The Zag to the Large Conference Zig
In this industry, the default is to zig toward large conferences and association events. Thousands of people. Fluorescent lights. Panels stacked back-to-back. A sea of vendor booths. Everyone is busy, but real connection is rare.
This isn’t the place to critique that. You already know what's broken.
Instead, I want to share how I’m zagging.
It started simply. I would put together executive lunches for our company’s President. We'd invite leaders from local management and ownership firms. No big agenda. Just a chance to sit down, talk, and share ideas over lunch. Usually 10 people. Maybe 4 or 5 different companies represented. And a supplier would cover the meal.
Sometimes we’d have a topic to discuss. Other times, we’d just enjoy the moment. But always—it was valuable. People left with new insights, new connections, and new energy.
Then in December 2024, I found myself heading to Phoenix for a conference. I thought, “Why not set something up while I’m in town?” So I did. Eight executives came to tour a new property. We had sushi, drinks, and did simple introductions. No keynote speakers. No name badges. Just honest connection.
Everyone left better than they arrived.
Since then, I’ve hosted events in Dallas, Denver, and now—this week—I’ll be in Texas again for four more. Dallas and Austin on May 20th. San Antonio and Houston on May 21st.
Here’s how these events work:
They’re for executives—VPs and C-level leaders at multifamily management and ownership companies.
35 to 45 attendees. Small by design.
We start with intros. Everyone gets to share who they are and what they do.
Then we break into groups to tour the property.
That’s where the magic happens.
Because traditional networking doesn’t work for most people. Standing around with a drink in hand, trying to break into conversations—it’s awkward. So we remove the friction.
Walking the property together gives people something real to talk about. It breaks down the walls. The conversation becomes natural. Organic. Human.
We wrap with a group photo. Some folks stick around. Some don’t. Either way, it’s efficient. It’s focused. It respects people’s time.
And yet, it creates space for connection at the highest level.
A few suppliers help sponsor these events—and they attend, too. In this smaller setting, executives are actually open to hearing from them. Not because they’re forced to, but because the tone is different. The environment is humanized. Respectful. Trust-building.
Next month, I’m planning stops in Nashville, Atlanta, and Charlotte. And I’m just getting started. I have BIG plans for 2026. If you are interested in zagging with me and attending any of my future events let me know.
Sometimes, to make a real impact, you zag.
—Moshe