ApartmentsFor Attends LeaseCon/TurnCon 2025: Insights Shaping the Future of Student Housing
ApartmentsFor Attends LeaseCon/TurnCon 2025: Insights Shaping the Future of Student Housing
On December 8–9, members of the ApartmentsFor leadership team traveled to Charlotte, NC to attend the 2025 LeaseCon/TurnCon Conference. Representing ApartmentsFor were Managing Director Sydney Jamieson, Director of Strategic Partnerships Olivia Blitchington, Director of Digital Strategy Georgina Tamburini, and Market Directors Sarah Hesse and Destiny Self. The team joined student housing professionals from across the country to gain deeper insight into the evolving leasing, marketing, and turn processes shaping the year ahead.
LeaseCon/TurnCon brings together industry leaders through roundtable discussions, breakout sessions, open networking, and keynote presentations all designed to help apartment communities sharpen their strategies and prepare for the upcoming leasing season. From marketing trends to operational challenges, the conference created space for honest conversations and fresh perspectives across every facet of student housing.
Big Conversations, Bigger Takeaways
Throughout the conference, several key themes surfaced again and again. Conversations ranged from how artificial intelligence is transforming marketing strategies to what it will take to capture the attention of Gen Alpha renters. These discussions highlighted just how quickly the industry is evolving, and how important it is to adapt alongside it.
One standout moment for our team came during a breakout session focused on trends seen at off-campus communities in the Southeast. During this discussion, it became clear that many teams are having to think more creatively than ever before to reach prospective renters. With attention spans continuing to shrink, now averaging around 8 seconds, communities are leaning into platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels to meet students where they already are. This is a strategy our team has already begun adopting, making the conversation especially valuable and affirming.
Another major topic was decision fatigue. Today’s renters are more informed than ever, often touring online, watching video walkthroughs, and comparing countless options before ever reaching out. The challenge, and opportunity, lies in breaking through that noise to create a genuine sense of belonging and connection.
Embracing AI to Stay Ahead
Our team also found tremendous value in the Day 2 concurrent session, “How AI Is, and Will, Impact All Facets of Student Housing Leasing, Marketing, & Turn.” This session offered practical insight into how AI can be leveraged to enhance, not replace, human connection in leasing and marketing.
One quote that truly resonated with our team was: “You’re competing against their last best experience.” With so many ways for students to engage virtually, in person, or through social content every interaction matters. This session reinforced a mindset we’ve embraced as a team: even if we don’t always love AI, we choose to learn it, adapt to it, and use it strategically so we’re not left behind. When used thoughtfully, AI allows us to work smarter, freeing up time to focus on the relationships and tasks that matter most.
Looking Ahead
While the networking, meaningful conversations, and great food were highlights, the knowledge our team gained is what we’re most excited about. LeaseCon/TurnCon 2025 reinforced our commitment to staying ahead of industry trends so we can continue delivering value to our partners and communities.
We’re energized by what we learned and eager to bring this momentum into the year ahead. Here’s to innovation, adaptability, and continued growth... 2026, here we come!