Unfiltered: Multifamily Leaders on Conferences, AI, and the Dallas Market

Hot Takes Comes to Dallas

Introducing Hot Takes: Multifamily Most Unfiltered Podcast, a limited crossover show from the creators of Life After Leasing x Modern Multifamily.

Sydney Webber, Host of Life After Leasing and Mike Wolber, Host of Modern Multifamily hit the road to ask very important people very uncomfortable questions. Why? Because life is short and we want to be entertained while we learn.

First stop: Dallas.

Who’s on the hot seat:

Trina Williams, VP of Operations & Performance, Willow Bridge

Sheri Killingsworth, AVP of Marketing Operations, Avenue5

Jonathan Shaver, Head of Real Estate Partnerships, Airbnb

Three insights that stood out

1. Conferences aren’t dead, but attendance is being earned

When asked whether multifamily conferences are “in or out” for 2026, the answer wasn’t binary.

“They’re in, but they need to be more curated and more in tune with the actual issues we’re dealing with.”

The group agreed that the days of showing up just because “that’s what we’ve always done” are over. Operators want specific problems solved, not more swag, not more panels for the sake of panels.

2. AI is welcome until it touches money or trust

AI came up quickly, and the sentiment was consistent across operations and marketing.

“AI is great for those easy little touchpoints… but when it’s dealing with my money or my time, I need to talk to a person.”

Efficiency matters, especially with leaner teams. But no one on stage believed AI should replace human judgment in moments that affect residents directly. The line between efficiency and experience is thin and easy to cross.

3. Dallas renters say price matters most but they flex more than you’d expect

Apartment List data shared live showed that 63% of Dallas renters say price is their top priority, well ahead of location or amenities.

However, renters routinely:

Lease above their stated budget.

Compromise on “must-have” amenities.

Choose service and responsiveness over features.

“They’re willing to pay more for being supported and cared for, not just a great pool or a cornhole set.”

In a market with elevated supply and longer lease-up times, experience still plays a decisive role once a renter engages.

This conversation took place on February 3rd, 2026 and reflects where multifamily is right now: more scrutiny, less patience for noise, and a growing demand for clarity, from technology, from events, and from each other.