Announcing the
2026 Keynotes and Conference Speakers
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Andy Crestodina
CMO and Co-Founder, Orbit Media Studios
Andy Crestodina
CMO and Co-Founder, Orbit Media StudiosAndy is the CMO and Co-Founder at Orbit Media Studios. He has been at the forefront of digital marketing innovation for over two decades. With a deep-seated passion for SEO, analytics, AI and website optimization, Andy is highly regarded as a leading expert in the marketing field. Andy combines his expertise in analytics and SEO with a visionary approach to web strategy, leading the company to become an award-winning digital agency. Since 2001, Andy’s leadership and strategic direction have been instrumental in delivering digital solutions to over a thousand businesses. Andy’s approach to digital marketing is grounded in data-driven strategies, innovative use of AI, and a keen understanding of audience behavior. His methodologies in audience research, content creation and SEO optimization have consistently delivered quantifiable results for clients. Contributions and achievements Andy’s contributions to the field extend beyond his role at Orbit Media. He is a prolific writer, having authored 500+ articles on content strategy, search engine optimization, AI, social media and analytics. He is the author of “Content Chemistry: The Illustrated Handbook for Content Marketing,” now in its 7th edition. Andy gives up to 100 presentations per year and is a frequent repeat marketing speaker at many of the top conferences. His work as a co-instructor at Northwestern University and a digital marketing instructor at Harbour.Space University highlights his commitment to education and mentorship in digital marketing. Other achievements include: Top 100 Influencers in Content Marketing (#3), SEMrush • Top 50 B2B Content Marketing Influencers (#3), TopRank • Top 10 Online Marketing Experts, Forbes • Top 50 Marketing Influencer, Entrepreneur • Top 10 Social Media Influencers, Social Media Explorer • Top 50 Content Marketers, Outbrain • Top 100 Digital Marketers, Brand24 • Top 25 B2B Influencers, IZEA • Top 10 Online Marketers, FOX • Top 25 Marketing Influencers, LiveAgent Giving back to the Chicago community… Beyond his professional achievements, Andy is an environmentalist, deeply committed to community service. He is a certified Treekeeper with Openlands. He helped found Chicago Cause, a philanthropic initiative that has donated over $800,000 in digital marketing services to Chicago area nonprofits
Seth Cohen
Founder, Optimistic Labs
Seth Cohen
Founder, Optimistic LabsAs founder of Optimistic Labs, Seth brings deep executive and creative experience in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and media. His optimistic focus and strategic approach to leveraging design thinking, storytelling, and innovation has helped some of the world’s most substantial businesses, philanthropies, and media platforms navigate transformation and growth. Prior to Optimistic Labs, Seth served as the Chief Impact Officer at Forbes, where he founded the Forbes Impact Lab and launched multiple initiatives, including the globally recognized ForbesBLK and the Faith Forward initiatives. Before Forbes, Seth was a senior director of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, where he incubated and directed multimillion-dollar programs that mobilized thousands of young leaders in community-building and philanthropy. His initiatives included REALITY, a global leadership travel program that engaged over 3,000 influential millennials, fostering a vibrant network of service-oriented leaders
All of our 2026 Conference Speakers
Alex Abernathy
Executive Vice President, Asset Living
Alex Abernathy
Executive Vice President, Asset LivingA 15-year industry professional, Alex Abernathy serves as Executive Vice President at Asset Living. His primary responsibility is overseeing global portfolio marketing efforts with both centralized national and specialized regional teams. Asset Living’s Marketing Service is a vital component of their company vision - continuing to serve our industry, communities, and partners as the most trusted partner in real estate. Asset Living employs over 7,000 real estate professionals and operates over 1,600 communities which consists of over 230,000 units. Alex’s experience includes Multifamily, Student, Build-To-Rent, Affordable, Co-Living, and Active Adult, with industry knowledge and experience spanning 200+ real estate markets nationwide and international markets including Canada, Mexico, UK, Bahamas, Colombia, and UAE. Additionally, Alex dedicated two years to transforming a Houston-based software development firm into a full-service digital product / marketing agency, Poetic, specializing in Real Estate MarTech and Marketing Services.
Priyanka Agarwal
Director of Public Relations, J Turner Research
Priyanka Agarwal
Director of Public Relations, J Turner ResearchPriyanka Agarwal is a nationally recognized expert in reputation management and strategic communication with 25 years of experience. She leads the White Glove Response Service at J Turner Research, where she has overseen responses to more than 1.5 million resident and employee reviews. Priyanka has guided multifamily clients through reputation crises and is highly skilled in analyzing resident sentiments to uncover insights that drive trust and loyalty. Her career includes consulting for Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard and serving as Director of Communications and Alumni Relations at a leading private school in Houston. She is a prolific speaker and blogger who has presented at conferences & webinars hosted by the Multifamily Social Media Summit, NMHC OpTech, Texas Apartment Association, Multifamily Insiders, Student Housing Business Conference, and Rice University. Priyanka is the executive director of Wild Tunes, a national non-profit founded by her 10-year-old son to soothe shelter animals through live music.
Ariel Baranauckas
Vice President of Marketing and Recruitment Carter-Haston
Ariel Baranauckas
Vice President of Marketing and Recruitment Carter-HastonAs Vice President of Marketing and Recruitment at Carter-Haston, Ariel Baranauckas oversees all aspects of property and corporate marketing and talent acquisition for a portfolio of over 60 communities and 18,000 units. Ariel brings 13 years of experience developing and executing data-driven marketing strategies that drive business growth, enhance brand reputation, and optimize online presence. Her expertise allows her to excel in marketing strategy, brand development, digital marketing and social media engagement, marketing analytics and ROI measurement, and recruitment and talent acquisition. With a focus on creating exceptional resident experiences, she is dedicated to developing innovative marketing strategies and community-building programs that foster a sense of connection and enhance resident satisfaction. She is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights and cutting-edge technologies to achieve measurable results and support the company's growth trajectory. This includes fostering a company culture that attracts and retains top talent in the multifamily industry.
Anne Baum
VP of Marketing, Towne Properties
Anne Baum
VP of Marketing, Towne PropertiesAnne, the VP, Marketing at Towne Properties, is an award-winning marketer whose strength is building and executing marketing strategies and data-driven marketing programs at the portfolio and property level, focusing on scalability and ROI at all customer journey stages. Her approach to any marketing challenge is strengthening the basics while identifying and implementing new opportunities to move toward the future. Prior to joining Towne Properties, she worked with large franchise brands including FASTSIGNS, Batteries + Bulbs, Edible Arrangements, Great Clips, and Smashburger to build their localized digital marketing programs.
Erica Byrum
Assistant Vice President of Social Media, Apartments.com
Erica Byrum
Assistant Vice President of Social Media, Apartments.comErica Byrum serves as the Assistant Vice President of Social Media at Apartments.com, a leading apartment listing platform under CoStar Group. With 20+ years in digital marketing, she excels in digital transformation, social media strategy, and revenue growth across real estate, multifamily, and vacation rental industries. A former Division I collegiate soccer player, Erica brings a competitive mindset to sales and marketing. She co-authored "Youtility for Real Estate" and has been recognized as a top social media influencer, earning PR News' Social Media MVP and multiple President’s Club honors. At Apartments.com, she leads the vision and execution of social media solutions that elevate multifamily brands and enhance online reputation. Beyond work, Erica is deeply involved in her Norfolk community, volunteering at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters and staying active in local sports leagues. Whether on the field, court, or boating on the Lafayette River, she thrives on connection, competition, and community.
Kristi Fickert
Senior Vice President of Growth and Marketing, Kurie
Kristi Fickert
Senior Vice President of Growth and Marketing, KurieKristi Fickert is the Senior Vice President of Growth and Marketing at Kurie, with 27 years in multifamily. She spent 15 years leading marketing for one of the Nation’s Top 50 management companies before moving into the digital agency and technology sectors. Known for sparking ideas and connecting people, Kristi bridges vision with action—helping marketers and operators apply technology, creativity, and strategy in ways that are both impactful and achievable. She is an instructor for apartment associations nationwide and a frequent speaker at industry events, including AIM, NAA, IREM, and the Multifamily Social Media Summit. Kristi also serves as an NAA 20 on the Rise ambassador, sits on multiple NAA committees, and co-founded the AI Xchange, a multifamily peer council. Beyond the industry, she has been featured by the Cincinnati Reds, Urban Land Institute, and Commercial Real Estate Women.
Liv Gabrielson
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Learning & Development, Pegasus Residential
Liv Gabrielson
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Learning & Development, Pegasus ResidentialLiv began her multifamily career as a Property Manager before joining Apartments.com in its early digital marketing days, where she advanced to Regional Director and guided the company through major acquisitions. She later pivoted to digital marketing leadership roles at G/O Digital and PERQ, helping brands and technology firms shape full-scale, AI-driven engagement strategies. In 2020, Liv joined The Bainbridge Companies as Director of Marketing, quickly promoted to Vice President, where she strengthened Bainbridge’s brand as a luxury developer, owner, and operator. She went on to Realtor.com to build the Rentals category, leading teams that forged a strategic partnership with Zillow. Today, as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Learning & Development at Pegasus Residential, Liv oversees marketing strategy, brand development, and training across the portfolio. Her expertise spans digital advertising, brand strategy, consumer engagement, social media, sales enablement, and marketing analytics.
Justin Godwin
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, Cushman & Wakefield
Justin Godwin
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, Cushman & WakefieldJustin Godwin is Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at Cushman & Wakefield where he leads a national marketing team supporting hundreds of apartment communities. With over 18 years of multifamily experience, his expertise spans marketing, operations, business development, and client relations. Justin serves on Zillow’s Rentals Advisory Board and ApartmentSEO’s Marketing Innovation & Leadership Council where he helps shape the future of digital multifamily marketing. A frequent speaker at national conferences, he is known for blending data-driven strategy with resident-centric marketing practices. Justin is passionate about education, growth, and elevating marketing from tactical execution to strategic influence.
Madeleine Goff
Associate Director of Communications & Public Relations, Mark-Taylor Residential
Madeleine Goff
Associate Director of Communications & Public Relations, Mark-Taylor Residential‌Madeleine plays a pivotal role in shaping Mark-Taylor’s communication strategies, leading efforts to streamline internal processes, manage crisis communications and advance public relations. Some of her key efforts have included launching the organization’s first employee mobile application to address distributed workforce communication challenges and acting as a strategic advisor to C-suite and operational leaders to navigate change management or high-stakes crises. Her work fosters transparency, trust and engagement across all channels.
Lisa Haskins
Industry Principal for G5, RealPage
Lisa Haskins
Industry Principal for G5, RealPageLisa Haskins is an Industry Principal for G5 at RealPage, where she combines her multifamily operations background with deep expertise in marketing technology to deliver tailored, customer-centric solutions. With experience spanning leasing consultant and assistant community manager roles at Sequoia Equities, Lisa brings a rare ability to connect authentically with clients because she’s lived their day-to-day challenges. From customer success to solution engineering at G5, she received G5’s “Do the Right Thing” Award, as she is known for her dedication to client success, her technical acumen across G5’s digital marketing solution and now RealPage’s robust technical ecosystem, and her talent for demonstrating how technology directly addresses customer pain points.
Dustin Hayes
Founder, Hermosa Digital
Dustin Hayes
Founder, Hermosa DigitalA passionate brand builder, speaker, and marketing futurist, Dustin Hayes has earned a reputation developing disruptive marketing strategies for Fortune 500 brands and technology startups. A creative at heart, Dustin began his career building content for top media and broadcast networks including MTV, CBS, and HBO. Today, he works alongside business leaders to provide new perspective and direction, helping brands realize and surpass their goals.
Linda Holt
Photographer, Podcaster, and Interior Designer, Linda Holt Creative
Linda Holt
Photographer, Podcaster, and Interior Designer, Linda Holt CreativeAfter twenty five years working as a professional photographer, and eleven years running a full service interior design business, Linda Holt saw a need in the design industry to help fellow designers and home professionals get better photos using their smartphone. After successfully teaching smartphone photography workshops in and around Boston, she created several on-line smartphone photography classes for interior designers and home professionals. Today she splits her time between online course creation, public speaking and running educational webinars on her favorite topic of smartphone photography. Linda is a sought-after speaker, podcast guest and teaches smartphone photography workshops throughout the country, including at High Point Market, Atlanta Market, Vegas Market, Dallas Market and the Design Influencers Conference.
Adam Japko
Founder & CEO Esteem Media
Adam Japko
Founder & CEO Esteem MediaLeading up to founding Esteem Media and its managing investor role in New England Home Magazine, LLC., Adam served as President of DigitalSherpa, a high growth SMB social media and internet discovery business offering content, social media, reputation management, local listings, lead generation, web business intelligence, and other internet marketing programs. The company served over 4,000 SMBs. These experiences, along with the success of his wine blog, WineZag, reaffirmed a deep belief that community engagement, quality content, and in-person networking are lethal tools for transforming brands and businesses in meaningful ways. Prior to DigitalSherpa, Adam lead the creation of the largest network of regional luxury shelter media properties for Network Communications, Inc (NCI). While President there, he acquired or launched all of the properties that now make up Esteem Media, Inc.’s portfolio. Earlier, Japko spent 14 years at PennWell Corporation, a privately held business-to-business information provider serving the global Technology, Energy, and Municipal Services markets as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Advanced Technology Division and member of the company’s board of directors. His background in the publishing, online, and event management industry also includes management positions at Media Networks, Inc. a 3M Company specializing in local networks of national magazines including Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, and Business Week, Sunday Magazine Network, and various B2B media companies including BMT, Gralla, and Miller Freeman (United Newspapers). Adam continues as an active member of the wine industry’s social media landscape through his award winning blog; WineZag. In 1979 Japko received a BA in Journalism from New York University.
Justin Jones
Director of Industry Strategy, SmartRent
Justin Jones
Director of Industry Strategy, SmartRentJustin Jones is the Director of Industry Strategy at SmartRent, where he focuses on building a more connected, intelligent, and inclusive future for multifamily. With over a decade of proptech leadership at Hyly.AI, Realtor.com, Zumper, and RadPad, he is recognized for turning AI, automation, and IoT into practical strategies that drive results. He co-created The AI XChange and hosts This Just In, a series that translates complex proptech developments into clear and actionable insights. A frequent speaker at major conferences including OPTECH, Apartmentalize, and AIM, Justin delivers sharp perspectives on how technology and innovation are reshaping leasing, marketing, and operations. In 2022, he founded Multifamily Q Space, the first affinity group for LGBTQ+ professionals in rental real estate. Blending technical expertise with cultural perspective, Justin helps the industry anticipate what’s next—while reminding leaders that technology matters most when it elevates people.
Kris Kimmerle
Vice President of AI Risk and Governance, RealPage
Kris Kimmerle
Vice President of AI Risk and Governance, RealPageAs Vice President of AI Risk and Governance at RealPage, Kris ensures the responsible design and adoption of AI solutions for multifamily. He specializes in compliance, risk management, and governance frameworks that allow companies to innovate with confidence. Kris works closely with marketing and operations leaders to align AI tools with Fair Housing requirements, data privacy standards, and resident trust. His expertise positions him as a leading voice on how property management companies can balance innovation with compliance in an era of AI-driven marketing
Dustin Lacey
Chief Technology Officer, Mark-Taylor Residential
Dustin Lacey
Chief Technology Officer, Mark-Taylor ResidentialA driver of innovation, Dustin plays a pivotal role in building and shaping Mark-Taylor's ILS-independent marketing strategy. Throughout his tenure, he has expanded his oversight to include marketing, communications, project management, the Integrated Operations Network (ION), and consulting services through Tenant Source. His expertise in leveraging technology not only streamlines processes but also significantly enhances the overall resident experience.
Virginia Love
Vice President, Industry Principal, Entrata
Virginia Love
Vice President, Industry Principal, EntrataVirginia Love began her multifamily career 34 years ago as a leasing consultant earning $5.72 an hour—and never looked back. She’s held key roles in training, marketing, and operations at top firms, spent 12 years as VP of Leasing & Marketing at Waterton, and now serves as Industry Principal at Entrata. A recognized leader, speaker, and Apartment All-Star, Virginia has been named a GlobeSt Woman of Influence twice, Connect CRE Woman in Real Estate, and 2025 Georgia Apartment Association Hall of Fame inductee.
Ashley McGovern
Director of Content Marketing, Nurture Boss
Ashley McGovern
Director of Content Marketing, Nurture BossAshley McGovern is the Director of Content Marketing at Nurture Boss with over five years of marketing experience in the property technology startup space. Before joining Nurture Boss, she helped build successful marketing campaigns at Realync through its successful exit to Grace Hill. Ashley is also a Chicago-based TikTok creator with nearly 20,000 followers, where she blends her storytelling skills and marketing expertise into engaging, authentic content
Amanda Pendleton
Home Trends, Zillow
Amanda Pendleton
Home Trends, ZillowAmanda is Zillow's Home Trends expert. Her practical, data-driven advice on real estate and design has been featured on TODAY, Real Simple, Glamour, Forbes and NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates around the country. She is an Emmy-award winning storyteller and television personality who spent 15 years as a major-market news anchor. She is passionate about renovating and restoring historic homes with design projects published in Apartment Therapy, Seattle Magazine and Boston Home magazine.
Lia Nichole Smith
Chief Brand Strategist, Spherexx.com
Lia Nichole Smith
Chief Brand Strategist, Spherexx.comLia Nichole Smith is a trend-spotting thought leader who turns market research and renter trends into compelling narratives. A GlobeSt. Multifamily Influencer and an expert in predictive analytics, she’s known for making data feel less like math and more like momentum. With deep expertise across student, conventional, affordable, military, and senior housing, Lia Nichole is a highly sought-after international speaker who delivers insights that challenge assumptions and spark action.
Carroll Vanhook-Weaver
Director of Leasing and Marketing, Akara Living, LLC
Carroll Vanhook-Weaver
Director of Leasing and Marketing, Akara Living, LLCCarroll began her customer service-oriented career through various jobs in hospitality and F&B and an international hospitality program in Hilton Head, SC. Carroll's persistent work ethic, outgoing and approachable personality has led her to be an asset in the real estate industry with an emphasis in new construction developments and luxury multi-family communities. She brings 15 years of property management experience and 27 years in the hospitality and customer service industry. Responsibilities include: Marketing and leasing of owned and manage assets, recruiting and training of staff, initiating/maintaining strategic relationships, community business partnerships, lease up strategies and operations, initiating creative marketing campaigns both print and digitally, staying ahead of the competition by using innovative technology. Carroll is currently focused on supporting operational properties and helping launch assets under development. She has worked in over 30 markets ranging from west coast to east coast
Karen Zapkowski
Marketing Strategist, Towne Properties
Karen Zapkowski
Marketing Strategist, Towne PropertiesKaren is a Marketing Strategist with over 18 years in multifamily housing and a proven track record of turning marketing insights into measurable results. I've held roles from Leasing to Property Manager to Digital Marketing Specialist, giving me a 360° view of the renter journey. At Towne Properties, she leads strategies across PPC, SEO, AI integration, website optimization, and reputation management—helping communities attract, convert, and retain residents in highly competitive markets. She is CAM and CAPS certified, has served on the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association’s social media committee, and is known for her practical, data-driven approach to marketing. With expertise spanning operations and technology, she bridges the gap between marketing vision and execution by showing teams how to align tools, channels, and budget for maximum ROI. Based in Cincinnati, she brings industry depth, curiosity, and a data-driven approach to multifamily marketing.