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Education

2026 Fall Expo Speaker Series- 3 Great Speaker Sessions

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
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Event Details

NEW THIS YEAR - 3 GREAT SPEAKERS  SESSIONS!  EARN 3 CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS!

Who should attend?  Property Managers, Maintenance Supervisors, Leasing Professionals, Regional Managers, Corporate Leaders, Supplier Partners, Maintenance Technicians, Owners, Multifamily Operators, and others will benefit from these educational sessions and Fall Expo.

SESSION 1 (9-10:40am): Is it Just Me, or Are People…A LOT Lately? presented by Kara Rice, Vice President of Education with Swift Bunny

How to Win Over Today’s Toughest Customers and Teammates: Let’s be real—have you noticed that people are kind of… a lot these days? Whether it’s demanding prospects, drama-prone residents, overly opinionated co-workers, or even your sweet but exhausting Aunt Carol, it seems like everyone is operating at max intensity. And when the pressure's on, it can lead to unhappy customers, missed leases, burned-out teams, and a serious hit to your retention and revenue. Sound familiar? Let’s take a dive into the current state of satisfaction (or lack thereof) in the multifamily world. We’ll explore the latest data on what residents and employees really want—and why they’re more high-maintenance than ever. But don’t worry, this session isn’t just a therapy session (though it might feel like one!). You’ll leave with real-world strategies, smart insights, and a few laughs along the way. Walk in with stress, walk out with solutions—and maybe a renewed sense of hope for humanity.

SESSION 2 (10-11:40am): What is an A2L Refrigerant Really? The Science, The Myths, and What Makes a Technician Dangerous vs Elite presented by Mark Sharp, CEO of The Maintenance Academy

The A2L refrigerant transition is here, but the biggest challenge isn't the refrigerant; it's the technician. This session separates fact from fiction by explaining the science behind A2L refrigerants, debunking common myths, and showing why precision, process, and proper diagnostics matter more than ever. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of what has changed, what hasn't, and how to develop the habits that separate dangerous technicians from elite professionals.

 

SESSION 3 (11am-12:40pm): AI for Multifamily Leasing: Stand Out, Save Time & Lease Better presented by Kristi Fickert, SVP of Growth & Marketing at Kurie 

The role of the leasing professional is evolving—and AI is becoming one of the most valuable tools for staying ahead. This session goes beyond using AI to rewrite emails or summarize text. You'll discover practical, real-world ways to use AI to generate fresh marketing ideas, create standout prospect experiences, streamline everyday tasks and become a more strategic leasing professional. Whether your company is embracing AI or just beginning the journey, you'll leave inspired to think bigger about what's possible and equipped with practical skills you can put to work immediately.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover practical ways AI can help you strengthen prospect communications, create better content, increase engagement and support stronger leasing results.
  • Learn simple prompting techniques that help you think more strategically, solve problems faster and become a more confident, future-ready leasing professional.
  • Walk away with ready-to-use prompts and real-world examples you can immediately apply to save time, showcase your value and help your community stand out in a competitive market.

More than 100 exhibitors. Three educational sessions. Professional headshots. Cash prizes. Interactive games. A 360° photo booth. Local celebrity emcee. Networking with hundreds of multifamily professionals—all for just $55.
Be sure to pre-register for the full Fall Expo & Seminar for your chance to win $250 cash!*

For More Information:

St. Louis Apartment Association Logo 12777 Olive Boulevard, Suite C
Saint Louis, MO 63141 314.205.8844

Fall Seminar & Expo Agenda:

Check-In: 8:30am - Seminar Check-In & Continental Breakfast

Session 1: 9am-10:40am - Leadership Session with Kara Rice from Swift Bunny

Session 2: 10am-11:40am - Maintenance Session with Mark Sharp

Session 3: 11am-12:40pm - Leasing AI with Kristi Fickert

Expo Hall: Open from 11am to 3pm

Cash Drawings: 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm

Additional Info:

  • Continental Breakfast provided during education sessions.
  • Buffet lunch, soft drinks, and water provided in the Exhibit Hall beginning at 11am.  Seating available in the Exhibit Hall and the Reception Area.
  • Cash / credit bars located throughout Exhibit Hall for beer and wine
  • The Party Inc. 360° photo booth
  • Professional headshots
  • Scavenger hunt / photo challenge
  • Cash drawings
  • Be sure to preregister for the full Fall Expo & Seminar for your chance to win cash! Please see ticket information below.
  • Various drawings throughout the afternoon for prizes from supplier partners and vendors
  • St. Louis celebrity emcee, Todd Thomas (aka "That One Guy"), will be walking around the Expo.

Ticket Information:

  • All seminar attendees, who are current SLAA members, will be automatically registered for the Fall Expo and will receive a FULL CONFERENCE badge at check in.
  • For those who are attending the Expo only (no seminar), please pre-register to receive your badge and a chance to win cash prizes. Select the "Fall Expo Attendee Only" ticket.  There is no charge to attend the Expo for current SLAA members.
  • Non members will have access to the seminar only (not the trade show).  Non members will not receive a badge for access to the trade show.

***Lastly, due to the amount of time and financial investment made by the participating exhibitors, supplier partners who have not reserved a booth, are not allowed to attend the Fall Expo.  Please be respectful of this policy.  Thank you for your understanding.  

St. Louis Apartment Association Event Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change; however, due to the commitments
we must make with vendors and venues, the following cancellation and no-
show policies apply to all of our events:

1. Cancellation After Deadline:
The deadline to register for most SLAA events is 10 days prior to the event date,
unless otherwise noted. For the Fall Expo, registrations will be accepted until the day of the event, but cancellations made after October 21, 2026 will not be eligible for a refund as meal counts and logistics must be submitted to the St. Charles Convention Center prior.  
2. No-Show Policy:
If a registered participant does not attend the event ("no-show"), they
will still be responsible for the full cost of the event. No-shows will be
invoiced for the full amount of their registration, as their space has
been reserved and event expenses incurred.
3. Events Including Meals:
For events where meals are provided, registrants who cancel after
the deadline or do not attend will still be charged the full ticket price,
including the cost of the meal. This ensures that costs associated
with pre-ordered meals are covered.
4. Substitutions:
If you are unable to attend an event, you may send someone in your
place. Please notify us of any substitutions prior to the event date.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Our cancellation and
no-show policy ensures the success of our events and helps us manage
costs efficiently for all attendees.

SLAA's Photo Release Policy

By registering and entering this event, you are authorizing the St. Louis Apartment Association to reproduce, copyright, use, publish, and/or display, now and hereafter, your personal image, name, likeness, photograph(s), testimonial for any legitimate association purpose for print/electronic usage.