This past April, I had the opportunity to attend the very first-ever PropertyCon, hosted by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) in downtown Boston. This packed two-day event brought together residential and commercial property managers from across the country. The conference was a great mix of networking, education, and a healthy dose of industry perspective from people managing everything from boutique office spaces to high-rise multifamily buildings.
IREM’s goal? To bring managers together not just to connect, but to learn and grow. Each day was filled with breakout sessions, with four to five class options during every time slot, allowing attendees to tailor their experience based on what mattered most to their role or interests.
For me, the most valuable sessions leaned toward the commercial side of property management. One standout was a deep dive into the critical components of commercial leases. We explored everything from overlooked clauses to lease terms that can make or break a landlord-tenant relationship. This session was led by an incredibly knowledgeable manager from Texas, and I walked away with some practical takeaways I’ve already begun folding into our work at Taylor Brooks.
Another favorite was a mentorship-focused class, especially helpful as we think about nurturing future leaders in property management. There was also a great session on Artificial Intelligence in property management and how AI is beginning to shape things like maintenance dispatching, tenant communication, and building operations. While Taylor Brooks prides itself on personal, hands-on involvement with its tenants, it was still fascinating to hear how others are approaching automation at scale.
Beyond the learning and vendor connections, what really stuck with me was the shared experience among property managers. Whether someone was managing skyscrapers in Dubai (yes, seriously!) or office parks in the Grand Caymans, the core challenges and goals were the same: balancing tenant satisfaction with owner priorities, navigating leases, and managing the unexpected with a steady hand.
The event wrapped up with an unforgettable keynote from Adrianne Haslet, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor. Her story of resilience was moving, raw, and exactly what many of us needed to hear. While it wasn’t industry-specific, her message about perseverance in the face of uncertainty deeply resonated, as this industry can be unpredictable, and her story of determination was the perfect note upon which to end.
IREM did a fantastic job organizing this inaugural event, and I was impressed by how everything was so accessible: from the easy-to-use app to the downloadable class materials and PowerPoints. I left Boston feeling energized, validated, and excited about ways to keep improving what we do here.
Would I go again? Maybe not every year, but if you’re early in your career, or just want fresh perspective on what’s working for others in the industry, PropertyCon is well worth the time. And next year is in Austin… so, who knows? I just might see you there.
About Chrissy
A Certified Property Manager, Chrissy has been the main contact for Taylor Brooks tenants and vendors since 2023 and provides service with a smile. Previously, Chrissy served as the property manager and office manager for Veracity Property Management, where she managed both residential and commercial real estate, as well as working closely with the company’s CFO on accounting strategies and tasks. Prior to this, she worked in operations for Valentine Ventures and co-owned and operated Bend, Oregon children’s shop Stone Soup. Chrissy holds a Bachelor of Arts from Washington State University and lives in Bend with her husband and two sons. When she’s not working you can usually find Chrissy white water rafting, camping with family, or in her garden.
