The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) returned in person for the first time in three years. The sold-out event welcomes 3,000 Yardi clients in San Diego, Calif. for three days of learning, networking, exposure to exciting new technologies, and fun. Yardi president and founder Anant Yardi addressed attendees at the San Diego Convention Center, the first time YASC has utilized such a large venue for its general session gatherings. The host hotel for the event is the Manchester Grand Hyatt, where classes and Knowledge Center, a technology resource lab, are taking place. “It is just so exciting to have this conference in person once again after almost a three-year hiatus. Thank you for making the time to be here and to enjoy the atmosphere, the educational sessions and to network with each other,” Mr. Yardi said. Marking the company’s 40th anniversary, Mr. Yardi shared his perspective on the changes that the pandemic will bring to real estate holistically. The last two and a half years have been transformative for the industry. “For me, change is not a setback. It’s an opportunity to figure out how to respond to a theme such as the pandemic and the things that we see occurring around us,” Mr. Yardi said. Anticipating a coworking boom Those pandemic-prompted changes include the vast numbers of knowledge workers no longer working in offices full time, and residential shifts that have taken place as the result of increased workplace flexibility. Mr. Yardi cited a recent CoreNet study that found that 29 percent of knowledge workers are not required to be in the office unless requested by a manager, and close to 60 percent are required to be there less than four days a week. This shift has been buoyed by employers finding that employees are just as productive at home as they are at the office – 83 percent of CoreNet corporate respondents stated this was the case. This change in where people are working portends a significant shift for the commercial office space market. “Corporate real estate agencies or employers are beginning to shed office space. They’re reducing their footprints,” he said, citing national average office vacancy rates that are averaging 16 percent, but are 20 percent in some major markets. Mr. Yardi expects that the shift in space utilization will create a boom for coworking spaces and services. He forecast that coworking space – places where traveling or fully remote employees can use temporarily to have meetings, use the Internet, answer emails or accomplish tasks – will become prolific in the next few years. “Today there are 6,000 coworking locations (nationally). And the expectation is that in three to five years, it will be close to 30 times that number, and every large building will end up with a coworking location,” Mr. Yardi said. “My suspicion is that in course of time, coworking will get to a point where sites such as Expedia will allow you to book your hotel, your airline and your coworking conference space.” Marking 40 years of real estate technology After sharing some of the highlights for other real estate sectors – including rising rents in the multifamily space, an increased focus on built-to-rent single family developments, and a need for more affordable housing nationwide – Mr. Yardi reflected on the journey Yardi has taken as a company over the last four decades. Sharing a photo of the Apple II, an 8-bit home computer on which he wrote the first basic program that became the start line for Yardi’s software, Mr. Yardi contrasted the laborious process of manually programming the original code with today’s AI algorithms, which enable the production of code via machine learning. “The reason I wanted to show this to you is that innovation is one thing, but when the markets change, technology changes,” Mr. Yardi said. “We all have to learn new things.” Yardi continues to innovate technology solutions...
YASC Global
Virtual Event a Success
More than 17,000 participants from 64 countries collectively viewed 60,000 classes about Yardi products and initiatives from May 18-20 during the third virtual Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) Global event held during the pandemic. Many of the spotlight sessions offered highlighted ways that Yardi technology has helped clients, their employees and customers adapt and thrive with technology during a time when limited contact has been a priority. The event again utilized the Yardi Aspire platform to deliver customized educational content. YASC attendees also enjoyed a virtual fundraising concert by guitarist/songwriter Jason Mraz. Each view of the performance generated a donation from Yardi, raising nearly $100,000 for COVID-19 relief initiatives. Meditation and mindfulness sessions were available for attendees to enjoy during short breaks between classes. Highlights from some of the featured spotlight sessions included: Marketing and automation solutions for residential Optimized marketing, automated chatbots and accessible self-guided tours were among the highlights presented in the residential spotlight session. These fully integrated Yardi solutions are among the ways multifamily clients have continued to see success during the pandemic. “I want to show you what’s possible when you have the right digital marketing strategy in place,” said Esther Bonardi, vice president of marketing at Yardi. “I bet you have a website. But do you have a comprehensive marketing strategy in place that can help you get your properties on page one of search results and get your customers directly to your website so that you can convert them into paying renters, faster?” RentCafe Reach helps clients attract qualified prospects with advanced search marketing services. The platform is currently optimizing more than 2,000 industry websites for organic search and driving rent-ready leads to managers. “This is the most cost-effective marketing channel,” Bonardi said. “And you can target exactly the traffic you need for the moment or availability you’re in.” Additional features like reputation management, search, and a new marketing analytics tool called Marketing IQ were also presented. “Marketing IQ is a one stop shop for all the data you need to make marketing decisions,” Bonardi said. “It’s really all for the purpose of improving your marketing ROI, which ultimately leads to a stronger NOI.” Once you’ve got a prospect on the line, engaging immediately to answer their questions is of paramount importance. But what if it’s after hours or your leasing office is closed for the weekend? That’s where chatbots come in. “Your prospective residents want and expect answers quickly, whether you’re open or not, or they quickly move on. This is especially true for popular new channels like text and chat,” said Paul Yount, industry principal for RENTCafé. “Bots and multiple touring options can really complement each other when they work together hand in hand.” Yount demonstrated a full conversation with a chatbot that answered questions about a property’s electric vehicle charging stations, pet policy, availability and pricing. He was able to schedule a self-guided tour via text and then showed how further AI automation can continue to answer questions even when the leasing office was closed during the tour. From a property manager’s perspective, the latest multifamily technology from Yardi not only solves for social distancing and accessibility but reduces staff time spent following up on prospect questions or even leading in-person tours. Proptech trends for the commercial sector Rob Teel, senior vice president of global solutions at Yardi, shared that for him, the most overwhelming CRE proptech trend in the last 12 months has been increased technical adoption. “That means paperless and contactless transactions, and online communication. When I think about paperless transactions, one of the best examples of innovation that helps eliminate that last piece of paper in the organization – which we’re all trying to do – is our e-signature capability for leases. You can now publish a lease for signature, there’s no exchange of FedEx documents and no meeting to get a wet signature. Paperless transactions and...
YASC Makes a Virtual Return
Online May 18-20
The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, which began as two annual events in the U.S. and expanded to encompass six events on four continents, will soon continue its two-decade tradition of helping clients maximize the value of their Yardi software. ”The reason I enjoy YASC is to see new product developments and to understand how other corporations are using the platform,” said Katerina Urquhart of London-based M&G Real Estate, who attended YASC Europe in 2019. “I was able to take classes on the newest products, ask questions on topics I didn’t fully understand and dig into things that interest me,” Marcie Trivette of Fore Property in Las Vegas said last year. “No matter how big or small, every client has a voice with Yardi, and these sessions are great ways to reinforce that,” an executive director with Laramar Communities LLC of Greenwood Village, Colo., noted back in 2010. Last year’s presentations were different, of course. All YASC events were combined into YASC Digital and YASC Global, virtual experiences with a full slate of free on-demand classes, social activities and gala entertainment. YASC Global in October drew more than 20,000 attendees and featured an exclusive performance from internationally acclaimed Icelandic band Of Monsters And Men. With every view triggering a donation from Yardi, the event earned $75,000 for charities. A two-time Grammy Award-winning performer is on tap for the May conference and Yardi again will make a donation for every attendee viewing the show. The next edition of YASC Global happens May 18-20, with 280-plus classes on the latest software innovations for property owners, asset managers, real estate investment managers and others working in commercial, residential, PHA, senior living and other real estate markets. Live chat support will also be available. YASC Global participants can also look forward to social media interaction, daily giveaways, networking opportunities and entertainment. All Yardi clients are automatically enrolled in the conference. “This is the era of continuous connection. But in the world of business, continuous connection hasn’t fully come to fruition. Our goal is to make that happen and provide the tools and technologies that you need,” company president and founder Anant Yardi told 2,500 Yardi clients and staff members who gathered in San Diego for YASC in 2019. Two years later, in vastly different circumstances, that remains the purpose of YASC. Learn more about the benefits Yardi’s global client base gains from this...
YASC Asia 2019
Meet Yardi in Singapore
The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) returns to Singapore on Nov. 5 and will be bigger and better than ever. Yardi brings together real estate management professionals from across Asia for this one-day event. Come and discover the latest proptech innovations, interactive discussions, meet local and international experts, and network with industry peers. This a great chance to dive deep into Yardi Voyager and the ancillary software real estate professionals use every day. YASC is also a great opportunity to strengthen collaborative skills and network with industry peers. With interactive discussions, local and international experts, more networking time, and previews of new products and enhancements, this is an event not to miss. YASC Singapore is a fantastic opportunity for Yardi clients with portfolio presence in Asia to discuss technology platforms with the leadership, development and support teams. Reserve your spot today! Here’s what to expect at YASC Asia 2019: • Meet the Experts Attendees will hear from industry experts on market trends and technology innovations. Make valuable connections with Yardi’s product experts and discover new insights, tips and tricks for getting the most out of Voyager and other modules. With enhancements and innovations in the Yardi pipeline, hear about new products soon to be released in Asia. You’ll also get a firsthand preview of the new Yardi Elevate Suite for asset management. • Visit Knowledge Central New to YASC Asia, gain hands-on experience with Yardi’s Knowledge Central, which will offer on-site assistance with Yardi products, SQL scripting and reporting. The Knowledge Central team will be available to answer your product-specific questions, provide previews of new products, discuss current software and anything else you’re keen to learn more about. For Knowledge Central hours, refer to the in-app schedule. • Yardi Events App A new addition...
YASC Preview
San Diego Celebration
The 20th Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) returns to San Diego, Calif., this Wednesday to Friday, October 16-18. The annual user conference will offer in-depth training, networking and fun for Yardi clients, including a special milestone anniversary celebration. We can’t reveal all the surprises in store, but this is one event you won’t want to miss. “We’re excited to welcome our valued clients to the 20th edition YASC in San Diego. From its early days as a small gathering in Santa Barbara, this special event has grown to be one of the largest and most enjoyable user conferences around. We hope you enjoy the special surprises in store for this year – they’re our way of saying thank you for your support and participation.” Get a preview of YASC San Diego: Yardi Events app Get connected at YASC with the Yardi Events app on your smartphone. Attendees can access all conference information, venue maps, class materials, social networking, in-app messaging and more. Customize your daily schedule with classes, demos, panels and roundtables, and set up one-on-one meetings with Yardi staff. The Yardi Events app is available for download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. A browser-based version, synced to the mobile app, will also be available, so attendees can access the app features from their desktop. User log-in details have been emailed to all registered YASC attendees. Questions? Email our team at [email protected]. Get personal attention Did you know our Knowledge Central experts have an average Yardi tenure of nearly 5 years? We’ve brought together a friendly group of experts that includes team leads, consultants, and senior account managers to answer your toughest questions, solve your trickiest challenges, and guide you through our newest software solutions. Find Knowledge Central operating hours in the Yardi Events app and be sure to visit our team on the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Indigo Level. Connect with others How many industry connections can you make in three days? There will be over 1,500 attendees representing nearly every segment of the real estate sector at YASC. The conference will offer expanded opportunities to connect with peers in your industry, including morning wellness activities, scheduled breaks and networking receptions. For all conference activities and receptions, bring your conference name badge and get ready to network! Visit the Networking Lounge, located on the Aqua Level, to network with others in your market, check in at the office and recharge your devices. Celebrate with us Learning is first and foremost at YASC, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time too! Join us at the Networking Reception on Wednesday evening for cocktails and appetizers. It’s a fun way to wind down and get to know Yardi staff and other YASC attendees. On Thursday night, it’s time to party! The Yardi Party is always packed with music and fun with your new friends from the conference, and we’ve got big plans for our 20th anniversary, so you won’t want to miss this. Don’t forget that your conference name badge is your all-access pass for conference activities and receptions. Please be sure to wear it at all times. New this year: fitness activities on Thursday morning If you enjoy getting a workout in before the day begins, you’ll love our new yoga and running opportunities, set for Thursday morning from 6:45-7:45am at the Bayfront Park (outside the Hilton). Follow the signs to the yoga class or join us for a variety of run distance options! It’s a wonderful time of year to exercise outside in beautiful San Diego. Get social Share your conference experience on social media using the event hashtag #YASCTurns20. Follow Yardi on your favorite social networks for conference news, prizes and more. Connect with Yardi on our corporate blog, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Interested in joining us at the 20th annual YASC event in San Diego? Add your name to the...
YASC DC 2019
Continuous Connection
The first Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) of 2019 kicked off this morning in Washington, D.C., where over 2100 attendees are gathered to improve their knowledge of Yardi’s products and services, network with peers, and have a little fun. “What do you say this week we turn Washington, D.C. into our nation’s real estate technology capital?” said Esther Bonardi, Yardi vice president of marketing, as the general session kicked off. The conference is the largest YASC to date. With a focus on sharing information, educating users on how to get the most out of their Yardi platform, learning about new products and features, and connecting with fellow real estate professionals, YASC is also a place where attendees answer important questions. “How do you elevate your company to that next level? You do it by gaining information,” said Bonardi, introducing Anant Yardi, company founder and president, during the general session. Continuous communication Mr. Yardi focused his remarks on the theme of continuous connection and how it can be beneficial for business relationships. “This day and age of continuous connection doesn’t necessarily mean we are communicating all the time. But it does mean that we are available, and we respond.” While displaying an image of a group of people around a dinner table, all intently staring at their smartphones, Mr. Yardi suggested that perhaps the group all had various roles in the real estate industry, as well as the capability to respond to customer and client requests, anytime and anywhere. Yardi’s technology platform already allows real estate professionals to accommodate such requests, but as Mr. Yardi and the executives who presented after him Tuesday morning demonstrated, the company is poised to deliver even more innovation. “Our goal is to provide a connection between the business, the consumer and the property,” said Mr. Yardi, introducing the concept of “business to property” transactions. “As we think about continuous communication, the basic way we do real estate doesn’t change. But the way we transact business may change.” Yardi has positioned its platform to facilitate that change with solutions like Yardi Elevate for improving asset performance and Yardi Kube for coworking management, a potential way for property managers to capitalize on unused space, and the Yardi Pulse platform, which can monitor energy use and automate energy management, leading to waste reduction. Future-focused product development YASC attendees also got a sneak preview of Yardi’s forthcoming smart home technology solution which will allow property managers and residents to easily manage connected services like utilities and door locks, all from an app-based interface. “Using a single app, a resident should be able to make payments, enter service requests, request concierge services, but also make sure that the door is locked,” Mr. Yardi said. Such a hub will also have advantages for property managers, who will be able to manage the utilities and locks of vacant units all from a centralized dashboard. John Pendergast, Yardi senior vice president, multifamily services, went into more details on the convenience, security, comfort and automation that Yardi’s new smart home technology solution will provide. The morning presentation concluded with remarks from Rob Teel, Yardi senior vice president, global solutions, and Akshai Rao, Yardi vice president of energy and procurement. Teel introduced the Yardi Elevate platform, which is powered by big data, market data from Yardi Matrix and uses predictive analytics and prescriptive actions to increase revenue, decrease expenses, increase asset value and reduce risk. “Yardi Elevate will help you answer forward-thinking questions, like how much should I spend on marketing next month. These are not the accounting questions you’d be answering with Yardi Voyager. The goal is to help you make better business decisions,” Teel said. Yardi Elevate provides next-level insight into asset performance, budgeting and forecasting, construction and facility management, and more. Community connections Rao concluded the general session with a look at Yardi’s corporate philanthropy programs, which offer employees in each...
YASC DC 2019
East Coast Client Training
The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference returns to the East Coast next week, offering in-depth training, networking and fun for Yardi clients. The annual user conference, also known as YASC, will be hosted at the Washington Hilton from May 21 – 23. We’re excited to see our clients and staff in Washington, D.C.! As one past YASC attendee shared, “I always enjoy YASC because you get to hear how others use the software. Can’t wait to learn more!” Get a glimpse of YASC Washington, D.C.: Yardi Events App Get connected at YASC with the Yardi Events app! Attendees can access all conference information, venue maps, class materials, social networking, in-app messaging and more on the Yardi Events app. Customize your daily schedule with classes, demos, panels and roundtables, and set up one-on-one meetings with Yardi staff. The Yardi Events app is available for download in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. A browser-based version, synced to the mobile app, will also be available, so attendees can access the app features from their desktop. User log-in details have been emailed to all registered YASC attendees. Questions? Email our team at [email protected]. Knowledge Central Knowledge Central is the place to be if you want to learn more about new products and upgrades, or if you have questions about your current software. We’ve gathered the experts in one place, so you’ll know where to go to get all your questions answered. Bonus: attend a 15-minute product preview in Knowledge Central and be entered in a daily iPad giveaway! Expand Your Network How many industry connections can you make in three days? There will be over 1,500 attendees representing nearly every segment of the real estate sector at YASC. The conference will offer several opportunities to connect with peers in your industry, including scheduled breaks and networking...
YASC Asia 2018
New Venue + Expanded Learning
Each year, the Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) returns to Singapore, bringing together real estate management professionals from North and South East Asia for the opportunity to network, learn, and have fun. Join us on October 16 at our new venue – the Grand Hyatt Hotel, located in the heart of Singapore’s bustling shopping and entertainment district. YASC Asia 2018 will be bigger and better than last year! The one-day conference will offer expanded learning and networking opportunities for our clients with property portfolios across Asia. With more than 200 guests expected, this year’s conference boasts over 30 in-depth courses, 50 Yardi experts, six new products, and a post-conference networking hour to mix and mingle with your industry peers. Will we see you there? As one past YASC attendee shared: “Entertaining and informative. Very useful, relevant and practical classes, providing me with the support I need for my role – and knowledge about future innovations and developments.” What to expect at YASC Asia 2018: Yardi Events App A new addition to YASC Asia, the Yardi Events app is a mobile-friendly way to access all conference information, including classes, Lab hours, venue maps, in-app messaging and more. The Yardi Events app is available for download at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. A browser-based version, synced to the mobile app, will also be available, so attendees can access all these features from their desktop. User log-in details have been emailed to all registered YASC attendees. Have questions? Email our team at [email protected]. Hands-On Help in the Lab Open throughout YASC, the Lab is your one-stop-shop for assistance from Yardi staff. Whether it’s a new product you’d like to demo, a scenario with your current software that you’d like to resolve, or anything else on your mind, come to the Lab...
YASC San Diego
Record turnout for event
Yardi president and founder Anant Yardi welcomed 2,500 clients to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on Wednesday for the largest Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) ever. “2500 is just such an incredible number. I recall when we had around 150 to 200 clients at our first YASC,” Mr. Yardi said. “We truly hope this conference is enjoyable and educational for you.” Yardi clients around the world can attend YASC events to gain product knowledge in training classes, troubleshoot issues with their current Yardi software, view product demos, network and much more. The two U.S. events take place each fall on the West Coast and spring on the East Coast. Mr. Yardi talked to the general session audience about the company’s overall road map for product development, which includes the newly released Yardi Elevate suite. Introduced at YASC DC in May, Elevate incorporates big data, machine learning and AI to offer predictive insights and is very popular with its beta users. “Our clients are very enamored already by Elevate. I think it’s going to do wonderful things for you,” Mr. Yardi said. While Elevate may be the wave of the future, in the present Yardi clients are continually working to gain new efficiencies for their business, whether that involves collecting rents, paying vendors, or marketing their properties. A video featuring 22-year Yardi client Marquette Management of Chicago and its use of the RentCafe Reach marketing platform was shown during the session and prompted Mr. Yardi to reflect on how far the company has come. When Marquette came on board in 1996, they purchased Yardi’s first generation Enterprise platform. “I was the principal programmer on Enterprise. Isn’t that something how time has gone by,” Mr. Yardi said. Today, most Yardi clients across all real estate verticals...
YASC San Diego 2018
West Coast Client Training
The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference returns to sunny San Diego for in-depth training, networking and fun. The sold-out user conference, also known as YASC, will be hosted at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront from September 12 – 14, 2018. Why attend? Choose from a wide range of classes, demos, panels, and roundtables to create a schedule that fits your learning objectives. Attend a class and discover the latest software updates and insider functions to keep your skills sharp. Gain insight from experts and industry peers during a panel discussion. Explore new Yardi solutions with a hands-on demonstration. All sessions provide ample opportunity to ask questions, discuss your organization’s challenges, and share information with industry experts. As one past attendee shared: “I picked up tips I can use back at the office, met new folks and connected with my company’s Yardi account manager. YASC was a great experience!” New features at YASC San Diego: Download The App Attendees can access all conference information, venue maps, class materials, social networking and in-app messaging, and more on the Yardi Events app. It’s designed to enable attendees to custom-tailor their daily schedule with classes, demos, panels and roundtables, and to set up one-on-one meetings with Yardi staff. The Yardi Events app is available for download at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. A browser-based version, synced to the mobile app, will also be available, so attendees can access all these features from their desktop. User log-in details have been emailed to all registered YASC attendees. Questions? Email our team at [email protected]. Get Personal Attention Open throughout YASC, Knowledge Central is your one-stop-shop for assistance from Yardi staff. Whether it’s a new product you’d like to see, a scenario with your current software that you would like to resolve, or anything else on your mind, come to Knowledge Central to get your software questions answered by the experts. Visit our Knowledge Central Concierge Desk to schedule a time to meet with a member of our team or stop in between classes – we’ll be ready for you! Want to win big? Attend a 15-minute product preview in Knowledge Central and be entered to win our daily Bose travel speaker giveaway. Find Your Network YASC is all about learning, but we also want our clients to have opportunities to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. Attendees can look forward to scheduled networking breaks between classes, lunchtime table discussions, evening cocktail receptions and industry-focused “Meet and Greets” in our Networking Lounge. Stop by the Networking Lounge to network with peers in your market: Wednesday, September 12 10:45 – 11 a.m. Specialty Residential 3:30 – 4 p.m. Multifamily Thursday, May 31 10:45 – 11 a.m. Public Housing & Affordable Housing 3:30 – 4 p.m. Commercial For all conference activities and receptions, bring your conference name badge and get ready to network! Let’s Get Social! Share your conference experience on social media using the event hashtag #YASC2018. We’ll be running contests throughout the conference, so be sure to post often and follow Yardi on your favorite social networks for conference news, prizes and more! Connect with Yardi on our corporate blog, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. We’re excited to see our clients and staff in San Diego!...
YASC ANZ 2018
Expanded Training in Sydney
The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) returns to Sydney on August 29-30, bringing together real estate professionals from across Australia and New Zealand. Diving deep into Yardi Voyager and the ancillary software you use every day, this is a great opportunity to strengthen your skills and network with your peers. With interactive discussions, local and international experts, more networking time, and new innovations revealed, this is one event you can’t miss! As one attendee shared about their YASC experience in 2017, “I come to YASC to learn more about the systems that helps me in my role. This includes best practices, new functionality that improves my work days, and discovering system efficiencies.” Why will you attend in 2018? Here are a few new features to 2018 YASC Australia and New Zealand: Yardi Events App We’ve added a conference app to streamline your YASC experience. You can access all conference information, venue maps, class materials, social networking and in-app messaging and more on the Yardi Events app. It’s designed to enable attendees to custom-tailor their daily schedule with classes, demos, panels and roundtables, and to set up one-on-one meetings with Yardi staff. The Yardi Events app is available for download at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. A browser-based version, synced to the mobile app, will also be available, so attendees can access all these features from their desktop. User log-in details have been emailed to all registered YASC attendees. Questions? Email our team at [email protected]. Hear from the Experts Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from industry experts on the market trends and technology innovations that impact our work. We’re excited to partner with MSCI, who will provide a real estate sector update and what’s ahead for Australia and New Zealand in 2019. You won’t want to miss this presentation during lunch on the first day. With...
YASC DC 2018
Client Training + Networking
Next week, the Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference returns to the East Coast for a week of in-depth training, networking and fun! The annual user conference, also known as YASC, will be hosted at the Washington Hilton from May 30 – June 1. “We’re looking forward to welcoming clients to DC! We listened to client feedback and have expanded the number of unique class offerings and networking opportunities,” said Tim Hoover, creative director for Yardi. Features of YASC Washington, D.C. include: Conference App We’ve gone green with a new conference app! Attendees can access all conference information, venue maps, class materials, social networking and in-app messaging, and more on the Yardi Events app. It’s designed to enable attendees to custom-tailor their daily schedule with classes, demos, panels, and roundtables, and to set up one-on-one meetings with Yardi staff. The Yardi Events app is available for download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. A browser-based version, synced to the mobile app, will also be available, so attendees can access all these features from their desktop. User log-in details have been emailed to all registered YASC attendees. Questions? Email our team at [email protected]. Gain Insight & Get Your Questions Answered Knowledge Central is the place to be if you want to learn more about new products and upgrades, or if you have questions about your current software. We’ve gathered the experts in one place, so you’ll know where to go to get all your questions answered. Bonus: attend a 15-minute product preview in Knowledge Central and be entered in a daily giveaway for a Bose travel speaker! Expand Your Network YASC is all about learning, but we also want our clients to have a good time! The conference will offer several opportunities to connect with peers in your industry, including networking receptions and focused table...
Connections at YASC
Fort Smith Housing Authority
The next Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference is coming to Washington, D.C., kicking off on May 30, 2018. YASC brings together more than 1,500 professionals from nearly every property and financial management industry for instruction, comradery, and insight into the future of technology. At last year’s YASC, we sat down with Rachel Brown, Section 8 manager for the Fort Smith, Arkansas Housing Authority (FSHA). Rachel has witnessed exciting growth during her nearly 15 years with FSHA, growth that includes personal experiences, organizational development, as well as the growth of clients she serves. Here’s a recap of our conversation last spring. Welcome to YASC! Tell us a little about yourself and your organization. Our mission is to develop, rehabilitate and manage decent, safe and sanitary affordable housing. We promote equal opportunity, fair housing initiatives and the deconcentration of race and poverty. I’ve been with FSHA for nearly 15 years, and we’ve really grown over that time. When I first started as a housing specialist, we had around 450 Public Housing units and less than 1,200 vouchers. Today, we have more than 1,600 vouchers under our management, transitioned 288 public housing units through the RAD program, and replaced 170 public housing units with the help of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Our current development efforts include Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units, rehabbing dilapidated housing for sale to low- and moderate-income families, and exploring ways to provide everyone with the affordable housing that meets their needs. What do you find most rewarding about your career thus far? Seeing people’s lives transition and change for the better, those are the real ‘wow’ moments. Clients come into our program in many personal situations. Some are single parents, others are going to school or raising a family. It’s inspiring when they enter our...
YASC Asia 2017
Join Yardi in Singapore
The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) returns to Sentosa Island in Singapore on October 10, 2017. The new venue location, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, offers tranquil grounds and beautiful views of the South China Sea. Our YASC 2017 event is bigger and better than ever! The one-day conference will offer expanded learning and networking for clients with property portfolios across Asia. This year’s conference boasts 25 in-depth courses, panels, and discussion groups tailored for commercial and investment professionals. In addition to expanded training, YASC attendees will have an opportunity to make valuable connections with industry peers, Yardi staff, and consultants throughout the day. Attendees can network into the evening at Yardi’s Wonderland reception. Hosted at the Straits Veranda at the Sofitel Resort & Spa, guests can look forward to enchanting live music, nationally-acclaimed entertainment, tasty canapés, and more! “We’ve designed YASC to maximize learning opportunities and networking. We’re excited to welcome our clients and industry experts to our new location on Sentosa Island,” said Nina Feldman, marketing manager at Yardi. Here are a few new features to 2017 YASC Asia: Discussion groups A new addition to YASC Asia, discussion groups aim to explore the software solutions you use every day. These groups will be facilitated by a Yardi product expert to provide a space to discuss issues and share experiences with industry peers. Hands-on experience in the Computer Lab Reinforce newly acquired skills with hands-on experience in our on-site Computer Lab, which will offer assistance with Yardi products, SQL scripting, and reporting. Our Lab team will be available to answer your product-specific questions, provide advice, and discuss products you’re keen to learn more about. For Lab hours, refer to the conference overview. Connecting on social media Join the fun on social media and you could win big!...
YASC ANZ 2017
Client training in Sydney
The popular Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) returns to Sydney, Australia on August 30-31. We’re excited to welcome guests to YASC’s new location, The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, with views of the Sydney Harbour and proximity to the historic Rocks district. The two-day conference will offer expanded learning and networking opportunities for our clients with portfolio presence in Australia and New Zealand. With an anticipated attendance of over 200 Yardi clients, this will be the largest YASC in Australia and New Zealand to date. This year’s conference boasts over 40 unique courses and discussion groups tailored for commercial and investment portfolios. In addition to expanded education offerings, YASC attendees will have an opportunity to network with industry peers throughout the conference. Opportunities abound, including at breakfasts and lunches, tea breaks and the highly anticipated YASC cocktail reception. Join us for an evening in Yardi’s Wonderland on August 30 at The Four Seasons’ Grain Bar. Guests can look forward to enchanting entertainment, tasty canapés and sweets, along with some fun, magic and mystery. Be prepared to be dazzled! “This year’s event is bigger and better than ever! We’ve designed YASC to maximize learning opportunities and fun. We’re excited to welcome our clients and industry experts to an expanded YASC event focused on creating meaningful dialogue and networking connections,” said Nina Feldman, marketing manager at Yardi. Here are a few new features coming to 2017 YASC Australia and New Zealand: Discussion groups A new addition to YASC ANZ, discussion groups aim to explore the software solutions you use every day. These groups will be facilitated by a Yardi product expert to provide a space to discuss issues and share experiences with industry peers. Hands-on experience in the Computer Lab Gain hands-on experience in our on-site Computer...
YASC San Diego 2017
New Venue + Expanded Learning
Surf’s up! Yardi’s user conference moves to San Diego this fall. The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, also known as YASC, will be hosted at The Bayfront Hilton on September 13-15, 2017. “We are excited to welcome guests to our new location in San Diego. The new venue is beautiful and we believe clients will really enjoy the expanded conference space and program we have in store,” said Tim Hoover, creative director for Yardi. With an anticipated attendance of almost 2,000 Yardi clients, this could be our biggest YASC ever. The new location offers ample space for expanded education sessions, in-depth training and great networking opportunities. As one past YASC attendee shared: “I had the sheer pleasure of meeting Mr. Yardi and some of the wonderful Yardi staff I communicate with. Yardi is a top notch and highly professional company that knows how to take care of their customers with hands-on training, great entertainment and wonderful customer service.” Features of YASC San Diego include: A new conference app We’re excited to launch a new conference app that will offer a mobile and streamlined conference experience. Attendees can access conference information, venue maps, social networking and in-app messaging, and more on the Yardi Events app. It’s designed to enable attendees to custom-tailor their daily schedule with classes, demos, panels and roundtables, and to set up one-on-one meetings with Yardi staff. The Yardi Events app is available for download at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. A browser-based version, synced to the mobile app, will also be available, so attendees can access all these features from their desktop. User log-in details have been emailed to all registered YASC attendees. Questions? Email our team at [email protected]. One-on-one advice at Knowledge Central This is the new home of our Computer Lab...
YASC DC 2017
Relationships + Technology
The 2017 Spring Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) in Washington, D.C. kicked off with a glimpse into the future of relationships and technology. Yardi CEO and founder Anant Yardi addressed the crowd of nearly 1,500 clients on how cloud services, mobile apps, and artificial intelligence can be used to improve relationships. Mr. Yardi explained how Yardi will use technology to improve client relationships. He announced the creation of a task force that will address user concerns based on app ratings. “We need an organization—and we’ll set that up—where anytime we get a rating, we need someone looking at it and contacting that user. If there is a response-time issue, a particular problem, we can help them as the problem occurs. Know that service is important to us,” continues Mr. Yardi. “If it’s not good enough, we take action.” In the spirit of improvement, Yardi will continue to enhance cloud services and securities for its users. Recent cloud architecture investments included, but were not limited to, Next Gen firewalls, intrusion protection appliances and software, DDoS protection, web application firewalls, and end point protection. Ongoing training ensures that security staff stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. “We now have a SWAT team within our cloud and they’re constantly monitoring for changes,” chuckles Mr. Yardi. “We are sending members of our security teams to all of the security conferences so that we can be sure that we’re doing the right thing by you.” Staying abreast of trends is another way that Yardi plans to improve relationships through technology. The refinement of artificial intelligence paves the way for a vast array of applications, not the least of which includes property management. Mr. Yardi posed conceptual applications that use machine learning to improve clients’ bottom line. Unlike...
YASC Scavenger Hunt
Join the Photo Fun!
Join the social media photo scavenger hunt at YASC 2017 in Washington, D.C. This is a great way to network with fellow attendees, explore the conference offerings, and learn about Yardi’s history, products, and values. We invite you to jump in on the fun! It’s easy to participate: Snap and post photos of scavenger hunt items on Twitter and Instagram Tag posts with the event hashtag, #YASC2017 Winners will be announced on social media Thursday, May 25, starting at 9am EST Rules: Snap and post on Twitter or Instagram using #YASC2017. Accounts must be public for posts to be visible during contest. There are lots of fun prizes, so don’t miss out! YASC photo scavenger hunt list: At the YASC Registration Desk A General Session photo Networking at lunch or a break A Washington, D.C. landmark (outside the hotel) With a Yardi staff member (look for the Yardi shirts) Visit Knowledge Central In a course or panel session Selfie with your team or YASC attendee At one of the YASC receptions A favorite moment at YASC Questions? Visit the Networking Lounge in Columbia Hall of the Washington Hilton, message Yardi on social media, or email us at...
YASC DC 2017
Conference Preview
We’re excited to welcome more than 1400 of our valued Yardi clients to the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., next week for our biannual Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC). The networking, fun and learning begins Tuesday, May 23, and concludes Thursday, May 25. Attendees will enjoy a robust schedule of training courses, networking and social events, opportunities to get hands-on with Yardi software, ask the experts and much more. If you’d still like to attend, it is not too late to register. As he has done for the past 15 years, Yardi founder and CEO Anant Yardi will kick off the event on Tuesday morning with a keynote address to attending clients and staff in the International Ballroom. Mr. Yardi typically offers a high-level overview of technology advancement and points of connection to the real estate industry. YASC will be held on the West Coast in San Diego, Calif., from Sept. 13-15. International YASC events are slated for Amsterdam, Singapore and Sydney this fall. A growing YASC Middle East took place this past spring in Dubai. “Our Yardi conference offerings continue to expand, and our goal is for the quality of the client experience to continually improve,” said Tim Hoover, Yardi creative director and producer of the event. “As our repeat attendees can attest, no two YASCs are the same as we strive to make each one better than the last.” Features of this year’s Washington, D.C., conference includes: Opportunities to Connect Over Lunch Network with industry peers and hear more about what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. At lunch, look for signs on the tables and select your seat based on your area of interest. A Yardi specialist will be at each table to answer product-related questions. Client Panels and Roundtables Considering a new core product purchase or want to improve how you use your existing platform? Check the course list for the client panels and roundtable discussions. These are great places to pick up tips and insight from your industry peers. Knowledge Central Have a technical question about a Yardi product that you currently use or are considering purchasing? This is the place to go for expert help, one-on-one support, product demonstrations and information about upgrades and implementations. The sales team will be giving away some cool Patagonia gear to clients who stop by for a demo, so if you’ve been wanting to ask about a product you don’t yet have, this is a great time to do it. Wednesday Night Yardi Parti Yardi’s YASC celebrations are known for their food, entertainment and fun! Join us to celebrate our 2017 theme: “Energized for Tomorrow” and see what everyone is talking about. Dinner, drinks, live music, dancing, photo booth and more will take place on Wednesday night in the International Ballroom. Networking Lounge Stop by the networking lounge in the foyer of Columbia Hall and sit down for a conversation with your new industry connections. The Networking Lounge is also where you can find Yardi social media staff, who can answer questions about using social channels for branding, marketing and connecting with your consumer base. Social Media Channels We’ll be running contests throughout the conference, so get engaged and share your experience on social media using #YASC2017 for conference news, prizes and more! You’ll find us @Yardi on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, and @YardiSystems on Instagram. Follow the Action We’ll be posting live from the event and so will our social media savvy clients. Find all the posts in one place at our YASC Social...
Looking Back
YASC Gala Fun in Anaheim
The Fall 2015 Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, or YASC for short, was successfully held in Anaheim October 7-9, 2015. For the third consecutive year, the Fall 2015 YASC was hosted at the Hilton Anaheim, located in Orange County near the Anaheim Convention Center. YASC Anaheim drew 1,800 clients and 300 staff to Southern California for three days of advanced software training, product updates, learning, and networking. In addition to the 200+ courses, general sessions, and panels, guests enjoyed the YASC Gala on October 9. Attendees danced and sang along to 1930’s jazz-inspired Gala entertainment. The Hilton’s largest ballroom was transformed with lush topiaries, lamp posts, waterfalls, and the iconic sound and energy of New Orleans. We captured some of the evening’s festivities at the Gala photo booth. Enjoy a glimpse of the fun!...
Fun in Anaheim
YASC Fall 2015
The Fall 2015 Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, or YASC for short, is coming to Anaheim October 7-9, 2015. For the third consecutive year, the Fall 2015 YASC will be hosted at the Hilton Anaheim, located in Orange County near the Anaheim Convention Center. YASC Anaheim is projected to be one of the largest conferences to date, with an estimated 1,800 clients and 300 staff in attendance. The conference focuses on advanced software training, product updates, and exploring important industry topics. This year YASC will offer clients 200+ courses to choose from including courses tailored for IT professionals, executives, property managers, property owners, office staff, and trainers. Along with the YASC courses, general sessions, and scheduled entertainment, we wanted to share a few local attractions that may interest clients visiting Orange County. Whether this is your first visit to the West Coast, or your tenth, we hope these opportunities will enrich your experience while at YASC. Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park Disneyland Park is celebrating its Diamond 60th Anniversary in style. You won’t want to miss Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, which has been transformed into a Diamond-studded classic. The year-long celebration features special parades, programs, and a dazzling fireworks display in the evening. In addition to celebrating its 60th Anniversary, parts of the park will be in festive fall spirit. Special events, including family-friendly Halloween events, happen throughout the park in the month of October. Head over to the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain to experience spooky and fun seasonal activities. Disney’s California Adventure Park offers the attractions, dining, shopping, and entertainment of Disneyland, but with extended park hours. The new Cars Land area is a fun and interactive part of the park where guests can race into the world of Pixar’s Cars movie....
YASC DC 2015
Annual East Coast Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yardi’s largest ever Advanced Solutions Conference launched Tuesday, May 19 at the Washington Hilton. Nearly 1,500 clients are attending the three-day event, which continues through May 21. Remarks from Yardi founder and CEO Anant Yardi began the day. “Clients are at the heart of what we do,” Mr. Yardi said. “Our focus is your success. And there are two guiding principles for us: Customer service and innovation.” Since 1984, California-based Yardi Systems has become a global real estate technology leader, with 36 offices, clients in 80 countries, 10 data centers, and software platforms serving more than a dozen real estate verticals. “We started in Europe 10 years ago, and that growth has really continued,” said Rob Teel, senior vice president, global solutions. The company will soon add additional data centers in Dubai and Singapore. Yardi also provides an array of strong ancillary service products, nationwide real estate market data, and real estate focused digital media. Over a period of strong growth for the company during the last decade, Mr. Yardi has placed the focus on customer service and support. The semi-annual YASC conferences, now expanded beyond the U.S. to include regional events in Australia, the UK, and Singapore, is first and foremost an opportunity for clients to dialogue with Yardi personnel. The feedback they provide on Yardi products is vital to ongoing upgrades and enhancements to the software. Mentioning sharing economy successes Airbnb and Uber, Mr. Yardi said that the company’s focus in the coming months and years will be to continue to streamline and simplify its products and platforms. “You might say, what do (Airbnb and Uber) have to do with real estate? But it’s interesting to note that both of them simplify transactions we do on a daily basis...
YASC SB 2012
Day Two Live Blog
Welcome back to day two of YASC SB 2012. Wednesday was a packed day of learning and fun, and we heard so many positive comments from clients and Yardi staff about the conference being off to a great start. It’s a warm and windy morning in Santa Barbara, and hopefully you’ve had time to see the sunrise or walk by the ocean before heading to breakfast and your first class this morning. This thread is where you can find the latest news and information about conference happenings. Our Balance Sheet team will continually update this article throughout the day. We’ll also be roaming the halls to chat with clients and share your comments. But before we jump back into the live blog, a few reminders: -Navigate on over to our Yardi Systems Facebook page and hit the Like button, and you will be entered to win an iPad. Winners will be selected throughout the week. With the exciting focus on mobile apps and technologies this week, we’re hearing from clients that desire to make business technology smarter, fitter and tablet friendly is already happening. We met one YASC attendee yesterday whose office is going all-iPad for their computing needs. As Yardi Systems CEO and founder Anant Yardi shared with us yesterday, creating exciting new applications for mobile devices is a major emphasis of Yardi’s development efforts today and will remain so moving forward. -If you’re enjoying being in Santa Barbara this week, take a few extra minutes to soak it all in. YASC will be held away from the Central Coast for the first time in 2013, when the West Coast event will be held in Anaheim, Calif. from Oct. 9-11. The trial location allows for a larger number of conference attendees, so more great courses can be offered to better serve our clients. The East Coast 2013 YASC will continue to be based at the Washington Hilton from May 21-23, 2013. 8:15 a.m. – It’s another beautiful morning in Santa Barbara. Coming out of breakfast we caught up for a few minutes with Bill Buckman of the Eureka Housing Authority. EHA has been using Voyager to manage 270 units of public and affordable housing for the last four years. “I’m here to learn automation processes,” Buckman told us. “We’re figured out how to use (Voyager), now let’s figure out how to put it to work in the background for us.” Voyager has already helped the housing authority become far more efficient as an organization, by drastically reducing time spent on compliance checks and monthly payment processing. 8:30 a.m. – The YES Energy Solutions demo is terrific, showing how this utility billing and reporting option can be a seamless part of your Voyager package. YES is built into the Voyager database, saving time and making workflows and staff training easier. Managers can pull reports with energy use property by property or market by market to assess usage trends and improve environmental efficiency. It’s supported with a customer service call center, so if residents have questions or issues about their billing, they can call YES directly instead of contacting a property manager. There’s also a comprehensive invoice management component, so you can monitor seasonal utility spending, vendor-specific expenses, utility cost trends and more. 9 a.m. – Really excited about the Software as a Service Roundtable, coming up in the next session from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Yardi is a SaaS leader in the real estate technology world, and this will be a great opportunity for clients to get questions answered. If you can’t make this session but have questions about SaaS or software hosting in the Yardi Cloud, be sure to stop by this evening’s Yardi Cloud Services Meet and Greet, taking place from 5-6 p.m. at Rodney’s Steakhouse. Learn how Yardi hosting of your Voyager, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SharePoint and MITS interfaces with Yardi SaaS or Yardi Saas Select...
YASC SB 2012
Day one live blog
The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC), Santa Barbara edition, got off to a great start on October 17, 2012. The sold-out conference is attended by Yardi clients and consultants from around the globe, from company executives to on-site property management staff. You can also find us over on the new YASCInfo site, along with Tweets and photos from the day. Bookmark it now! As we kick off our coverage, let’s set the scene. Yardi staff and guests are gathered at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort on the beautiful Santa Barbara waterfront for today’s General Session. Affordable Housing, PHA, Senior Housing and Condo/Co-op/HOA courses are taking place at the Hyatt Santa Barbara just a short walk away. The Doubletree will also be the location for the evening events (networking reception tonight, gala reception and dinner tomorrow), and you can find Yardi sales professionals and expert technical staff ready to assist you at any time in the sales booth area or the Internet lab, located in the Reagan Room. Attendees are here to learn how to best use our Yardi product offerings, get one-on-one technical assistance, learn what new and exciting updates and products are coming in the next year, network with industry colleagues and more.. Spending time with our clients, learning from and sharing knowledge with you is part of our core value set at Yardi Systems. 8:30 a.m. – Good morning! So thrilled to be here with everyone. It’s an absolutely beautiful day here in Santa Barbara. Apparently someone at Yardi ordered up the perfect week of weather for this year’s YASC. Well done! Today’s conference began with the General Session address from Yardi CEO and founder Anant Yardi and vertical updates from Bryant Shoemaker, Rob Teel, John Pendergast, Dan Campbell, and Mark Livanec....
YASC Top 10 List
Hit the highlights Oct. 17-19
Whether you are a first time Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) attendee or have been to the event many times over, there’s much to learn and gain from the next few days. You’re surely arriving in Santa Barbara with your own business and training needs in mind, and Yardi’s foremost priority over the next few days is to send you home more knowledgeable then you were when you arrived. (We want you to have a good time, too.) But after you’ve gotten your questions answered, there’s still so much more to learn. Here are our best bets for the time you’ll spend with us at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort. Find the full schedule of conference events here. Have a specific question about what classes you should take? Just ask at the registration desk. No. 1: Company overview and update: general session with Anant Yardi (Wednesday morning). The Yardi Systems Founder and CEO delivers a comprehensive outlook on the real estate software industry, what’s trending right now, and Yardi’s responsive product offerings. Every seat in the room will be filled for this insight. No. 2: Leasing Pad demo: You won’t want to miss this look at the new, now fully available Leasing Pad, which YASC attendees in Washington D.C. got a sneak peek at earlier this year. Users will be able to access Voyager functionality for guest cards and availability through Leasing Pad, giving you pertinent data at your fingertips while working with prospects anytime, anywhere. Yardi PopCard is also integrated, allowing for easy lead tracking. Leasing Pad and Yardi’s other exciting mobile offerings will be front and center at the conference this week, so stay tuned for more mobile news and insight over the next several days. No. 3: Orion for Sharepoint: This all-encompassing...
