user experience, and it’s coming soon for Yardi clients,” said Jackie. Current Yardi Voyager users will be able to access Compliance Manager at no cost and without extensive implementation efforts once they’ve migrated to Voyager 8. Solution Recommendations Another exciting portion of the spotlight session provided attendees with a look at Yardi affordable housing solutions that may be a great fit for their current and future needs. For example, the overview of Maintenance IQ showed how affordable housing providers can enhance their ability to comply with federal inspection standards “This tool has the potential to significantly enhance maintenance efficiency, reducing unit turnaround times and seamlessly integrating with procurement processes. It streamlines the integration of materials needed for tasks like changing a lock or faucet directly into the workflow,” said Jackie. Other products covered during the session included Yardi Aspire, which is a complete learning management solution, Yardi Verification Services which delivers income and asset verifications usually within a matter of minutes, Yardi Case Manager, a ticketing solution for tracking service delivery, and much more. “YASC offers a great time for our clients every year. But, beyond the fun and entertainment, there really is a focus on educating Yardi clients on our current and future solutions. There’s a lot to learn at YASC, and this affordable housing spotlight session was a great example,” said Jackie. Interested in attending a Yardi event? Check our events page for information about client events and industry tradeshows happening in the United States and Canada. If you’d like more information about Yardi affordable housing solutions, visit our website or call (800) 866-1144 to ask for an online...
The Journey Continues
YASC 2024 Celebrates 40 Years of Yardi
It’s a milestone year for Yardi, and the air was buzzing with excitement as nearly 4,500 real estate technology leaders gathered in San Diego this morning to kick off the 2024 Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC). The theme of this year’s event is “the journey continues,” and it promises to be an exhilarating and insightful three-day experience for all YASC attendees. Kicking off the General Session, Esther Bonardi, vice president of corporate marketing and REACH by RentCafe, reflected on the company’s innovative past and exciting present. “The journey does not stop here and goes into the future, and maybe (this week), you will share something with us that goes into our future,” Bonardi said. YASC attendees received a commemorative silver coin marking a “moment in time, and we hope you go back home and remember you were here when Yardi hit 40 years.” Guiding principles and great determination Yardi founder and CEO, Anant Yardi, shared his personal memories of starting Yardi on his Apple II computer in Santa Barbara, Calif. Later in the opener, his son Kevin Yardi, today the company’s vice president, recalled falling asleep to the sound of his father’s keystrokes as he programmed late into the night. In the early 1980s, Mr. Yardi shared that his claim to fame was that those using Yardi software only needed one floppy disk for the program, instead of the more common three or four. The Apple II Mr. Yardi worked on made the trip to San Diego for the 40-year anniversary, demurely sharing the stage with all speakers. “At any point of time throughout the 40 years at Yardi, there was always a vision and a goal,” Mr. Yardi said. Despite early setbacks, he relied on “tenacity and a degree of stubbornness to keep at it, accompanied by optimism and clarity.” “Any growth must be planned and orchestrated with rapid learning and execution,” Mr. Yardi noted. He shared a poignant personal story – in the late 1990s, his late father encouraged him to quit while he was ahead, suggesting that as the business grew larger, the more complaints and challenges he would encounter. Mr. Yardi politely declined to follow the advice. Since then, the company has grown from around 300 staff members to over 9,500. “Behind every challenge lurks an opportunity, so when you’re challenged, recognize there is an opportunity lurking behind it. I would like to see the journey continue with all these traditions and guiding principles. At the end of these 40 years, there’s humility and gratitude. In terms of gratitude, without our clients and employees, this wouldn’t have happened,” Mr. Yardi said. Cutting edge technology and artificial intelligence Rob Teel, president of global solutions, and Akshai Rao, president of residential, took the stage to share exciting news about Yardi Voyager 8 and Virtuoso. Introduced at last year’s YASC and now adopted by over 1,500 Yardi clients, Voyager 8 features engaging dashboards, seamless and easy data, and offers business insights not just for accounting. It’s an ideal platform for even the most tech-skeptical executive or portfolio owner. The upgrade to Voyager 8 is simple and scalable. “You can go at your own pace,” Rao noted. Voyager 8 can be rolled out to some teams or properties first, rather than to the entire company at once. “Let us help you, we are here to help.” Virtuoso, Yardi’s artificial intelligence solution, continues to evolve with a mobile app set to launch in Q1 2025. Virtuoso features include a chatbot, smart AP and leasing features, and a virtual assistant, which will improve decision-making, task management and efficiency. Another neat Virtuoso feature will include Marketplace ordering, which is like Google Lens and will allow team members to take a photo of a product and source it immediately. For those who might still be iffy about using AI, Rao said: “We will always back up AI with human intelligence, our teams’ knowledge...
NAHRO Summer Symposium
2025 Event Recap
Team Yardi had a fantastic time attending the NAHRO Summer Symposium in Chicago earlier this month. We’re proud to continue our role as a NAHRO supporter and diamond sponsor. The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Housing Choice Voucher program and the opening of the National Public Housing Museum. Attendees participated in informational sessions focused on the past, present and future of the affordable housing industry. “It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our clients and learn about what’s on the horizon for the industry,” said Stevan Henning, senior account executive. The conference We were warmly welcomed by NAHRO President George Guy, who opened with a lighthearted discussion on the history of music and culture in Chicago. It was a jam-packed schedule, keeping us on our toes the entire time. We learned about various topics in the housing industry including: Updates on the Move to Work Demonstration Improving Community Choice in the Voucher Program HUD’s New Inspection protocol, NSPIRE Level 5 Upfront Income Verification Public Housing Preservation, Climate and Energy Resources National Public Housing Museum tour One of the standout moments was the tour of Chicago’s National Public Housing Museum — the first institution of its kind dedicated to telling the story of public housing in the United States. “Housing insecurity is a leading issue of our time. Having an institution dedicated to educating people and sharing stories is incredible. Touring the facility was heartwarming, the stories were touching, and the lessons were rewarding,” said Jeanette Porter, PHA sales manager. Streamlining the Verification of Income: panel session Yardi teamed up with Heather Gaines from Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority and Alice Kimbowa from Seattle Housing Authority in a panel session discussing income verification challenges and strategies. Mary Beth Snyder, Yardi industry principal, delved into some key issues facing income verification such as: Applicant fraud Lower staffing levels Varied income sources HUD’s highest level of income verification for new applicants is upfront income verification (UIV) using non-HUD systems. While many agencies use The Work Number for UIV, more cost-effective data providers and electronic data sets are available. Using electronic data verification enhances program integrity, improves administrative efficiency and reduces steps for applicants. Attendees learned how UIV costs are justified by addressing current challenges and opportunities. Thank you NAHRO for the opportunity to speak on this pressing matter housing authorities are facing. We hope attendees found value in our panel session. Client spotlight Connecting with clients at events like these is always a highlight. Jeanette had the pleasure of meeting with April Thompson of Rock Springs Housing Authority. April was thrilled to share that her team is now live on Yardi Voyager. She noted that the transition to Yardi was smooth, thanks to our dedicated team that ensured everything was up and running. We look forward to our future partnership with Rock Springs Housing Authority and supporting their continued success with Voyager. Final thoughts The NAHRO Summer Symposium offered our team a chance to connect with the community, celebrate milestones and reflect on the importance of public housing. We look forward to continuing to support NAHRO and contributing to the future of the industry. Curious about our commitment to public housing? Learn more about our solutions for PHAs...
Back to the Future at NAA
Apartmentalize session recap
It was a film buff’s paradise last week at the National Apartment’s Association biggest tradeshow, Apartmentalize. In addition to the Yardi Theater showings, eventgoers had the opportunity to attend a session titled “Leasing: Back to the Future with AI & Human Touch.” Led by Paul Yount, industry principal at Yardi, the discussion featured Anne Baum, director of marketing at Towne Properties; Diana Norbury, SVP of multifamily operations at Pillar Properties; and Tyler Lucas, director of marketing technology at Gates Hudson. (Pictured, right.) Onsite staff were also presented virtually, with Emma Akervold, assistant property manager at Pillar Properties and Leslie Armstrong, area manager at Towne Properties, sharing their thoughts on Chat IQ, Yardi’s virtual assistant that answers to prospects and residents. Back to the future of customer service & technology Yount set the stage with a “Back to the Future” theme, even donning Marty McFly’s iconic vest. The theme highlighted how modern renters want traditional customer service nostalgic of the past, but with the efficiency of cutting-edge technology one could expect from the future. (But the good news is that this kind of innovative technology is available today.) “In the past, hands-on customer service meant compromising staff roles. Great service but very inefficient,” Yount explained. “But today, with the right technology, you can have that great hands-on customer experience and leverage efficiency at the same time.” Yount demonstrated how customer expectations for excellent service have remained constant, but the means to deliver it have evolved. Drawing parallels between scenes from “Back to the Future” and property management, the session emphasized AI and technology’s role in improving human-centered service and overall efficiency. Reshaping & elevating onsite roles The panel discussed how AI and automation reshaped onsite roles to focus more on higher-priority tasks. AI-driven solutions help staff handle repetitive and manual tasks, lightening workloads. This gives teams more time to focus on more meaningful, high-value activities, which leads to better customer experiences and employee satisfaction. Additionally, AI can instantly provide leasing teams with the information they need to enhance performance. “It’s performing faster than any of us can,” Lucas emphasized. But AI’s powerful capabilities can’t completely replace human abilities — it just enhances them. Panelists agreed that AI and automation enable property managers to reallocate their resources more effectively, ensuring that human talent is utilized where it can have the greatest impact. How AI transforms operations Speakers shared their experiences with Chat IQ, highlighting improvements in lead conversion rates and operational efficiency. They noted a significant reduction in the time between lead inquiries and scheduled appointments, resulting in faster lease conversions and reduced vacancy periods. “We’ve seen a huge increase in inquiries being scheduled without us having to initiate that conversation,” Akervold, assistant property manager at Pillar Properties, said. “I can’t emphasize enough the value that I find in it.” The benefits of AI extend beyond operational efficiency—they also power faster response times and improved lead management, which directly contribute to better occupancy rates and revenue performance. Team & customer reactions to AI Integration While skeptical at first, staff members like Leslie Armstrong of Towne Properties eventually embraced AI for its ability to handle routine tasks, freeing them to focus on resident engagement and customer satisfaction. This change led to improved team morale. “Chat IQ makes our customers feel like we’re always present even after business hours,” Armstrong said. “When I’m at home with my family, I know that my offices are still being supported.” As staff attitudes shift towards the support of AI, operators can also look towards using AI to combat staffing issues. “I think what nobody talks about when you’re short-staffed are that the people that are left behind. It’s a lot of burnout. They feel a lot of the pressure and so it allows you to be a little bit more flexible with operations,” Norbury noted. Choosing the right AI platform It’s no secret that the multifamily...
Commercial Briefing Montréal
First of Many in Québec
Yardi Canada recently hosted its inaugural Executive Commercial Briefing at the W Montréal Hotel, setting the stage for an evening of insightful discussions and networking. This event left attendees inspired and eager for more conversations with industry experts. Keep reading to learn what you can expect at our future executive briefing. A platform for industry insights and collaboration The Executive Briefing series is an invitation-only event that delves deep into property and program management topics. It provides industry leaders and our executives with the opportunity to discuss the latest challenges and technology solutions shaping the real estate and housing markets. These briefings offer a platform for sharing insights, best practices and innovative strategies directly from top experts and decision-makers in the field. Through exclusive networking opportunities, interactive sessions and presentations from leading analysts, participants can forget important connections and gain valuable knowledge. With the rapid evolution of the real estate market and its supporting technology, these briefings are essential for staying ahead of the curve. Key highlights from the briefiing Jason Chacko, senior account executive of Yardi, shared compelling insights into the Yardi Investment Management Suite. He highlighted the efficiency brought by automation, stating, “The example I like to quote is with on of our major clients. On a quarterly close, they were taking 21 days to calculate their waterfalls. They reduced that to a half-day process with Yardi.” By integrating accounting, performance measurement and reporting into one platform, real estate businesses can streamline investment management. This tool provides real-time insights, boosts efficiency and supports data-driven decisions, helping clients like Timber Creek reduce manual work and improve accuracy in financial operations. The client panel also provided valuable perspectives on digital transformation. Olivier Rocheleau, corporate controller of Groupe Petra, emphasized the necessity of a fully integrated solution, saying, “We were looking for a best-in-class solution and a strong partner to establish ourselves with a solid foundation. Once we identified the modules we needed, Yardi’s implementation team guided us through the process seamlessly.” Groupe Petra is a leading real estate investment and management firm known for its extensive portfolio of commercial properties across Québec. They focus on acquiring, developing and managing high-quality real estate assets, ensuring sustainable growth and value creation. By partnering with Yardi, Groupe Petra aims to enhance their operational efficiency and maintain their reputation for excellence in the real estate market. Michael Sutherland, vice president of Canderel, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on Yardi’s impact on their operations. “We saw Yardi facilitate our strategic direction to streamline our service lines. The savings were compelling when we eliminated ancillary software and replaced it with a single Yardi stack. It was a no-brainer for us.” Canderel is a prominent real estate investment, development and management company with a diverse portfolio spanning office, retail, industrial and residential properties across Canada. Known for their innovative approach and commitment to excellence, focusing on creating value through strategic acquisitions, developments and property management. By adopting our solutions, Canderel aims to streamline their operations, enhance efficiency and support their long-term growth objectives. Exploring the future of AI in real estate David Franklin, industry principal at Yardi, captivated the audience with a discussion on our advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in lease abstraction. “This technology is exciting. We are going after the ability to abstract leases, cut time on accounts payable and give [clients] a built-in assistant using technology.” Virtuoso represents a significant leap forward in real estate technology. Virtuoso includes advanced features designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy, such as chatbots for improved customer interactions, smart AP for automating accounts payable processes, smart Lease for lease abstraction and an AI assistant for various operational tasks. By integrating these tools, Virtuoso provides seamless automation and intelligent assistance, helping Yardi clients streamline workflows, reduce manual errors and make more informed decisions. Looking ahead Yardi is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the real estate market in Québec. During the...
CFAA 2024 Recap
The Future of Multifamily Housing
The Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations (CFAA) hosted its annual conference in May located in Toronto. This year’s theme, “Building Communities Together,” highlighted the urgent need for collaboration and innovation in the multifamily housing sector. As the industry grapples with longstanding status quo and historically low vacancy rates, stronger partnerships are essential to address Canada’s housing challenges. This event provided a crucial platform for fostering discussions on these pressing issues and exploring prospects for the multifamily housing industry. As a strategic partner and sponsor, Yardi played a pivotal role in the event, contributing to multiple sessions and sharing valuable expertise on various aspects of property management and technology integration. Day 1: Innovations in urban living & industry insights The conference kicked off with a series of building tours, including notable properties managed by Tricon Residential, Minto Apartments and Stackt Market. These tours highlighted new practices in real estate management and provided a practical understanding of how modern technology enhances building operations and resident satisfaction. One standout visit was to Stackt Market, a vibrant community space designed entirely using shipping containers. Stackt Market exemplifies how innovative design can create dynamic community spaces, fostering a sense of community while maximizing the use of urban space. Yardi’s own Parisa Vafaei, director of sales, led a session that delved into the findings of the latest Yardi Multifamily Report, highlighting the necessity for innovative ideas and new partnerships as more units are expected to come into the market to address Toronto’s low vacancy rates. “The vacancy rate in Toronto for Q1 2024 is 2.5 percent, indicating a tight rental market,” Vafaei noted. The report also revealed that Toronto has one of the lowest annual turnover percentages among Canadian census metropolitan areas (CMAs) at 11.6 percent and a lease-over-lease rent growth for new leases of 15.5 percent. These metrics show the critical need for strategic planning and collaboration to manage demand, improve housing availability and maintain affordability in the multifamily housing sector. Day 2: Thought leadership and technological innovations The second day featured key industry leaders, including the mayor of Toronto. Peter Altobelli, vice president of Yardi Canada, led a session on “Leading the Way: The Next Generation,” focusing on workforce management. This session reviewed aligning company values with new talent, fostering mentorship and offering structured career development. The panel discussion highlighted new expectations of the emerging workforce. “Today’s talent is entrepreneurial and ambitious,” one panelist noted. “They interview employers as much as we interview them. While they have technical skills, we seek soft skills. They want autonomy, decision-making roles and alignment with company values.” The discussion stressed the importance of providing broader perspectives, growth potential and dedicated time for succession and leadership planning. Innovative strategies to attract new Canadians were also highlighted, with Fritzrovia’s rotational program standing out for its unique approach. This program helps retain talent by moving individuals through various roles and departments over a set period of time. Emphasizing resident experience and partnering with firms that share ESG commitments were noted as crucial. “Transparency about these commitments is key to attracting talent,” added Courtney Chisholm, project manager at Fitzrovia. Structured onboarding and new technology were also highlighted as critical for maximizing talent contributions. Evolving property management One of the most anticipated sessions was “The Crystal Ball of AI: Leveraging Data & AI for Predictive Insights in Property Management,” moderated by Meherzad Bakht, senior sales manager for Yardi. This panel discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in the multifamily housing sector. Killam Apartment REIT covered the benefits of generative AI technologies, such as chatbots and automated crm systems, to streamline interactions with prospects and residents, enhancing efficiency and improving response times. QuadReal Property Group shared their use of biometrics to authenticate applicant identities before a tour as a new first step for fraud prevention. simplydbs’ survey of 20,000 Canadians revealed renters want their next unit to be...
2024 PHA Forum Recap
Lessons from National Harbor
The recent Yardi PHA Forum hosted over 600 guests from around the country in National Harbor, Maryland to discuss innovative solutions for subsidized housing. The event offered 64 interactive courses, covering almost every PHA-specific product in the Yardi suite. This event had a great attendee turnout and featured numerous courses, networking opportunities and presentations from industry leaders. And it’s all thanks to you! Here are some key takeaways from this year’s Forum: Popular PHA classes this year The PHA Forum offered dozens of courses, catering to diverse interests and needs. Among the most popular were ones focusing on financial management, compliance and advanced reporting techniques. Here are the top classes from this year: Maximize Funding with VMS Reporting Online Briefing, RFTA & HAP Contracts HOTMA: All About Interims Correcting Ledgers and Subledgers: Best Practices PHA Rent & HAP Posting: Best Practices If you missed out on these classes this year, many will be offered in August at YASC San Diego. Be sure to register today. Innovative product demos at knowledge central We loved delving into the software during our one-on-one training sessions. Sometimes, we underestimate the value of in person sessions, especially when learning about a brand-new product or service. Having an expert show you features in real time is truly a benefit and a reason the forum is so popular. Networking events and socials It’s not just about taking notes and learning! We hosted several networking events following the classes for attendees to debrief and socialize — including a rooftop cocktail event which overlooked the scenic and historic Potomac River. And we can’t forget our very own Yardi Party. After a long day of classes, we hosted staff and attendees for a night of networking and dancing. The evening was filled with lively conversations, a photo booth, delicious food, and a vibrant dance floor — creating the perfect atmosphere for socializing and unwinding after a productive day. Sharing in the Yardi Ambassador Program Guests enjoyed chatting with Yardi’s Sean Geraghty at the ambassador booth to learn more about how they can get involved with The Ambassador Program. This year’s Forum saw over 100 ambassador sign ups. Geraghty explained: “The program is designed for clients who aspire to be industry leaders, celebrate their successes and give credit to their teams.” This program is designed to be mutually beneficial: we gain valuable insights from their stories and clients have a platform for them to establish themselves as thought leaders. Feedback from our clients Our team was lucky enough to sit down with clients and learn about their experience with Yardi. We had some great conversations about why our clients love attending The Forum each year. We’re always striving to learn how we can help you innovate and grow. Here are a few of our favorite comments: “My favorite thing about Yardi is the ability to manage all our daily business in one software. It just makes life that much easier.” – Weneisha Brand, Ann Arbor Housing Commission “I am also excited to go to the class today on the Asset IQ Executive Dashboard. I have a manual dashboard that I have been keeping but if I can have that automated and put it into the system and pull the data from there. I am excited about that capability” – Carol Jones-Gilbert, Palm Beach County Housing Authority “And so, as we became a Yardi, customer a few years ago, we have been really looking at the different platforms that you offer to make sure that we are working smarter, not harder.”” – Denita Bearden, Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Summing it all up What makes The Forum so special is the opportunity to build relationships. Meeting face-to-face with people who have supported you over the phone fosters even deeper connections. As Jeanette Porter, a senior manager at Yardi, explained: “For me, The Forum is all about connecting with our clients...
Event Life Balance
Achieving the Elusive
As we enter the bustling event season, many will attend multiple events and conferences this spring. It’s crucial not to let the whirlwind of activity disrupt the work-life balance. Let’s explore some key reminders on maintaining a balanced life, allowing positivity to flow naturally rather than being forced. Work-life integration, a concept that emphasizes blending professional responsibilities with personal interests and well-being, can be a powerful tool during the event season. It’s not about juggling but about finding a harmonious balance. Explore strategies that promote this harmony, such as flexible scheduling to accommodate personal commitments. Remote and compressed workweeks are particularly beneficial during the event season, especially for event planners. There are several apps to streamline activities and stay on track for event managers and planners, such as Eventbrite and Asana. Practice some time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro technique. This technique was developed in the late 1980s by university student Francesco Cirillo, who struggled to focus on his studies. Feeling overwhelmed, he asked himself to commit to ten minutes of focused study time. Encouraged by the challenge, he found a tomato (pomodoro in Italian) shaped kitchen timer and founded the Pomodoro technique. Cirillo wrote a book about the method, but its most significant strength is simplicity. There might be minimal places to recharge at conferences, but many now incorporate designated workstations. Using your smartphone or watch, set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on the most important task until the timer goes off. When the session ends, mark off one Pomodoro and record what was completed. Enjoy a five-minute break, do some deep breathing or stretches, then continue the rest of the event activities. Schedule regular breaks. Recharge during events and create designated “unplugged” times to disconnect from work and enjoy...
Building Managers Respond...
To NYC Local Law 97
Opening windows in winter to vent excess heat is a widespread practice in New York City, where residents may experience indoor temperatures over 80°F in buildings with outdated heating systems. Often, certain units are consistently overheated and others underheated, perturbing residents on both extremes. This complaint is most common in properties built before 1940, many which still rely on steam heating. New York City historic apartment building panoramic exterior view with windows and fire escapes In a city where some of the world’s oldest skyscrapers are still in use today, New York City’s inefficient buildings can cause issues beyond the discomfort of urban dwellers. Outdated heating and cooling systems, lighting, appliances and windows are energy-wasters, putting pressure on energy systems to operate at a higher cost and capacity, consuming emissions-intensive fossil fuels. Carbon inventory reports show that building energy consumption contributes more to New York City’s total emissions than any other source, including cars, trucks, buses and trains. As a result, heat and energy usage in buildings have come under scrutiny by the city, which has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2050. Introducing Local Law 97, New York City’s building decarbonization initiative One of the most ambitious plans for reducing emissions in the U.S., Local Law 97 (LL-97) places limits on carbon emissions associated with properties over 25,000 square feet. Passed in 2019 and coming into effect this year, LL-97 has sent ripples throughout the real estate industry. The law requires buildings in New York City to report on carbon emissions over a series of five-year compliance periods, the first of which is 2024-2029. Every five years, the allowable emissions thresholds are set to decrease. Emissions caps are set by property type, reflecting the usage trends and energy profiles...
OneGoal Student Summit
Atlanta Volunteers
OneGoal Metro Atlanta works with regional partner schools to develop their knowledge and capacity, resulting in more equitable and practical support for all students. Over the years, OneGoal has delivered real student impact. 2024 Atlanta Student Summit Conference Hosted at Clayton State University, OneGoal brought 850 high school juniors and seniors from ten schools around the Atlanta metro area for a college and career exploration day. The event was full of energy and excitement as students began to envision what a path to higher education could look like for them—the day included planning for the future, using tools to define the path to higher education and personal connections with the OneGoal community. It allows students to explore various career paths, and postsecondary options and engage with colleges and technical schools at an Opportunity Fair. #TeamYardi of the Atlanta Relief Team contributed significantly to this event by assisting with setup/organization, welcoming committees, lunch support, cleanup, and even featuring entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and lessons learned. “We successfully fulfilled every request made to us, contributing to the nonprofit cause and investing in the future workforce and our communities,” exclaimed Amy Mojica, relief suite team Atlanta case supervisor. The entrepreneurs who shared their experiences: Scott Mclean, Senior Manager for Yardi Relief Suite Robyn Woods Green Jacket, Yardi consultant Ternisa Kirk, Black Jacket, Case Auditor Janice Wells, pink Jacket, Case Auditor The Yardi Relief Team is a Yardi group that assists states, counties, and cities in managing federal and state funds to help communities in need. This assistance encompasses mortgage, rental, and utility aid as well as other forms of support to facilitate Treasury, Department of Energy, and other community service block grants. Yardi looks forward to more events with OneGoal and future community events! Find future nonprofit profiles...
Office Celebrations
Around the world
End of year gatherings were abundant this year, with many Yardi offices ending the year with festive get-togethers. Here are some highlights from #TeamYardi celebrations worldwide. In North America, Canada celebrated its 25th anniversary and gathered to celebrate with raffle prizes, dancing and more. The Atlanta office had a fancy holiday reception at the Delta Sky360 club in Truist Park and had a sweet and spicy gingerbread house competition in the office for the end of the year. Michael Sturniolo’s team made an impressive win with a double-decker gingerbread house, “Gingerbread Jack & the Jellybeanstalk.” (See photo in gallery at end of post.) The Raleigh office gathered for a festive evening out with collegues, featuring food, drinks, a photo booth and lots of laughs. On the East Coast, the New York office had a holiday lunch with a surprise VIP guest (Mr. Anant Yardi) at Benjamin Steakhouse, and the Long Island office had a holiday party at Crest Hollow Country Club. Scottsdale, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Boise had fun competitions with games, golf and basketball. In Texas, the Dallas and Irving offices gathered for a fun family night at the Mavericks NBA game. The UK had a holiday celebration at Fairgame in London and embraced some friendly competition, with Harry McBrearty having the most points and winning a 5ft bear! The Middle East celebrated the festival of lights—Diwali- in Pune and Dubai. Dubai also marked the end of the year presentation with a fantastic lunch, a gift exchange and New Year spirit. Additional images from the celebrations can be seen below. Thanks to all the offices who shared photos of their gatherings. Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday...
OPTECH 2023
AI-Powered, Human-Centered
From Nov. 1-3, NMHC OPTECH brought together the brightest minds and the latest innovations in the multifamily industry. Las Vegas was the hub of important conversations surrounding the present and future of real estate technology. Here’s a quick recap of the event, including more information about the new AI-driven, human-centered solutions we recently announced. Meet your maestro, Yardi Virtuoso Whether you went in person or were staying updated from the sidelines, one innovation stood out amidst the bustle of the conference: Yardi Virtuoso. By weaving artificial intelligence across the Yardi platform, you’re not just streamlining your processes — you’re transforming workflows. Virtuoso is your gateway to a more efficient future. It offers an AI-powered agent that seamlessly integrates with Yardi solutions, revolutionizing your workflow through the power of generative AI. This new tech also leverages machine learning, natural language processing and more powerful capabilities to help solve problems in your day-to-day and drive your business forward: Tap into the power of an AI-powered assistant to do more with less – effortlessly track tasks, generate reports and more with a simple voice command Significantly reduce invoice processing time and cost Improve prospect and resident communications with a bot that can chat, text, email and call It’s the future of AI in real estate. Virtuoso doesn’t just analyze, it harmonizes — bringing together disparate, manual parts of your workflow and creating an AI-powered, human-centered symphony. Stay updated. A medley of insights Yardi leaders contributed to pivotal discussions at the event, delivering insights on technology’s evolving role within the industry through the following sessions: Yardi Vice President Michael Tuer participated in the “Multifamily Technology Spending and Staffing” panel, offering insights on necessary adjustments the industry must make to navigate an increasingly tech-centric future. In “Operationalizing Resident Fee...
Visit Booth 1219
At LeadingAge 2023
It’s almost time for the LeadingAge Annual Meeting and Expo, a one-of-a-kind senior living conference. Each year, the event offers an opportunity to network with likeminded professionals, gain fresh perspectives and discover innovative technology solutions shaping the industry’s future. Team Yardi is excited to attend, we invite you to visit booth 1219 to connect with us! We’ll show you the latest advancements in the Yardi Senior Living Suite, our single connected solution designed for the unique needs of senior living. We also have a special giveaway in store (spoiler alert, it involves delicious, Chicago-style popcorn). Get the details below — we hope to see you there. About LeadingAge 2023 Hosted at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, this year’s LeadingAge Meeting and Expo is a can’t-be-missed experience packed with informative sessions. Focused on topics most relevant to the industry today, the sessions will offer impactful takeaways delivered by senior living experts. As LeadingAge puts it, it’s an event crafted to fuel your mission. The conference will span from November 5-8. If you’d like to explore what’s planned, preview the LeadingAge 2023 schedule. Meet with team Yardi & grab some gourmet popcorn Interested to see the newest innovations in the Yardi Senior Living Suite? Have questions for us? Wanting to simply come say hello? All are welcome at booth 1219 — we’ll be stationed there throughout the conference. If you’d like to schedule a specific time to meet, contact us and we’ll get something on the books. As mentioned, we’ve planned a neat surprise for our booth: gourmet popcorn! But it’s not just any popcorn — we’ll be offering snack bags from Garrett Popcorn Shops, a Chicago favorite. You can expect a combination of their staple flavors including CaramelCrisp, CheeseCorn, Buttery and Garrett Mix. Anyone who stops by is welcome to a snack bag, but we encourage you to stick around for a quick activity, too. We’ll have post-its available for you to write a short message sharing what you love about Yardi (plus a popcorn-themed board to stick your message to). If you’re new to Yardi solutions, you can also share what you love about the senior living industry — or what excites you about technology looking ahead. We hope you’ll pop in and participate! The popcorn and post-its will be available all hours the show floor is open on November 6 and 7. See you next week We’re looking forward to seeing you at LeadingAge 2023. If you’d like to get familiar with our dynamic senior living software before the conference, join an on-demand...
NMHC OPTECH
Yardi Reveals AI-Driven Tech
Yardi is showcasing new solutions at the 2023 NMHC OPTECH Conference & Expo, including the latest generation of Yardi Voyager, an artificial intelligence (AI) platform and a Microsoft® Power BI connector. The event is set to take place Nov. 1-3 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is a yearly gathering for leading figures in multifamily operations. Yardi is proud to be a longtime supporter of NMHC OPTECH and is once again a Platinum Sponsor for the event. Booth 105 will showcase new AI-powered and human-centered technology from Yardi. This includes solutions designed to help operators “compose their future,” leveraging the combination of one connected system and AI to drive performance and maximize efficiency. Eventgoers can schedule demos with the Yardi team at the booth to see the new solutions for multifamily, including: Yardi Voyager 8, the latest generation of the industry-leading platform, now with a fresh update to further enhance the user experience. Yardi Virtuoso is an AI platform built to complement Yardi solutions. It leverages AI, large language models and machine learning to drive operational efficiency between people and technology. RentCafe CRM IQ, a customer relationship management system that provides full visibility into prospect, applicant and resident workflows, in addition to enabling centralized leasing and operations. RentCafe Chat IQ, an automated attendant that answers prospect and resident questions via chat, text, email and calls. Yardi Data Connect, a secure data feed from Voyager to Microsoft Power BI that allows more customization capabilities and inclusion of third-party sources, along with preconfigured dashboards. Book a meeting to see all new solutions up close during the conference or join an on-demand...
Executive Insights
Yardi IM Briefing
At the recent Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference in San Diego, leaders in real estate investment management exchanged insights into industry challenges, trends and how Yardi solutions make a difference in their business. Participants in the briefing were: Adam Vanni, senior portfolio manager for Fairfield, a San Diego-based multifamily property investment company with about 42,000 units under management Bailey Breish, CFO for Alturas Capital Partners, which manages a real estate investment fund with more than 45 assets. Donnie Penney, principal business analyst for Invesco, a real estate investment manager based in Dallas. Josh Gladstein, chief technology officer for Berkshire Residential Investments, which manages more than 120 multifamily properties and about $27 billion of assets under management from its Boston headquarters. Taylor Waldo, director of IT project management for San Francisco-based Prime Finance, which invests across all real estate asset classes through 10 active funds. The session was moderated by Yardi Investment Management team members Vicki Dodig, director of sales, and Susan Freehauf, senior director of professional services. Discussion at the session, edited for length and clarity, included: Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology Waldo: “The accounting cycle doesn’t change, the tax cycle doesn’t change. But our team members need to constantly adapt to get their business done. So we try to create a culture of change that helps our team feel comfortable. I work to make sure everybody from the leadership team understands the impact that change will have on them and be trained on using the new technology. If you want somebody to give up their beloved spreadsheets, there has to be something in it for them, even if that’s just words of encouragement, words of acknowledgment that they’re getting help to do things the right way. My job is to get all our business...
Multifamily Leaders Talk Trends
Automation, fraud & training insights
At the 2023 Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, Director of Sales Nima Farkhak led a panel with leading multifamily figures about trends impacting the industry — and the tech they’re using to get ahead. The conversation revolved around automation, fraud prevention and training. Particularly, how can multifamily organizations receive more employee buy-in when implementing new technology, and leverage that technology to maximize support for their employees? Panelists (pictured, right) included Leslie Henry, SVP of strategic solutions and development at Towne Properties and Josh Draughn, head of marketing at Weidner Apartment Homes. Read on for key takeaways. Automating early touchpoints significantly reduces site teams’ workloads Most multifamily operators agree that strategic automation is key to efficiency, resulting in streamlined workloads, satisfied employees and happier residents. “Automation is all about how we can give back valuable time to our associates, and we’ve found Chat IQ to be extremely helpful with that,” said Draughn. “Instant gratification is now expected, so our first automated engagement starts just five minutes after an initial contact. Then Chat IQ transitions the interaction to texting, which results in a faster response time.” Since implementing automation and Chat IQ, Draughn says that Weidner experienced a 15 percent reduction in advertising costs year over year. Transparent communication is key to achieving employee buy-in But there are challenges with implementing automation, artificial intelligence and new technology in general — especially when it comes to employee buy-in. Henry noted that most of Towne’s employees have been with the company for a long time and were opposed to change — until they saw its benefits firsthand. “After we implemented Chat IQ,” Henry said, “Our site teams quickly realized how useful it was in gaining back time. They love how it filtered out less promising leads in the beginning. But we also took their feedback if they didn’t like the way the bot was responding. We let them customize some aspects of the responses so there was more of a personal human touch.” Draughn agreed. “Getting buy-in at first will always be challenging,” he said. “But it’s all about how you communicate new changes and listen to their feedback. The human element in multifamily is always going to stay.” Deterring fraud with automation Multifamily organizations are also relying on technology to vet applicants more than ever. ID Verify uses facial recognition technology to confirm applicant identities. To do this, applicants take a selfie during the screening process, which is then matched with the official documents they submit. “Accuracy is one of the biggest benefits of automating the identity and income verification process,” Henry said, adding that automated technology has acted as a fraud deterrent, saving Towne thousands of dollars in the process. “In the beginning, I thought we were losing rentals,” Henry said. “But when we looked closer, it was because some IDs were so clearly fraudulent that the system weeded them out instantly. It saved us from dealing with them, them potentially living with us and us incurring bad debt.” Draughn agreed, noting that while there may be steps like taking selfies, genuine prospects will still follow through with the application. This allows leasing teams to avoid guesswork or repetitive communications. Streamlining online training As the pandemic shifted training methods from in-person to online, Towne Properties also turned to the learning management system Aspire for online training. “We’re learning about the product faster and it’s easier for us to train new employees,” Henry said, highlighting the ease brought by Aspire’s full integration with Towne’s solutions. “It feels good knowing that anyone can learn at their own pace with Aspire.” See it in action A connected solution can help you drive efficiency at every stage of your workflow, enhancing data connectivity and eliminating gaps. Want to see what this looks like in action? Watch a webinar to see how Yardi helps you streamline workflows, reduce fraud and enhance...
Yardi & NAREIM
Dynamic Collaboration
Since its founding in 1990, NAREIM has promoted best practices for real estate investment management with an array of education, networking, research, thought leadership and student program opportunities. Yardi has consistently supported NAREIM events as a sponsor, exhibitor and presenter over the years. Close out 2023 on a high note by joining the Yardi Investment Suite team at these dynamic NAREIM events: Event: NAREIM Executive Officer Meeting Date: Oct. 4-6 Place: Deer Valley, Utah Summary: Roundtable sessions and group discussions on building effective relationships, creating organizational strategies, and meeting the challenge of finding the right skills for asset management, transactions and portfolio management. Extras: Alpine slide and tubing down the 90K ski jump at the Park City Olympic Village. Meet with Yardi: Fill out a contact form. Event: NAREIM Capital Raising & IR Date: Dec. 6-7 Place: New York CitySummary: NAREIM Capital Raising & Investor Relations committee update, followed by sessions on managing ESG and DEI issues, elevating fundraising skills, raising capital from non-institutional sources and looking ahead to 2024. Extras: Networking dinner at the Liberty Bistro in downtown Manhattan. Meet with Yardi: Fill out a contact...