Best Ways To Make Magic Happen at Apartment Trade Shows
By ExactEstate7 min read
Last reviewed: July 2026
Property Management
Trade shows, expos, conferences, and exhibitions are just some of the best ways to showcase one’s products and services. Companies that invest in these events can see growth in no time as long as the right techniques and strategies are employed. While a property management convention is often mistaken to have similar marketing strategies to regular sales events, there are certain strategies that will make your products stand out from the numerous participating companies in the event.
It’s one thing to create feasible strategies for trade shows and another to establish relationships with prospects and clients. Since there will be multiple real estate companies in the event as well, it is also ideal for you to make good points and provide value for your products and services. This will serve as your guide in navigating various kinds of apartment trade shows and how to get leads at a trade show.
How Do You Prepare for a Trade Show?
Trade shows are different, but there are various ways to prepare for one, especially for an apartment trade show. As long as you follow these, you won’t have to panic and become disoriented during the big day.
Planning Is the Key
Like any other big event, planning is always crucial. For instance, if the apartment trade show is held in a different city, you may have to book your accommodations in advance. You must also consider the logistics and materials you’ll need during the show, such as print-outs and pamphlets. Your pitch may also influence the outcome of the event, so make sure to prepare that as well.
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Take a focused 20-minute walkthrough built around the properties and programs you manage.
You’ll have salespersons and executives with you during the event. To make sure you’re on the same page, you have to schedule meetings and express your expectations. This also ensures that you’re following the same objectives and using a unified selling technique. It’s also a good idea to invite them for a prep day, where you can visualize the event and mark their posts for them.
Use Social Media
Using social media is one of the most efficient ways to let your prospects know that you’ll be participating in an apartment trade show. Post about your participation ahead of time to give your patrons the opportunity to visit your booth as well. You may also post explosive video teasers or graphics to boost your visibility at the event.
Strategies for Various Types of Apartment Trade Shows
As mentioned previously, there are different types of property management conventions as well as various strategies for how to get leads at a trade show — and how to succeed in every single one of them.
Affordable Housing
There is a sudden rise in affordable housing as developers rent out or sell affordable units that appeal to the masses. Thus, it’s good to know some selling points that will make your units more appealing at trade shows.
Know Your Selling Point
An affordable housing’s selling point is typically its price. Since there are already many listed affordable units in the market, you have to highlight an appealing aspect of your unit other than its price. For instance, are your amenities superb despite the lowered price of the unit? Is the location near the city? These are just some of the aspects you can boast about at the trade shows to showcase that your affordable units are worth renting or buying.
Offer Site Visits
Expect viewers to be hesitant about your properties at trade shows. The best solution here is to offer them free site visits. You have to put this invitation on paper through a flier, pamphlet, or customized invitation cards. This way, you can gain their trust and convince them to examine your units.
Invite Them Ahead of Time
You can also send out invites to your prospects for the apartment trade show through social media platforms. This way, interested buyers can mark the event on their calendars.
Multifamily Housing
Selling or renting out a multifamily property is as complex as it seems. However, during apartment trade shows, you can be as creative as you want in hooking your target audience.
Be as Detailed as Possible
You need to spell out all the details as you would in a market listing. For instance, you have to state the location, how old the property is, and the repairs and improvements needed on the property. You can also show prospects a map presenting the surrounding establishments in the area.
Offer an Accurate Value
Since multifamily homes can be difficult to sell, an accurate valuation of the property can attract prospects during trade shows. Make sure the price matches the condition of the unit, and base the price on the market's current condition. Otherwise, viewers won’t even bat an eye at your properties.
Student Housing
You’ll have two major audiences when selling student housing — students and their parents. There are certain strategies for getting leads for student accommodations.
Amp up Your Photography
During trade shows, photos are the best way for people to visualize your properties. In this competitive market, having pictures of your property that stand out will entice the younger audiences and convince their parents to buy the property.
Focus on Safety and the Amenities
Since parents are typically worried about where their youngsters will be staying, safety should be your selling point. Assure them that you’re located within a secure area and that the student will have everything they need in your establishment without having to go too far.
Military Housing
Like other mentioned kinds of properties above, selling military housing can be tricky. One of the best ways to appeal to families at trade shows is to offer free staging and show high-quality pictures that show the grandeur of the property. It’s also a good idea to assure your prospects that the property has the necessary legal documents, and all they have to do is move in after the necessary payment and minor paperwork.
Senior Housing
Senior houses aim to make senior citizens’ lives better, and this should be one of the aspects to market during trade shows. You should know exactly what to offer to the elderly and their families during trade shows and clearly show why they should choose your property.
Since it’s usually the family’s decision to admit their loved ones to senior housing, you have to give them a full run-through and complete photos of the amenities. Your pitch should include compassion and consideration since you’re dealing with families who are concerned about the future living situation of their loved ones.
Get a Property Management Software
How do you prepare for a trade show? Now that you know how to get leads at a trade show, your company may need the assistance of property management software to make your business more structured and manageable, contributing to its growth and success. ExactEstate is composed of efficient employees who can help you and software that can streamline your operations — all at a lower cost. Request a free demo now and grow your business in no time.
