La Jolla, California
Feb 24–26, 2025

Dive into multifamily trends, make new connections, and create thriving communities with a splash of magic from both inside and outside the industry!
We're full up for Happy Summit 2025!

3 DAYS
INNOVATION
SOCIALIZE
NETWORKING
CENTRALIZE
ENERGIZE
REVITALIZE
3 DAYS
INNOVATION
SOCIALIZE
NETWORKING
CENTRALIZE
ENERGIZE
REVITALIZE
3 DAYS
INNOVATION
SOCIALIZE
NETWORKING
CENTRALIZE
ENERGIZE
REVITALIZE

Estancia, La Jolla: Your serene getaway

Join HappyCo under the sparkling Southern California sun at this luxury resort featuring Estate-style guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa, dreamy dining options, tennis courts and an inviting ocean-view pool.

Explore the Venue

GET READY FOR THE SUMMIT EXPERIENCE!

Immerse yourself in intimate conversations on cutting-edge topics that drive industry innovation. Plus, enjoy vibrant networking, delicious meals, and refreshing outdoor moments in beautiful La Jolla!

Day 1

Monday, Feb 24

Welcome Reception + Dinner

Check-in
1:00pm

Guest Arrival / Check-in

Speakers Announced Soon!
Hotel Entrance / Lobby
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Learning Lab
Open from 4:00-6:00pm

Learning Lab Open

Speakers Announced Soon!
La Jolla Ballroom Foyer
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Welcome
6:00pm

Welcome Reception and Dinner

Get to know your fellow attendees! Enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel's beautiful garden courtyard and get a sneak peek at what's to come over the next two days.

Speakers Announced Soon!
Garden Courtyard
More Speakers Announced Soon!

Day 2

Tuesday, Feb 25

Conference Sessions + Leisure + Dinner, Cocktails & Networking

Activity
6:30am

Morning Wellness Hike

Join us as we explore the stunning coastal cliffs of La Jolla on a refreshing morning hike. Breathe in the ocean air, connect with nature, and kickstart Day 2 with scenic serenity.

Olive Lawn
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
7:30am

Breakfast

Garden Courtyard
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Welcome
9:00am

Opening Remarks

Prepare for a day full of insights, thoughtful discussion, and best practices with a delightfully warm welcome from the HappyCo team.

Jindou Lee
Founder & CEO at HappyCo
Ben Nowacky
President at HappyCo
Brian Cordova
Head of Marketing at HappyCo
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Keynote
9:15am

Training your “Lizard Brain” to Summon Your “Wise Mind”

Our brains run on autopilot - it's how we function and develop. While successful people build effective automatic responses, what happens when these defaults fail? Most double down, making things worse. Learn to recognize these moments and shift to creative solutions when standard approaches fall short.

Michel Zelnick
Business Therapist at The Zelnick Group
Michel Zelnick
Business Therapist at The Zelnick Group
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
10:00am

Networking Break

More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Learning Lab
10:00am-3:45pm

Learning Lab Opens

La Jolla Ballroom Foyer
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Session 1
10:30am

Maintenance Confidential: Field Veterans Share Their Playbook

Behind every fixed leak and working AC are maintenance pros who climbed the tech ladder. Get the unfiltered playbook—from 3AM emergencies to team-building success. Learn their secrets to upskilling, certifications, and strategies that make maintenance a career (and an amenity) worth smiling about.

Nick Hecox
Director of Maintenance at Al Angelo Company
Dave Andrews
Vice President of Maintenance at Bell Partners Inc.
Damian Wilson
Service Operations Manager at Gingko Residential
Kenny Choat
Director of Maintenance at Thompson Thrift
Jindou Lee
Founder & CEO at HappyCo
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Session 2
11:30am

Speed, Scale, Satisfaction: The New Maintenance Mandate

The on-demand economy has redefined what residents expect from maintenance. Hear how smart dispatch networks and integrated marketplaces are helping top properties deliver service at the speed of right now. Get the blueprint for scaling vendor teams and turning fast fixes into renewals.

Ben Nowacky
President at HappyCo
John Barr
Director of Leasing and Innovation at The Dinerstein Companies
Anna Hou
New Ventures & Partnerships Manager at Thumbtack
Jennifer Staciokas
President at Western Wealth Communities
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
12:15pm - 1:30pm

Lunch Break

Garden Courtyard
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Session 3
1:30pm

The Great Multifamily Balancing Act: Operations, Ownership, and Happy Residents

In this panel discussion, industry pros will reveal how to juggle the daily demands of property operations while keeping ownership happy and residents smiling. They will share practical tactics to overcome operational headaches, embrace tech that delivers property growth, and foster teams that thrive. Walk away with strategies to streamline operations, boost resident satisfaction, and create a win-win for both ownership and on-the-ground teams.

Jess Argyle
Sr. Product Marketing Manager at HappyCo
Duston Larsen
National Maintenance Programs Manager at Avenue5 Residential
Aaron Kuykendall
Sr. Operations Analyst at The Franklin Group
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Session 4
2:15pm

Top 10 Failures from Centralization Veterans

Industry pioneers cut through the noise with unfiltered truths about transforming operations. From hiring misfires to resident surprises, get candid insights about what really moves the needle on centralization. With early wins showing 15% potential savings but lenders still skeptical, learn what matters from operators who've been testing this model for five-plus years running.

Jindou Lee
Founder & CEO at HappyCo
John Carlson
President at Mark-Taylor, Inc.
Heidi Turner
Principal & Cofounder at Blanton Turner
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Social Mixer
3:00pm

Cocktail Hour

Flagstone
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Keynote
3:45pm

Discover the Future of Innovation with HappyCo

Join us for an inspiring keynote packed with groundbreaking announcements and visionary strategies. See firsthand how HappyCo’s transformative solutions can drive success across every facet of your business.

Ben Nowacky
President at HappyCo
Trevor Riley
Head of Product at HappyCo
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Panel
5:00pm

Q&A Roundtables

Join an open dialogue with our team to ask questions, share insights, and dive deeper into topics covered in the keynote and sessions.

Ben Nowacky
President at HappyCo
Trevor Riley
Head of Product at HappyCo
Jindou Lee
Founder & CEO at HappyCo
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Closer
5:00pm

Closing Remarks

We'll wrap up the day with highlights, actionable takeaways, and live demos to solidify what you’ve learned and inspire your next steps.

Ben Nowacky
President at HappyCo
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Learning Lab
5:00-6:00pm

Meet the Plugins in the Learning Lab

Make connections and learn more about HappyCo's plugin partners: Thumbtack, Source7, REBA, Keyway, Sure, Interplay Learning, IrisCX, Roost, Beans, & Igloo

La Jolla Ballroom Foyer
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
7:00pm

Dinner Reception

Garden Courtyard
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!

Day 3

Wednesday, Feb 26

Morning Conference Sessions + Afternoon Fun

Activity
6:30am

Morning Wellness Yoga

Start your day with an optional yoga session to rejuvenate your mind and body before diving into the day’s activities. Meet at the Olive Lawn. *If the weather is not outdoor-friendly, the backup location will be 'Hidden Feather'.

Olive Lawn
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
7:30am

Breakfast

Garden Courtyard
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Learning Lab
8:00am-12:00pm

Learning Lab Open

La Jolla Ballroom Foyer
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Welcome
8:30am

Opening Remarks

We'll reflect on key moments from day 2 and set the stage for another round of engaging discussions, insights, and learning opportunities.

Brian Cordova
Head of Marketing at HappyCo
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Session 5
9:00am

Between 'Yes' and Success: The Human Reality of Technology Adoption

When a maintenance tech calls your platform his "superhero cape" - that's implementation gold. This fireside chat uncovers the gap between feature promises and field reality. Discover how to transform begrudging compliance into enthusiastic adoption, sidestep the "just say yes" culture, and build technology momentum that endures long after launch.

Christina Fox
VP of Strategic Customer Programs at HappyCo
John Birkhofer
Director of Service Transformation at Greystar
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Session 6
10:00am

Extracting Revenue-Driving Insights from AI and data Enhanced Operations

Explore how property management companies can make AI and data more than just features in software by gamifying engagement, humanizing data, and driving actionable insights that impact revenue growth. Learn how to empower teams with engaging approaches to data use while uncovering operational inefficiencies and crafting a future vision for AI-driven property management. Panelists will share real-world examples and discuss the metrics they track—and wish they do—for success in today’s multifamily landscape.

Trevor Riley
Head of Product at HappyCo
Jeff Derricott
Director, Operations - IT & Process Strategy at Thomas Safran & Associates
Kyle Nelson
VP, Corporate Strategy at Snappt
Steve Boyack
Chief Operating Officer at JVM Realty Corporation
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Interactive Q&A
11:00am

What State Are You In?

This interactive forum is bound to put some centralization myths to bed. Grab your coffee and get ready for a wake-up call about where maintenance operations really stand.

Jindou Lee
Founder & CEO at HappyCo
Jindou Lee
Founder & CEO at HappyCo
Ben Nowacky
President at HappyCo
La Jolla Ballroom
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
Closing
11:15am

Looking Ahead: Closing Reflections

We'll conclude the event with a reflection on the most impactful moments and leave inspired with key takeaways and a roadmap for what lies ahead.

Jindou Lee
Founder & CEO at HappyCo
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!
12:30pm - 3:30pm

Lunch & Closing Reception

Mustangs & Burros
More Speakers Announced Soon!
Speakers Announced Soon!

Step into our LEARNING LAB

Experience products firsthand with interactive testing, guided walk-throughs, and exclusive access to our product experts—ready to answer your burning questions and help you unlock its full potential. Open Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meet the Speakers

Connect with top multifamily leaders and cutting-edge technology experts at Happy Summit, where innovation meets industry insights to shape the future of multifamily living!

Dave Andrews
Vice President of Maintenance
Bell Partners Inc.
Dave Andrews
Dave Andrews serves as Vice President of Maintenance at Bell Partners, overseeing 17,500 units across 45 high-rise, mid-rise, and garden-style communities from Boston to Florida. Drawing from 27 years of experience, he drives value through team development, safety training, and collaborative decision-making while fostering continuous improvement in maintenance operations.
John Barr
Director of Leasing and Innovation
The Dinerstein Companies
John Barr
John Barr brings a decade of industry leadership as Director of Leasing and Innovation at The Dinerstein Companies, a nationwide developer of Class A conventional and student housing communities. His unique background combines a degree in Secondary English Teaching from Central Washington University with extensive expertise in student housing operations and marketing strategy.
John Birkhofer
Director of Service Transformation
Greystar
John Birkhofer
John Birkhofer serves as Director of Service Transformation at Greystar, leveraging his expertise in operational strategy and process modernization. Drawing from experience at Gates Hudson and AvalonBay, he drives business growth through cross-functional leadership, technology transformation, and data-driven program development.
Steve Boyack
Chief Operating Officer
JVM Realty Corporation
Steve Boyack
Steve Boyack leads JVM Realty as COO and JVM Management as President, overseeing property management, technology innovation, and asset management across their Midwest multifamily communities with over thirty years of industry expertise. He serves as a recognized thought leader in property technology, previously establishing CA Ventures' European student platform and global sustainability initiatives.
John Carlson
President
Mark-Taylor, Inc.
John Carlson
John Carlson serves as CEO of Mark-Taylor Residential, directing strategy and operations for $4 billion in multifamily investments while championing employee-focused growth and innovation. A two-decade industry veteran and former AMA Chairman, he combines data-driven asset management with operational expertise to scale the company's portfolio and culture.
Kenny Choat
Director of Maintenance
Thompson Thrift
Kenny Choat
Kenny Choat serves as Director of Maintenance at Thompson Thrift, drawing from extensive multifamily experience across roles at Watermark Residential, Fogelman Management Group, and Laramar Group. His leadership focuses on maintenance operations excellence while developing teams and implementing strategic service programs across properties.
Jeff Derricott
Director, Operations - IT & Process Strategy
Thomas Safran & Associates
Jeff Derricott
Jeff Derricott serves as Director of Operations - IT and Process Strategy at Thomas Safran & Associates, where he leads technological innovation and operational efficiency initiatives. Drawing from his civil engineering background and experience building data platforms, he specializes in implementing strategic systems that streamline property management operations.
Nick Hecox
Director of Maintenance
Al Angelo Company
Nick Hecox
Nick Hecox leads maintenance and capital projects at Al Angelo, expertly overseeing 2,200 residential units and 1 million square feet of commercial space while serving as owner's representative for new development initiatives. His leadership focuses on building high-performing teams and enhancing operational efficiencies across the portfolio to ensure robust maintenance programs and organizational success.
Anna Hou
New Ventures & Partnerships Manager
Thumbtack
Anna Hou
Anna Hou leads New Ventures & Partnerships at Thumbtack, where she drives alignment between sales, marketing, product, and partnerships to scale their home care marketplace and create impactful innovations. A CPA with experience at EY, she combines financial expertise with strategic operations while maintaining her passion for health and wellness.
Duston Larsen
National Maintenance Programs Manager
Avenue5 Residential
Duston Larsen
Duston Larsen serves as National Maintenance Programs Manager at Avenue5 Residential, bringing over 20 years of multifamily experience in building maintenance, training, and project management. He specializes in ground-up construction and team development while delivering high-level service across companies, clients, and stakeholders.
Aaron Kuykendall
Sr. Operations Analyst
The Franklin Group
Aaron Kuykendall
Aaron Kuykendall serves as Senior Operations Analyst at Franklin Group, drawing from over nine years of experience in operational analysis and process improvement. His diverse background includes loss mitigation at AvalonBay Communities, team leadership at Dominion Enterprises, and service as a Satellite System Engineer in the U.S. Air Force.
Kyle Nelson
VP, Corporate Strategy
Snappt
Kyle Nelson
Kyle Nelson serves as VP of Corporate Strategy at Snappt, drawing from twelve years of experience with leading financial institutions in the rental housing market including senior roles at Gartner, Experian, and TransUnion. His expertise in financial technology and housing solutions is supported by an MBA from the University of Illinois and extensive industry leadership experience.
Jennifer Staciokas
President
Western Wealth Communities
Jennifer Staciokas
Jennifer leads Western Wealth Communities as President, having launched their in-house property management platform in 2020 to oversee 15,000+ units while expanding her role to direct strategic initiatives across the organization. Her 25-year industry expertise spans operations, marketing, technology, and human resources, driving innovation in property management practices.
Heidi Turner
Principal & Cofounder
Blanton Turner
Heidi Turner
Heidi Turner serves as Principal and Cofounder at Blanton Turner, where she drives residential property operations and company culture while inspiring teams to challenge assumptions and fight the status quo. Drawing from her executive experience at Lorig, she creates exceptional experiences in mixed-use multifamily and student housing investments while mentoring others to achieve their highest goals.
Michel Zelnick
Business Therapist
The Zelnick Group
Michel Zelnick
Michel brings over forty years of executive management experience to his role as Business Therapist at The Zelnick Group, combining his background as CEO, CFO, and CPA with extensive psychotherapy expertise from UCSD. He specializes in resolving high-stakes conflicts between business owners and partnerships, drawing from his unique blend of business acumen and clinical experience.
Damian Wilson
Service Operations Manager
Gingko Residential
Damian Wilson
Damian Wilson serves as Service Operations Manager at Ginkgo Residential, leveraging three decades of property management experience to drive operational excellence through innovative service delivery methods. He focuses on resource allocation, team training, and performance metrics while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Jindou Lee
Founder & CEO
HappyCo
Jindou Lee
Jindou Lee is the CEO and Cofounder of HappyCo, following successful exits from two previous tech ventures and establishing himself as a proven leader in technology innovation and business growth. A University of South Australia graduate, he formerly led UI development for Mortal Kombat at Midway Games while maintaining his passion for real estate investment and family life.
Ben Nowacky
President
HappyCo
Ben Nowacky
Ben Nowacky serves as President at HappyCo, where he directs product development and engineering teams across North America and Australia with a customer-first methodology and focus on business continuity and data security. He brings over 20 years of technology experience including his previous role as Chief Product and Security Officer at Axcient, where he developed innovative solutions for enterprise clients.
Trevor Riley
Head of Product
HappyCo
Trevor Riley
Trevor Riley brings extensive real estate industry experience as HappyCo's VP of Product, having previously served as SVP of Product at Entrata for over a decade and Head of Product at BiggerPockets, where he transformed user experiences. Based in Utah, he balances his passion for product innovation with mountain exploration alongside his wife and three boys.
Christina Fox
VP of Strategic Customer Programs
HappyCo
Christina Fox
A lifelong love for connecting (just ask her grade school teachers), Christina Fox now champions client success as VP of Strategic Customer Programs, where she combines a natural talent for relationship-building with deep PMS expertise. When not helping clients solve their biggest challenges, she's wrangling life with two amazing kids in D.C.
Jess Argyle
Sr. Product Marketing Manager
HappyCo
Jess Argyle
Jess Argyle brings over five years of multifamily industry expertise as HappyCo's product marketing leader, previously developing Entrata's strategy for Affordable Housing, Business Intelligence, and AI-driven innovations. She excels at translating complex technology into impactful solutions that drive efficiency and improve decision-making while elevating the resident experience.
Brian Cordova
Head of Marketing
HappyCo
Brian Cordova
Brian Cordova serves as Director of Marketing at HappyCo, bringing extensive experience in brand management and digital marketing from roles at Knock CRM and LeaseLabs. His expertise spans demand generation, creative project management, and multifamily marketing while focusing on making impactful stories visible through strategic campaigns.

Why attend HAPPY SUMMIT 2025?

Inspiring Speakers

Learn from top multifamily leaders and cutting-edge technology experts sharing their insights and experiences.

“Being here at the Happy Summit is like second to none.”

Mylisa Giroski
Chief Executive Officer
Anchor NW Property Group

Unmatched Networking

Connect with top multifamily decision-makers and build valuable partnerships in a fun, engaging atmosphere.

Actionable Insights

Discover innovative ideas and strategies to stay ahead in the multifamily industry.

“What sticks out to me about this event is the connection with real industry issues.”

Suzanne Hopson
Founder & Principal, here2elevate

Memorable Experiences

Enjoy gourmet meals, outdoor activities, and an unforgettable setting in beautiful La Jolla.

You’re in good company

Join the Multifamily leaders attending Happy Summit 2025

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Who attends Happy Summit?

Happy Summit is an invite-only event that brings together an exclusive group of visionaries and changemakers from the multifamily world and beyond. Here's who you'll meet:

  • Top Multifamily Executives: Trailblazing leaders driving innovation and shaping the industry.

  • High-Level Multifamily Managers: Movers and shakers exploring and implementing game-changing solutions.

  • Industry Thought Leaders: Influencers redefining the future of property operations.

  • Elite Sponsors: Partners showcasing cutting-edge PropTech innovations.

  • The HappyCo Dream Team: The masterminds behind the magic, ready to connect and collaborate.

How do I register?

You’re in the right place! As an exclusive invitee, simply click the "Reserve Your Spot" button in the top right corner (or in the navigation on mobile), complete the quick questionnaire, and secure your ticket to Happy Summit 2025.

How do I book my hotel room?

After submitting the registration form, you’ll automatically be redirected to the “Happy Summit: Hotel Reservation Request” page. Complete the form on this page and pay the deposit in order to reserve your room.

You’ll receive a confirmation email titled “Happy Summit 2025 - Hotel Reservation Request Received.” A follow-up email with your confirmed reservation details will be sent closer to the event.

Please note: A $1 deposit will be charged at the time of reservation, and a credit card will be required at check-in to cover room expenses.

If you have any questions or need to adjust your check-in or check-out dates beyond the Happy Summit dates, please contact happysummitrooms@happy.co.

What costs are involved?

Happy Summit is free to attend—no registration fees required! All we ask is that you cover your travel and hotel expenses. Hotel rooms are available at a HappyCo-only discounted rate of $299 per night, inclusive of taxes and fees.

When should I arrive?

Plan to arrive on Monday, February 24th with enough time to travel, check-in, and register before the Welcome Dinner and Reception at 6:00 PM PT.

When should I book flights?

The sooner, the better! We recommend booking your flight by Friday, January 24th to secure the best airfare rates.

Which airport should I arrive to?

We recommend flying into and out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) - 15 miles from the conference hotel.

Can I bring guests?

Absolutely! Your plus ones are more than welcome to join us for meals. During session times, they’re encouraged to enjoy the many attractions the hotel and the beautiful city of La Jolla have to offer. Simply indicate “Yes” on the “Plus One” question in the registration form, and we’ll make sure they’re included in our final headcount for meals. Please note: The hotel charges an additional $20.00 per person for guests sharing a room. However, children under 18 can stay in the same room with their parents at no extra charge.

Is there a dress code?

Come as you are! We want you to feel comfortable, so dress in what makes you feel confident and at ease. Most attendees opt for business casual during sessions and smart casual for evening events.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your registration or hotel room, please contact happysummitrooms@happy.co. We’ll work with you to ensure the hotel doesn’t charge you for your reservation.

2024 was a BLAST!

Our sold-out event drew in over 100 attendees from across the country. Fantastic speakers, networking opportunities and a tequila adventure on the sea, Summit delighted us at every moment. We’re leveling up in 2025—be there!

THANK YOU TO OUR Super SPONSORS

Not all heroes wear capes, but our superstar sponsors are key to helping us create a happier future for multifamily living at this year’s Summit.

PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
3 DAYS
INNOVATION
SOCIALIZE
NETWORKING
CENTRALIZE
ENERGIZE
REVITALIZE
3 DAYS
INNOVATION
SOCIALIZE
NETWORKING
CENTRALIZE
ENERGIZE
REVITALIZE
3 DAYS
INNOVATION
SOCIALIZE
NETWORKING
CENTRALIZE
ENERGIZE
REVITALIZE
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