Over 200 property management professionals gathered in the vibrant city of Rapid City, SD, to tackle maintenance challenges, forge connections, and share laughter during the 2024 MX Summit. The three-day event overflowed with insightful sessions, lively activities, and ample networking opportunities, leaving attendees buzzing with fresh ideas and strategies to bring home.
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Success
The summit opened with a warm welcome, followed by a pre-conference sunrise hike. As the soft glow of morning light bathed the South Dakota landscape, attendees trekked through crisp air, their breaths mingling with the scent of pine and earth. The hike invigorated the group, with every step over rugged terrain drawing them closer to each other and the days ahead.
Mastering Maintenance with Expert Insights
The formal agenda kicked off with keynote speaker sessions that set the stage for the summit’s focus: embracing change management in property management and using data to tackle maintenance challenges head-on. Ray Hespen, Property Meld CEO, kicked off the morning discussing the future of the industry and how maintenance benchmarking is impacting the industry.
Throughout the day, the hum of learning filled the air as Property Meld’s product team shared the latest innovations. Experts dove deep into topics like building a world-class maintenance team and leveraging AI, leaving attendees scribbling notes as new possibilities unfolded.
The day ended with a keynote dinner and auction. The room came alive with the sound of conversation and enjoyment as Property Meld raised $12,400 for the Pat Tillman Foundation. Keynote speaker David Meltzer captivated the audience with his heartfelt advice on mastering mindset, and as the night ended, attendees experienced live music, the notes mingling with laughter and the clink of ice cold drinks. Day 1 ended inspirationally with our keynote dinner and auction. With the help of our event attendees, Property Meld was able to raise $12,400 for the Pat Tillman foundation. Our keynote speaker David Meltzer shared his 5 tips for mastering your mindset, and the night ended with drinks, dancing, and live music.
Day 2: Deep Dive into Maintenance Challenges
Day two began with morning yoga, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to wellness and balance. With their bodies refreshed and minds clear, attendees transitioned into a day of hands-on workshops, focusing on key topics like preventative maintenance and vendor relationships.
One standout session, The Lowdown: Centralized Maintenance in Rental Housing, unfolded, diving deep into how centralizing maintenance operations can transform rental housing management. Dom Beveridge unpacked the advantages of a centralized approach, from streamlining communication to improving response times and enhancing overall efficiency. Attendees learned how centralizing maintenance processes can lead to better vendor coordination, reduced operational costs, and a more consistent resident experience. Listeners were captivated by real-world examples that highlighted the benefits of centralizing maintenance. You could almost feel the ideas taking root, as property managers envisioned transforming their operations back home.
Networking and Fun: Building Connections Beyond the Boardroom
The MX Summit has always been about more than just learning; it’s about building lasting connections. This year’s event took networking to the next level with local food trucks providing a taste of Rapid City’s best flavors, encouraging attendees to mingle while enjoying delicious meals. These casual dining experiences created the perfect atmosphere for property management professionals to swap stories, exchange ideas, and build relationships.
The second evening ended with an exciting pub crawl, where attendees explored some of Rapid City’s favorite watering holes. This casual, fun-filled activity was the perfect way to unwind after a day of learning, giving everyone a chance to enjoy a few laughs and create memories outside the conference hall.
Beyond the Sessions: The MX Summit Experience
While the sessions and workshops were undoubtedly valuable, it was the sense of community and camaraderie that truly made this event special. From the morning yoga sessions to the local food trucks and the lively pub crawl, attendees had countless opportunities to build connections that will last far beyond the conference. Additionally, attendees shared processes and success stories, helping each other drive their businesses forward. These experiences added a layer of fun and relaxation to the event, making it clear that the MX Summit is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the 2024 MX Summit drew to a close, attendees departed Rapid City with new strategies, ideas, and memories still fresh in their minds. The warmth of the experience lingered like the South Dakota sun, leaving everyone energized and eager for the next chapter. With pre-sale tickets now available, the anticipation for the 2025 MX Summit is already building.
Join us for the MX Summit 2025, Sept. 16-19 in Rapid City, South Dakota.