Conference Speakers

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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS



Opening Keynote: Brian Biro

Get ready to kick off the conference with a jolt of inspiration! Brian Biro is America’s Breakthrough Speaker, known for unlocking the potential in people and organizations. With more than 1,900 presentations delivered to over one million participants worldwide, Brian brings unmatched energy, insight, and heart to the stage. He’s the best-selling author of 16 books, including Beyond Success and his latest release, Lessons from the Legends.

Armed with degrees from Stanford and UCLA, and appearances on Good Morning America and CNN, Brian is celebrated as one of the Top 10 Interactive Keynote Speakers in North America and among the Top 50 Motivational Speakers in the World. His engaging style and breakthrough message will leave you fired up, focused, and ready to lead with purpose.


Closing Keynote: "Marvelous" Mark Kamp

Close out the conference on a high note with “Marvelless” Mark Kamp—best-selling author, Las Vegas headliner, and high-voltage keynote speaker who transforms meetings into rock concert experiences. As CEO of Turn It Up Culture, Mark combines music, motivation, and business strategy to help multifamily teams crank up collaboration, leadership, and performance.

His book, Opportunity Rocks, shares lessons from real rock stars and turns them into actionable takeaways for your team. Described as “Tony Robbins fronting a rock band,” Mark has rocked stages from TEDx to NAA, and his message has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and HBO Max. If you're ready to boost engagement and drive real results—this is the keynote you won’t want to miss.


BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS


Danielle Davies

Danielle is a multifaceted marketing storyteller—writer, speaker, and host of The Roar podcast—dedicated to amplifying women’s voices and celebrating their contributions across innovation, activism, care, and creativity. She’s also the creator of UNMUTED, a platform spotlighting the power of women in shaping culture and society. With a growing community of over 1,600 followers, Danielle consistently crafts compelling content that sparks dialogue, challenges norms, and empowers audiences to elevate their influence.


Karl de la Guerra

Karl, a 45-year veteran of the protective services industry, is Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Karl de la Guerra, Inc., an international security consulting and protective services training agency based in the Carolinas. Karl has served with the United States Air Force receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal and the 6009th Security Police Training Squadron Commandant’s Award. Following the military he worked in civilian law enforcement followed by the private sector. In 2010, Karl received an investiture of Knighthood into the Sovereign Order of Cyprus and is also a TV Emmy Award winner.


Marci French

Marci is a sought-after speaker and thought leader known for using her personal journey to spark transformative conversations around leadership, emotional intelligence, mental health, and DE&I. With 25+ years of experience and credentials as a Certified Life and Leadership Coach, Marci empowers others to “grow in the right direction.” A graduate of the NAA Leadership Lyceum and certified in DE&I from the University of South Florida, she creates brave spaces that foster empathy, optimism, and growth—leaving audiences inspired and activated.


Virginia Love

Virginia is a multifamily industry veteran with over three decades of experience spanning operations, marketing, and training. Currently Industry Principal at Entrata, she plays a key role in marketing strategy, product development, and sales. A National Apartment Association Lyceum graduate and former chair of both the Atlanta and Georgia Apartment Associations, Virginia has been honored by GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum and Connect CRE for her leadership. An Apartment All-Star and frequent speaker, she’s known for her energy, insight, and unwavering support of on-site teams.   


Candice Manning

Candice is Director of Workforce Development, Education & Digital Strategy at the Maryland Multi-Housing Association, where she combines over 15 years in property management with 20+ years in sales to fuel talent development and operational success. She created the award-winning Leasing Training Academy, a hands-on program connecting individuals to multifamily careers. Known for building coachable, high-performing teams, Candice was a 2025 NAA ACE Educator of the Year finalist and continues to be a driving force in workforce innovation and industry education. 


Pam Pederson

Pam is a creative brand storyteller and multifamily training expert with nearly 40 years of experience, starting her career with the Indianapolis HUD Office. In 2023, she launched Enthusiastically Consulting to help businesses craft authentic, impactful narratives. Known for her strategic insight and infectious enthusiasm, Pam blends deep industry knowledge with a passion for innovation—whether she's unpacking housing regulations, exploring AI, or developing soft skills. A lifelong learner and trusted consultant, she brings clarity and creativity to every conversation.  


Kara Rice

Kara has more than 30 years of rental housing experience in roles ranging from leasing to leadership, with an emphasis on employee development and engagement. As VP of Education for Swift Bunny, she partners with multifamily leaders to boost team satisfaction, performance, and retention. Kara is a lifelong learner, an NAAEI Faculty member, a licensed Florida real estate sales associate, a lease guarantor for her two college kids, and owner of rental property. She lives in Southeast Florida with her family of five and spends her extra time and money on books and Broadway.


Rebecca Rosario

Rebecca is a nationally recognized speaker, multifamily performance consultant, and LEGO® Serious Play® Certified Facilitator. As President of Full House Marketing and Founder of Diversity-Connection, she leads with creativity and purpose. A frequent presenter at Apartmentalize and other industry events, Rebecca has developed over 30 original talent development programs and facilitates CALP, CAM, and CAPS for NAAEI. She serves on the NAAEI Board and multiple DEI and career-focused committees. Her impact has earned honors including the 2021 AANC Hall of Fame and GlobeSt. Woman of Influence. 


Jared Schmidt

Jared is Supervising Partner at Loebsack & Brownlee, where he has focused on landlord-tenant law since joining the firm in 2013. He leads with deep expertise in the residential eviction process, guiding clients through complex legal landscapes with clarity and precision.


Mark Sharp

Mark is Director of Maintenance Education at The Maintenance Academy and President/CEO of Multifamily Mixtape. With over 20 years in the multifamily industry, Mark brings a well-rounded perspective from on-site roles to corporate leadership. A two-term President of the Upper State Apartment Association and Executive Board Member of the South Carolina Apartment Association, he’s a passionate educator and mentor. Holding certifications including CAMT, Universal EPA, and CPO, Mark is committed to advancing maintenance training and leadership across the industry. 


Ishea Shepherd

Ishea is a national speaker and respected industry leader in leadership, DE&I, and professional development. She serves on the NAA Board of Directors representing Region 1, chairs the RPM Careers Committee, and is an NAAEI Faculty member. As Vice President at AMC Delancey Group, Ishea oversees a diverse portfolio of 55+ residential and commercial properties. Known for building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive environments, she brings a powerful mix of experience, authenticity, and vision to every role she leads.


Samantha Simpson

Samantha serves as Partner and Director of the North Carolina Landlord/Tenant Department at Brownlee Whitlow & Praet. With a practice centered on residential and commercial landlord-tenant law and real estate litigation, Samantha is known for her sharp legal insight and commitment to client success.


Lisa Trosien

Lisa Trosien is one of the most respected and recognizable voices in the apartment industry. A nationally known consultant, educator, keynote speaker, and proptech advisor, she brings over 25 years of hands-on experience to every engagement. Lisa helps companies improve leasing, marketing, customer service, and resident retention with practical, measurable strategies that deliver results. A frequent presenter for NAA and NMHC, she speaks to thousands of multifamily professionals each year, known for her smart insights, sharp wit, and real-world takeaways. Major media outlets—including The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Forbes Magazine, and NPR—rely on her as a trusted resource on multifamily housing trends.  


Questions? Email info@aanconline.org