Breaking into the multifamily industry can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Success isn’t just about what you know–it’s also about who you know. Establishing connections early through associations and targeted networking can accelerate your growth, open doors to new opportunities, and provide invaluable mentorship.
By staying connected to associations, events, and publications, you’ll gain access to industry trends, insider knowledge, and opportunities that give you an edge. Think of it as building a professional support system from day one. It will guide you through challenges, celebrate your successes, and connect you with the people shaping the future of multifamily.
Your Professional Home Base: Top Industry Associations
One of the best first steps in the multifamily industry is joining professional associations. These groups serve as your home base, offering mentorship, education, certifications, advocacy, and a built-in network of peers. They also serve as the umbrella for many of the national and regional events you’ll want to attend, so getting involved with an association helps you unlock more opportunities.
Here are three associations worth joining:
- National Apartment Association (NAA) – The leading voice for rental housing, with nearly 145 affiliates, 91,000 members, and 11 million apartment homes globally. Many events and networking opportunities are region-specific, so newcomers can find and connect with their local NAA affiliate using this tool to access programs and events in their area.
- National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) – A leadership organization for the trillion-dollar apartment industry, focused on policy, research, and advocacy.
- Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) – An international group advancing property management careers through education, networking, and professional credentials.
Together, NAA, NMHC, and IREM give you the resources, connections, and credibility to thrive in multifamily.
Don’t Miss These Game-Changing Industry Events
Industry conferences provide unparalleled opportunities to learn from experts, discover new trends, and build relationships that can accelerate your multifamily career. They also connect you to both national and regional leaders, giving you insights that can help shape your day-to-day work and long-term goals.
National Conferences:
- NAA Apartmentalize (June 17–19, 2026, New Orleans) – The industry’s largest event, attracting tens of thousands of multifamily professionals each year. In 2025, Apartmentalize brought together tens of thousands of attendees and featured hundreds of exhibitors.
- NMHC Student Housing Conference (October 19–21, 2026, Scottsdale, AZ) – A leading conference focused on the fast-growing student housing sector, featuring top operators, investors, and developers.
- OPTECH Conference & Expo (November 16–18, 2026, Las Vegas, NV) – A premier event for technology, operations, and innovation in the multifamily industry.
Where the Real Connections Happen: Networking That Works
While conferences are valuable, the most meaningful connections often happen in smaller, relaxed settings. Happy hours and breakfast clubs create approachable environments where conversations flow naturally, helping you build authentic relationships. MSB Resources’ #opentowork events and LinkedIn Live series are especially helpful for newcomers, bringing together job seekers and hiring managers in targeted, career-focused spaces.
It’s also smart to connect with the vendors, sales reps, and account managers who provide services to your communities. These professionals are often a wealth of industry knowledge, plugged into local events, and eager to introduce you to other contacts. By combining casual networking opportunities with these vendor relationships, you can expand your circle, gain insider insights, and strengthen your presence in the multifamily community.
Join the Conversation: Online Communities Worth Your Time
Online communities are a great way to stay connected, access industry discussions, and discover job opportunities 24/7. Engaging in these groups accelerates your learning, helps you keep up with trends, and lets you connect with professionals across regions.
Some of the most valuable online communities for multifamily professionals include:
- Multifamily Insiders (LinkedIn) – The largest online professional network for apartment industry professionals, offering blogs, webinars, discussion groups, news, file sharing, and job listings. Over 33,000 followers.
- Multi-Housing News (LinkedIn) – A leading integrated news resource community with 33,000+ followers, providing timely updates and trend analysis.
- Multifamily Leadership (LinkedIn) – Focused on innovation, technology, and leadership within the multifamily industry, with 25,000+ followers.
- Multifamily Mentor Matchmaking – An award-winning multifamily mentorship movement where you’ll empower boldly, connect fiercely, and thrive unapologetically.
Participating in these groups allows you to ask questions, share insights, and learn from peers who face the same challenges in property management and operations.
Stay in the Know: Essential Reading for Multifamily Pros
The multifamily industry evolves quickly, and keeping up with market trends, regulatory changes, and new business strategies is essential for long-term success. Trusted publications and blogs provide the kind of timely insights and practical tools that help professionals sharpen their skills, stay competitive, and prepare for what’s ahead.
Multifamily Executive delivers comprehensive apartment and condo news with strategies tailored for owners and managers. Multifamily Dive takes a journalism-first approach, offering in-depth coverage of development, operations, regulation, and industry trends. Multi-Housing News provides daily updates that include research, marketing reports, and trend analysis, while the MSB Resources Blog shares recruiting insights and career tips specifically for multifamily professionals. Together, these publications keep you informed and give you the knowledge you need to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.
Final Thoughts: Taking Your First Steps in the Multifamily Industry
Breaking into the multifamily industry doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Success comes from combining continuous learning with authentic connections. Staying informed through key publications, attending events, and engaging in online communities keeps you competitive and ready for new opportunities.
Building your network strategically is just as important. Join associations, attend networking events, and cultivate relationships with vendors, sales reps, and account managers—they often provide insider knowledge and can open doors you didn’t know existed. Maintain relationships with mentors, recruiters, and industry leaders like MSB Resources to gain guidance and career insights.
Take the first step today. Everyone in this industry started somewhere, and attending an event, joining a group, or participating in an online community can be the catalyst for your next career milestone. Partner with MSB Resources to gain access to exclusive events, insider publications, and connections with the industry’s top opportunities.