From May 7–9, 2025, the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston transformed into the epicenter of the Texas rental housing industry as over 4,000 professionals gathered for the Texas Apartment Association’s ONE Conference & Expo. With a record-breaking 385 exhibitors, 50+ education sessions, and 10 dynamic main stage speakers, this year’s event delivered unmatched energy, insight, and connection. We’ll let the stats speak for themselves:
- 4,000+ Conference-goers
- 385 Exhibitors
- 50+ Education Sessions
- 10 Main Stage Speakers
- 9 Activation Lounges
- 9,940 Mobile App Messages
- 88 Meet-ups
- 1 Huge Party
A Conference That Delivered on Every Front
The 2025 ONE Conference was more than just a professional gathering—it was a full-sensory experience. Attendees explored a vibrant expo hall, engaged in hands-on learning, and enjoyed unique networking opportunities, all while immersing themselves in a high-energy, future-focused environment.
Keynote Speakers Who Energized and Inspired
Each day featured a standout keynote speaker who brought fresh energy, new perspectives and actionable insights to the conference. Day one kicked off with enthusiasm and entertainment by Tony Award-winning Broadway entertainers, Freestyle+. They set the tone for the event with an interactive, freestyle rap performance using input from the audience, and closed the event with an unforgettable production blending improv and inspiration. Jesse Cole, founder of the Savannah Bananas, then took the stage to share inspiring stories and valuable lessons about fan-first leadership. He explained how he pivoted from chasing customers to creating raving fans and bridged this concept brilliantly to the multifamily industry by explaining that every touch point with a potential or current resident provides the opportunity to create an unforgettable moment.
Tunde Oyeneyin, instant New York Times Best-Selling Author, Peloton Instructor, Nike Athlete, and Change Maker, reminded attendees throughout her keynote that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or having all the answers—it’s about creating space for connection and showing up in our truth, which can all be guided by the SPEAK principles: Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge.
Main Stage Moments: Big Ideas and Bold Leadership for the Multifamily Industry
The ONE Conference Main Stage delivered a powerful lineup of speakers who energized and filled attendees with new knowledge, fresh perspective, inspiration, and actionable strategies—each tying their unique expertise back to the multifamily industry. Emmy award-winning host of The Daytripper, Chet Garner was the talented emcee who opened the event by spotlighting the importance of curiosity, storytelling, and community—an energizing reminder of the value of authentic engagement in resident interactions.
Renowned generational researcher Jason Dorsey separated myth from truth about generations and shared how generational insights can help with recruitment and retention in the workforce, plus how to use trust, influence, and connection to drive resident attraction and retention.
Jay Parsons, a leading expert in rental housing economics, dove into what’s happening in the Texas rental housing industry, with a data-packed update where he peeled back the layers of both national and regional dynamics, helping property professionals understand where we are—and what might come next with housing starts, renewals, and affordability.
Branding expert Erin Stafford delivered a deeply personal and profoundly motivating message about burnout—how it can quietly take over even the highest-performing lives, and how we can reclaim our energy, clarity, and purpose to thrive again.
A trio of the multifamily industry’s top experts—Kate Good, Virginia Love, and Lisa Trosien—also known as the Apartment Allstars, offered actionable ideas to implement right away in their fast-paced session that covered essentials like leasing, customer experience, marketing, and resident retention.
Executive Edge Event: Leadership at Its Best
The Executive Edge Event, a first-of-its- kind this year, offered senior leaders a dedicated space to delve into strategic discussions, share insights, and explore the future of the rental housing industry in an invite-only and intimate environment. Headlined by two dynamic keynote speakers: Jason Dorsey, author of Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business – and What to Do About It, and Erin Stafford, author of The Type A Trap: Five Mindset Shifts to Beat Burnout and Transform Your Life, the session delivered unique networking, thought-provoking insights, and an opportunity for industry transformation.
Both speakers brought forward-thinking strategies and actionable advice to inspire leaders and executives to navigate today’s challenges and opportunities, and left attendees excited to implement their leadership learnings.
Education Sessions That Empowered
With over 50 education sessions and 10 main stage presentations, the conference offered a wealth of knowledge across various tracks, including Leadership Blueprint, The Balanced Professional, Teamwork!, Marketing, Exceeding Expectations, Rockstar (The Making Of), and Efficiency tools. Attendees heard from economists, researchers, best-selling authors, TV hosts, and the apartment industry’s most influential voices, and gained insights into future-ready leadership, AI integration, sustainability practices, and more, equipping them with tools to navigate the evolving rental housing landscape.
ONE Conference Expo Hall: A Marketplace of Innovation
The Expo Marketplace buzzed with activity as attendees connected with 385 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, and solutions shaping the future of the Texas rental housing industry. From cutting-edge technology and proptech platforms to amenity innovations and sustainability tools, the Expo was a vibrant hub of discovery, conversation, and collaboration.
Conference-goers had the opportunity to engage with key industry partners and sponsors whose support helped bring the event to life. Apartments.com, Appfolio and RealPage were among the headline sponsors offering hands-on demos, strategic insights, and practical resources to support operational excellence. Premier sponsors HD Supply and Renova, along with Spotlight Sponsors Chadwell Supply, CWEREN Law Firm, PLLC, and Ferguson showcased solutions that help streamline property management, enhance resident experiences, and optimize performance.
From major booths with immersive activations to curated vendor showcases, the ONE Expo wasn’t just a tradeshow floor—it was the pulse of the conference, where ideas turned into action and new partnerships were born.
Food, Fun & Futuristic Festivities
Culinary delights were abundant with three tasty Houston-based food trucks onsite offering diverse options to satisfy every palate. All cravings were satisfied through a spread of six irresistible food stations offering classic favorites and unique bites.
The Kickoff Block Party in the Expo allowed attendees to network, relax and unwind, and also featured a Booth Crawl Scavenger Hunt that rewarded eager Expo-goers with a custom-branded TAA trucker hat after engaging with exhibitors, learning about their latest innovations, and collecting booth stamps.
But the most anticipated event of TAA ONE was undoubtedly the Planet Pop Networking Event where attendees were transported on a cosmic journey that blended the nostalgic energy of the ’90s and 2000s with a dazzling, futuristic space theme.
With a stellar celebration of sights, sounds, and connections, the galactic light shows, interstellar landscapes, and dance-worthy beats got the entire crowd moving. Beyond the fun, the Planet Pop Party created organic networking moments and allowed attendees to share memories that carried over into the rest of the conference. It served as a high-energy recharge for attendees and provided sponsors with unforgettable brand engagement opportunities in a setting like no other.
Activation Lounges & Activities
This year, the ONE Conference featured seven uniquely themed activation lounges that provided spaces for relaxation, networking, and attendee engagement. Each lounge had its own distinct vibe—complete with social-worthy backdrops, creative design elements, and interactive features that made them perfect for snapping photos and making lasting memories. Attendees were encouraged to strike a pose, tag their experiences using #TAAONE, and share the fun on social media. Highlights included the Sneakerverse Club which provided a creative space for customizing sneakers and showcasing personal style, the Stellar Shots Studio which allowed attendees to get a new and professional headshot, and the Launch Pad Lounge, a casual coffee bar and networking area for conversation and connection.
ONE Conference App: Smart, Seamless and Social
The ONE Conference app, powered by Whova, proved to be an indispensable digital companion for this year’s attendees. More than just a scheduling tool, the app transformed how conference-goers interacted with the event and with each other.
With 9,940 messages exchanged, the app became the central hub for real-time engagement fostering dialogue, building community, and helping attendees connect across sessions, lounges, and meetups. Participants could personalize their schedules, bookmark favorite sessions, get instant updates on agenda changes, and explore speaker bios, sponsor details, and exhibitor information with ease.
The app also featured interactive tools like discussion boards, polls, and in-app meetups, which made networking more accessible—even for first-timers. Whether coordinating plans with colleagues or reaching out to new industry contacts, the app bridged the gap between digital and in-person experiences, ensuring no opportunity for connection was missed. The ONE Conference app didn’t just keep everyone informed—it kept the pulse of the conference beating in the palm of your hand.
See You in Fort Worth!
The 2025 TAA ONE Conference & Expo was nothing short of extraordinary—an energizing blend of innovation, inspiration, and industry connection that left attendees ready to take bold steps forward in both business and leadership. From powerful keynote moments and cutting-edge educational sessions to immersive networking experiences and unforgettable celebrations, this year’s conference set a new benchmark for what’s possible when the rental housing industry comes together.
And the momentum doesn’t stop here.
We’re already looking ahead to what’s next—with excitement building for the 2026 TAA ONE Conference, happening April 15–17 in Fort Worth. Whether you’re a returning attendee or planning your first TAA ONE experience, prepare to be inspired, equipped, and engaged like never before. With new speakers, enhanced activations, a bustling Expo, and expanded opportunities to connect and grow, Fort Worth 2026 promises to be another can’t-miss event for rental housing professionals from across the state and beyond.
Mark your calendars—TAA ONE 2026 is your next destination for leadership, learning, and lasting impact. We’ll see you in Cowtown!