No limits

IREM members and guests will convene in Dallas on Oct. 17–20, 2022, to connect with peers, expand our knowledge, and strengthen IREM through governance. The theme for this year’s Summit is “No limits,” a reflection of some key tenets from 2022 IREM President Barry Blanton’s platform.

Barry has stressed throughout his presidency that the way forward is to eliminate barriers and make the world a little bit better, and a little bit smaller, through relationships. Anyone who’s ever heard Barry speak or spent three minutes with him can see he’s driven to ensure IREM is constantly evolving and changing to meet our members where they are. His commitment to making the organization more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming has inspired our members, volunteers, and staff, and it moves us into the Summit reinvigorated—confident there are no limits on what we can do as an organization and as real estate managers.

This sort of inspiration will undoubtedly make for an exciting Summit. Let’s take a look at what’s planned.

Positioning IREM for the future through governance

Throughout the Summit, committees and advisory boards will work hard to shape actions that carry out IREM’s strategic plan and position the Institute for a sustainable future. If you serve on a committee or advisory board this year, check the Summit schedule for your meeting time. The Governing Council will meet on Thursday, Oct. 20, to set IREM’s course and carry us into the year’s final months and beyond.

Celebrations, networking, and everything in between

From dinners to happy hours to The Gala, this year’s Summit has a host of opportunities to celebrate and network with your IREM friends and colleagues.

If you’re arriving in town on Monday, Oct. 17, drop your bags off and head out to see and experience the thriving city of Dallas—the restaurant, entertainment, and nightlife scenes are next-level. If you feel like staying in, you’ll find fabulous dining and amenities at the Hilton Anatole. And don’t miss the artwork in the hotel, a collection that draws from artists from around the world, fitting for our global organization.

The Summit Kick-Off & Celebration takes place on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 18. We’ll recognize IREM volunteers, international members, first-time Summit attendees, industry partners, Diversity & Inclusion Succession Initiative (DISI) leaders, student leaders, 30 under 30 honorees, Next Gen CPM leaders, and Chapter Innovation Award winners.

Tuesday evening’s Premier Party will be held at the Backyard, where everyone will enjoy Texas BBQ and bond over at least a dozen interactive games, from ping pong to darts to cornhole.

Wednesday night is set aside for catching up with IREM friends and making new connections at regional dinners.

The festivities culminate on Thursday night with The Gala, sponsored by Yardi. The Gala is always a memorable evening, as we celebrate the 2022 REME Award finalists and winners—individuals and companies elevating our profession through leadership, education, and innovation, all while making a difference in the lives of their tenants, residents, and in their communities. The prestigious IREM Foundation Awards will also be presented to those who’ve enhanced the stature of our dynamic and rewarding profession.

Main stage speakers: pushing limits and bridging gaps

Wednesday, Oct. 19
Phil Gwoke

Do you sometimes feel like generational differences, whether real or perceived, put limits on what your team or company can accomplish? Generational expert Phil Gwoke will get to the root of those differences and offer advice to help members of any generation get along and excel. Gwoke’s insights are from his experience as a high school teacher, college admissions professional, marketing coordinator, corporate trainer, and small business owner. He is also the managing director of BridgeWorks, a firm specializing in recruitment, retention, and engagement in our age-diverse workforce.

Thursday, Oct. 20
Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Retired)

Colonel Malachowski has broken barriers—and we’re not just talking about the sound barrier. She’s served as a mission-ready fighter pilot in three operational F-15E fighter squadrons and has flown over 188 combat hours in both OPERATION DELIBERATE FORGE and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. In her career, she was a Command Pilot with over 2,300 flight hours in six different Air Force aircraft: T-3, T-37, T-38, AT-38, F-15E, and the F-16C/D. In 2005, Colonel Malachowski was selected to fly as Thunderbird #3 with the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron—the first woman to fly on any Department of Defense military jet demonstration team.

Her successful military career ended prematurely when she was medically retired from service due to the impact of a late-stage, neurological tick-borne illness. But rather than let her illness slow her down, she gave back by becoming officially certified as both a Mentor and Ambassador in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and a patient advocate for those suffering from tick-borne diseases. She brings the same limitless drive and passion to those efforts as she did to her career as a pilot. We’re excited to hear her story.

Our keynote speakers are always memorable. Malachowski and Gwoke are sure to deliver on that trend.

Education sessions: leading and learning

This year’s Global Summit features education sessions to send you back to your job refreshed and renewed with inspirational insights on leadership, owner relations, and property operations.

Oct. 19

• On Wednesday, Oct. 19, leadership expert and award-winning author Kim Becking will talk about work-life balance in an increasingly fast-paced world.
• Gail Duke, CPM, will moderate a dynamic panel of asset managers as they explore current needs in ownership and how real estate management firms can help meet those needs to keep owners and investors satisfied.

Oct. 20

• On Thursday, Oct. 20, communications coach Vincent Ivan Phipps covers how to build rapport and reduce conflict in communication.
• Brett Heising will discuss moving beyond ADA compliance to true accessibility in your company and at your properties. Heising is a successful journalist and PR pro turned entrepreneur. He’s the founder and CEO of brettapproved, Inc., a travel and entertainment website for anyone with a physical disability or mobility challenge.
• Stacy Holden from AppFolio will tackle how to turn the Great Resignation into a staffing opportunity.
• Roofing experts are scheduled to deliver a master class in real-life commercial roofing issues.
• And Michael Tuer from Yardi takes maintenance to the next level with emerging technology, leading to connectivity, efficiency, and better execution of your operational strategy.

IREM Summit Central

One of the more interesting places to engage with other attendees this year will be at IREM Summit Central, where attendees can meet great vendors. Make regular visits to Summit Central a part of your Summit experience—it’ll be worth your time.

This year’s Global Summit promises to be full of fun and learning, with no limits to what IREM members can accomplish. Join us in Dallas to celebrate real estate management, our achievements, and what we have to look forward to. As Barry would say—it’ll be super cool!