For those who don’t know me, I’m Marley Wright! I started my career in the multifamily space in 2017 with a route laundry company. At the beginning of my career, I went to see clients, hosted lunches, did training sessions for residents, and even worked a trade show booth or two. I was always client facing and I loved it! Then, Covid. Suddenly, I was locked in my house (like the rest of us), then furloughed, then brought back on with a new territory, about 500 miles away, with directions not to travel….I was stuck.
I got used to working in my house and going days without having much face-to-face interaction. This new way of life continued long after gathering restrictions had been lifted and vaccines had been developed. To boot, between 2020 and 2024 I had given birth twice. Now, I was more locked down than ever. 🙂
Last summer, one of my clients reached out saying that they were looking for some help. I was interested in a change and decided to make the jump! I started with ASM 7 weeks ago. From day one, all I heard about was Optech! Optech was going to be the event of the year! I was going to “get my feet wet” meeting all of our vendors, members of NMHC, many of our clients and potentially, even some new clients. I was going to learn about RETTC and come to understand the advantages of multifamily moving forward in the tech space. I would also hear about the hurdles the industry faces.
Optech did not disappoint! There was a buzz that was undeniable and if we’re being honest, a little intimidating. Everyone had come out in their “Monday Best” ready to impress. Booths were big and gleaming. Each vendor with a big smile, ready to show me all their company had to offer, along with a new pen, nail file, or insulated mug. Meetings were set, each group with its own objective. Some were trying to sell, others be sold the latest and greatest, and some were just meeting up with old friends…I’d never felt more anonymous in my life. There I was, new to my company, at my first ever tech conference, in a sea of “flash”….
Oh yeah, and did I mention, I’d been trapped at home for the last few years! I panicked. Nearing tears, I thought of my kids. I remembered to do what I always tell my 3-year-old to do…. Take a deep breath. I went and sat in a patio chair outside of The Gaylord, overlooking the Potomac River. It was beautiful. The day was beautiful. The conference was actually interesting! I wasn’t in the midst of something scary, I was in the midst of something new and exciting. I needed to lean in.
I went back into the tradeshow and started talking to vendors. They were happy to have me in their booths. They were genuinely interested in showing me all of the hard work they, and their companies, had been doing in Proptech. It was fascinating. I saw smart light switches, smart locks, a device that detects water leak and notifies maintenance, and even met an AI Robot!
As the night went on, I met other people in the industry. Everyone was so warm and inclusive. By day two, I had found a side of myself that time and a pandemic had suppressed. I was happy to be there!
On the flight home I was thinking about the experience. I’m so lucky to have been part of such a great conference. I learned so much about the industry, met some incredible people, and overcame a big personal hurdle!
I can’t wait to see what next year’s Optech has to offer and maybe see some old friends!