Onboard joined the Conservice team at this month’s NAA Apartmentalize 2025 in Las Vegas—and once again, the industry didn’t disappoint. The event was full of energy, ideas, and forward-looking conversations that reminded us why we’re so passionate about this space. From reconnecting with longtime clients to exploring emerging PropTech innovations, it was a powerful snapshot of where the multifamily industry is heading.
One thing was clear: relationships still matter.
Some of the most meaningful moments happened in the aisles, at the booths, or at face-to-face conversations with providers, clients, and industry peers. These conversations lead to deepening trust, sparking new ideas, and aligning around the shared challenges and opportunities operators are navigating today.
Here’s a look at what stood out—and what it could mean for the future of connectivity, resident experience, and operational strategy in multifamily.
Resident Experience Stays Center Stage
It’s clear that resident experience remains a top priority—not just as a buzzword, but as a meaningful driver of retention, revenue, and value. Panels, conversations, and client meetings all circled back to this idea: residents expect more than ever, and the communities that deliver intuitive, seamless experiences will come out ahead.
Smart, connected solutions like bulk connectivity offerings & smart home integrations are no longer fringe innovations—they’re becoming standard expectations.
A consistent theme across conversations was the re-evaluation of bulk internet programs. Owners and operators are looking for:
- Flexible ramp periods
- Simplified rollout plans
- Better resident onboarding and education
- Programs that clearly contribute to NOI and satisfaction
As budgets tighten and operators seek solutions with real, measurable impact, bulk internet is emerging as one of the most strategic levers in the toolkit.
Tech Is Here to Stay—But It’s Not Just About AI
This year’s show made one thing clear: technology is no longer a trend—it’s infrastructure. With more tech-enabled products than ever before, offering solutions from back-office workflows to resident engagement tools, operators are being called to adopt smarter systems across the board. And it’s not just about AI. The real value lies in platforms that streamline operations, reduce friction for site teams, and deliver real results for residents.
“Finding Every Dollar”, a key panel moderated by our very own VP of Customer Success, Tiffany Timmermann, gave us a direct window into the day-to-day challenges facing site teams and owner POCs. Conversations with property managers and owners reinforced a few key takeaways:
- Clear communication and thoughtful implementation are critical, especially for residents and teams who may be hesitant to adopt new systems.
- Trust matters—and it must flow both ways. Tech and service providers need to build credibility with corporate leadership and on-the-ground staff alike.
- Even high-value services can get cut under budget pressure, which highlights the need to clearly communicate ROI—not just deliver it.
As the multifamily industry continues to evolve, one of the biggest opportunities - and the biggest challenges - lies in bridging generational gaps. From Gen Z to Boomers, each generation brings unique strengths, whether it’s deep operational knowledge or a fresh tech-first mindset.
Still, even the best tools can’t succeed without alignment, support, and a people-first approach. Resident experience remains a top priority, especially in an economic climate where retention is everything. But there’s a growing recognition that employee experience is just as important. How your teams feel directly impacts how your residents feel - happy teams create happy residents, which drives retention—and ultimately, revenue. And in a market where trust is becoming a cost, building that trust from the bottom up and the top down will be a major differentiator moving forward.
The Bottom Line
NAA Apartmentalize 2025 reminded us that technology, trust, and thoughtful execution are the pillars of forward-thinking property management. While the economy continues to keep some operators cautious, there’s a clear appetite for solutions that can deliver real ROI, elevate the resident experience, and create operational clarity.
At Onboard, we’re proud to be part of that solution—helping owners and operators simplify and successfully create, manage, and support bulk internet management across all housing markets.
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