President's Message: Celebrating a Dynamic First Quarter and Previewing What's Next at PMA
As we move into the second quarter of 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on our tremendous start to the year and share what's on the horizon for our Association.
Q1 has been nothing short of remarkable. We kicked off 2025 with Activate PMA, where keynote speaker Tiffany Lanier inspired over 160 members to feel more confident and connected in everything they do. That inspiration translated directly into action, with a record number of members signing up to get involved in PMA's committees.
The crown jewel of our first quarter was undoubtedly PMEXPO 2025. Under the exceptional leadership of Committee Chair Christopher Wilmot, II, CAM, CPM Candidate (Gates Hudson) and Vice-Chair Adrianne Gracias (Tri State Restorations, LLC), the event exceeded all expectations with more than 650 property management professionals walking through the doors! The county fair theme was a hit (and yes, the funnel cake was outrageously good). Your feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:
"This was an amazing production - a result of top-tier industry pros collaborating toward a common goal."
"Great time and looking forward to many more."
"Keep up the games, they were fun and engaging."
I'm particularly proud that 100% of survey respondents who attended seminars found them valuable. The highlight was undoubtedly our Leadership in Action panel, featuring industry luminaries Suzanne Hillman (Southern Management Companies), Mendowa Martin (Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.), Sherraine Rawlins-Bacchus (Pratum Companies) and Jo Gavigan (Bozzuto Management Company), brilliantly moderated by Noelle Sharbaugh (Greystar Management). With an audience of more than 200 property managers, this discussion delivered profound insights into top-tier property management.
Beyond these signature events, we've hosted several valuable webinars, including the January industry forecast and a recent session on the DC Emergency Rental Assistance Reform Amendment Act of 2025. Based on feedback from our Facilities and Maintenance Management Committee, led by John Lyons (Katchmark Construction) and Paul Gantos, CAMT (Greystar Management) we've also launched new HVAC and Heat Pump workshops for maintenance professionals, which sold out immediately – proof that we're meeting a real need in our community.
Q1 also saw the launch of two exciting communication initiatives: this very e-newsletter you're reading now, which has achieved impressive open rates of around 50%, and our new member app, OnPoint, providing a forum for members to engage with each other and PMA programs.
Looking ahead to the second quarter, we're focusing on soliciting entries for our PACE, EPIC and Leasing and Maintenance Professional Awards. These programs offer tremendous opportunities to recognize your teams and obtain objective feedback. We're also eagerly anticipating the May Summer Escape Golf Tournament and Trivia Challenge and the always popular Lobster Bake this summer.
As I've shared before, relationship-building remains at the heart of PMA's value. The connections you form here—whether with fellow property managers or vendors—can transform into trusted business relationships and genuine friendships. I still work with PMA members I met years ago, and when I have a problem, I don't call an office line—I call the person I know and trust. These relationships save time and money and make our work more enjoyable.
I'm honored to be working alongside our passionate board members and the incredibly talented PMA staff this year. Together, we're committed to delivering valuable content in diverse formats, ensuring our signature events remain premier networking opportunities and supporting the professional growth of every member—whether you're on the front lines or in the boardroom.