From April 14–16, 2026, the Texas Apartment Association ONE Conference & Expo brought the multifamily industry to Fort Worth, where over 3,200 professionals gathered along with more than 250 exhibitors and 56 speakers, at the Convention Center for three unforgettable days of connection, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Forward as ONE,” the conference delivered a high-energy experience that blended big ideas, practical insights, and meaningful industry connection, proving once again why ONE is the premier event for the Texas rental housing industry.
A Conference That Delivered on Every Front
The 2026 ONE Conference was more than an event. It was a fully immersive experience. From the dynamic main stage to the buzzing expo floor and cowboy and western-themed ONE Helluva Night networking party, every element was designed to inspire action and spark new ideas across the multifamily landscape. Attendees explored innovative solutions, engaged in impactful education sessions, and built meaningful relationships, all while experiencing the unmistakable energy that defines ONE.
Main Stage Moments: Big Ideas Shaping What’s Next
The main stage brought together a powerful lineup of voices who challenged attendees to think differently about leadership, innovation, AI, and the future of the industry. Emcee Chet Garner once again brought his signature energy, humor, and Texas storytelling to the stage, creating a seamless and engaging experience across sessions.
Opening Keynote with Seth Mattison
Seth Mattison opened the conference with a clear message: the future of work isn’t about technology, it’s about adaptability. Drawing from his upbringing on a fourth-generation family farm, Mattison shared how the 1980s farm crisis shaped his belief that the cost of failing to adapt is deeply human, not just financial. That perspective set the stage for his take on today’s defining shift: artificial intelligence. Instead of focusing on hype, he grounded AI in real-world application, introducing a simple four-stage continuum: Chat, Task, Agent, Autonomous. His takeaway was straightforward: leaders don’t need to become technologists but they do need to embrace adaptation as a core skill. It was a powerful opening to the conference and a clear call to action: own the future, don’t wait for it.
Closing Keynote with Jesse Itzler
Jesse Itzler closed the 2026 ONE Conference with a keynote that was equal parts inspiring and deeply personal, offering a philosophy for how to live, lead, and build something meaningful.
From sleeping on couches as a young entrepreneur to building companies like Marquis Jet and Zico Coconut Water, Itzler shared a nonlinear journey shaped by risk, failure, and reinvention. His message: start before you’re ready and figure it out along the way. He emphasized the power of proximity and getting into the right rooms to expand your thinking, plus the importance of balancing the financial side of business with the “spiritual side”: how you treat people and build relationships. Because while business can be transactional, relationships are not. His talk reinforced the importance of mindset, and his most memorable takeaway: empty the tank. Give everything you have so there’s nothing left to regret. It was powerful and fitting close to the conference.
Throughout the conference, main stage sessions reinforced a central theme: the future of multifamily belongs to those willing to think bigger, move faster, and lead with intention.
Executive Edge: Leadership at the Highest Level
The invite-only Executive Edge session returned in 2026 as one of the conference’s most impactful experiences, bringing together industry leaders for a candid conversation about AI, leadership, and the future of multifamily. Headlined by Zack Kass, the session explored how AI is becoming foundational infrastructure, much like electricity or the internet, and why leaders must adapt faster than ever before.
Kass introduced the idea of “unmetered intelligence,” where access to intelligence becomes abundant and on-demand, shifting success from what you know to how effectively you apply it. While acknowledging risks like digital disconnection, declining critical thinking, and identity displacement, his message remained optimistic: AI has the power to expand human capability and productivity in extraordinary ways.
The takeaway for leaders was clear: stay grounded in your values, remain adaptable, and double down on what makes us human: connection, empathy, and community.
Celebrating Excellence & Showing Up
This year’s conference also spotlighted what truly drives our industry forward: our people and our advocacy. We proudly recognized the 2026 TAA Professional Award Winners, honoring outstanding leaders across operations, leasing, maintenance, and supplier partners. Each winner reflected the excellence, impact, and commitment shaping the future of multifamily in Texas. That same energy carried into the TAA PAC call to action. With the 2026 election cycle underway, attendees were reminded that our industry’s success depends on a strong voice at the table. And the response was powerful with over $7,200 raised in just over an hour. A clear example of what it means to move Forward as ONE.
Education Sessions That Empowered
With a robust lineup of education sessions, attendees had access to expert-led content spanning leadership, marketing, operations, technology, and team development. From AI and automation to workforce trends and resident experience, sessions were designed to equip attendees with real-world strategies they could immediately apply ensuring the learning extends far beyond the conference.
Expo Hall: The Pulse of Innovation
The Expo Hall once again served as the heartbeat of the conference with a vibrant marketplace where ideas, solutions, and partnerships came to life. Attendees connected with industry-leading suppliers, explored cutting-edge technologies, and discovered new ways to enhance operations and resident experience. Sponsors played a critical role in bringing the event to life, with immersive booths, live demos, and creative activations that made the Expo both engaging and impactful. From major exhibitors to niche solution providers, the Expo floor wasn’t just a place to browse, it was where business got done.
Activations, Experiences & Expo Energy
Beyond the booths, the Expo featured a range of creative activations and interactive experiences designed to engage attendees and create memorable moments. From themed lounges and hands-on brand activations including the Swag Saloon and Zen Den Massage Lounge to Refreshment Row and Bingo, these spaces offered opportunities to recharge, connect, and share experiences blending business with fun in a way that’s uniquely ONE. Plus, the TAA Talk Show stage delivered high-energy mini-interviews with industry thought leaders.
TAAEF Raffle: Driving Impact
One of the most anticipated moments of the conference was the Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation (TAAEF) vehicle raffle. This year’s grand prize was a Ford Bronco Sport which generated excitement throughout the event and attendees eagerly participated to support the foundation’s mission. Congratulations to Kelley Liserio, this year’s lucky winner, who drove away with the ultimate adventure-ready prize while helping advance workforce development across the industry.
ONE Conference App: Connection at Your Fingertips
The ONE Conference app once again proved to be an essential tool for navigating the event. From personalized schedules and real-time reminders to updates, networking and messaging, the app kept attendees connected every step of the way. It served as the digital hub of the conference making it easier than ever to engage, coordinate, and maximize the experience.
ONE Helluva Night
No ONE Conference would be complete without its signature celebration, and ONE Helluva Night delivered in full. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Fort Worth Stockyards at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall, with entertainment by Shinyribs, one of Texas’ most celebrated bands, the event brought together live music, Texas flair, and unforgettable energy. It was more than just a party: it was a shared experience that captured the spirit of the conference: connection, celebration, and community.
See You in San Antonio
The 2026 TAA ONE Conference & Expo was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the industry comes together with a shared vision. From bold ideas on the main stage to meaningful connections across the Expo floor, the energy, innovation, and impact were felt at every turn.
Now, we’re already looking ahead, and invite you to join us April 27–29, 2027 in San Antonio, where rich history, vibrant culture, and unmistakable Texas hospitality set the stage for what’s next. From the iconic San Antonio River Walk to world-class dining, entertainment, and unforgettable networking moments, San Antonio is the perfect backdrop for another incredible ONE experience. Each year, this community shows up bigger, stronger, and more connected, and we can’t wait to do it all again. Sign up to get 2027 exhibitor booth sales announcements here, and we’ll see you in San Antonio!