Hot take: the hype cycle is over—and the execution era is here.

In just the last few years, AI lept forward. In 2023, the AI floodgates opened. In 2024, large language models went mainstream. By 2025, AI felt like magic—until it didn’t. Operators jumped into the hype, expecting instant ROI, seamless automation, and fully self-leasing communities. What they found was that without the right processes, roles, and oversight, AI created more chaos than clarity. As we look to 2026, the smartest operators are doubling down on how to orchestrate it across their operations as an extension of their team. 

At the same time, centralization has moved from trend to table stakes. What started as a bold operational shift is now the default model for forward-thinking property management—unlocking efficiency, clarity, and better jobs for teams.

Forum 2026 is where the leaders who’ve been through it come to share what actually works. No buzzwords. No fluff. Just unfiltered lessons from the front lines—so you can move faster, avoid costly missteps, and make smarter decisions for your business. You’ll leave with tactical insights, new strategic partners, and a powerful network of peers who are building the future of multifamily—right alongside you.

Most events are part tradeshow, part sales pitch. Forum is purpose-built for leaders who want to dig deep on AI, centralization, and the human experience of multifamily with their peers. There are no competing vendors. Forum gives multifamily leaders focused time to learn from their peers, get honest answers, and walk away with ideas you can actually implement. After hearing about other companies' centralization journeys, many executive attendees say they leave feeling less alone—and more connected to a community that’s solving the same challenges and building what’s next.

We’re in a brand-new location this year! While we’ll always love for Terranea, Forum 2026 is back, and better than ever. We’re bringing the magic to the Sonoran Desert, with private casitas, mountain views, and a five-star setting that’s built for deeper connection.

We’re also expanding our dedicated user track: Funnel University. This hands-on training day for end users and super users is completely free for Funnel clients and takes place the day before Forum officially kicks off. It’s the perfect way to sharpen your skills, connect with the Funnel team, and get even more out of your trip.

You’re welcome to join us for both events—or just attend Forum, depending on your schedule. Each event has its own registration, so be sure to sign up for both if you plan to attend Funnel University and Forum.

Funnel University is our dedicated training track for end users and super users. It’s designed to help teams go deeper on the platform, sharpen their skills, and get the most out of their Funnel workflows.

Through a mix of hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and insider tips, attendees will explore new workflows and walk away with practical knowledge they can put to use right away. It’s free for up to 2 Funnel clients per account and starts mid-day March 23, 2026 (the day before Forum officially kicks off). Funnel University is perfect if you want to dive deep into the platform, then zoom out to the big-picture strategy.

Forum brings together multifamily executives from companies of all sizes and ownership structures to unpack the three industry pillars: AI + automation, centralization, and human experience. Some are Funnel customers, many are not customers. The content is valuable, regardless of whether you use our products, or not. 

If you're an end user or super user looking to deepen your Funnel expertise, Funnel University is the perfect one-day training experience before Forum begins. If you're an executive or decision-maker focused on strategy, operations, or scaling innovation, Forum is where you'll find the conversations and connections that matter most.

The agenda and location were thoughtfully selected to bring together small, intimate groups of like-minded professionals to have honest discussions about what’s working, what isn’t and what needs to shift for our industry’s long-term success.

And as a bonus? You’ll take in the desert sun, sip cocktails under a canopy of stars, and enjoy unforgettable meals, music, and mountain views in the heart of Scottsdale. The insights will be sharp—but the setting is pure serenity.

Your in-person pass to The Forum includes the following:

• All conference sessions: Our sessions will be packed with actionable items you can take back to your department and put to use immediately.
• Meals + entertainment: We’ll make plenty of time to dine, drink, and celebrate with speakers and other attendees.
  Meals are included as follows:
  • Monday: Dinner.
  • Tuesday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Wednesday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Thursday: Breakfast.
• Activities:
  • Nature walk
  • Yoga
  • And more to come!

Yes. We have contracted special discounted room rates starting at $309/night + taxes and fees* at our conference hotel, JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa.

You can book your room through the booking link once you receive your conference registration approval email.

The discounted room rate ends on February 23, 2026. 

Please note: Due to limited availability, the hotel cannot guarantee the discounted rate for stays outside the official Forum dates.

*Taxes and fees are not a part of the discounted room rate.*

Yes—while Forum programming, meals, and sessions are reserved for registered attendees, you’re welcome to bring family or guests to enjoy the resort and take in everything Scottsdale has to offer.

JW Marriott Camelback Inn is a stunning, family-friendly destination with activities for every pace. The resort features heated outdoor pools, e-bike rentals, a luxurious spa, golf, and on-property hiking trails with breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain. Whether your guests are looking to explore the desert, unwind poolside, or enjoy world-class wellness offerings, there’s plenty to experience while you're in sessions.

And if you're bringing a partner or friend? They’ll love a spa day, a morning hike, or a bike ride through the Sonoran landscape.

We've got you covered. Download this customizable letter to share with your manager.

In general, we recommend business casual attire for most of Forum. And yes—feel free to wear as much PINK as possible.

Weather in Scottsdale in mid-March is ideal: typically sunny and warm during the day, with cooler evenings once the sun goes down. Expect daytime highs in the 70s and nighttime temps that can dip into the 40s. We recommend packing layers—like a light jacket, cardigan, or wrap—for morning sessions and after-dark events. Pro tip: don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen.

Guests are welcome to join you at Forum and enjoy the amenities at the JW Marriott Camelback throughout your stay. While conference sessions and meals are reserved for registered attendees, guests are welcome to attend the Wednesday night activity.

Registrations canceled more than 30 days before the event are eligible for a 100% refund of fees paid. Also, if The Forum is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, registrants will receive a full refund. If you are unable to attend The Forum, you may transfer or cancel your registration by March 15, 2025 at 5 PM PT. Please email forum@funnelleasing.com to get the process started. You will need to provide the following information:

Registration confirmation number and email address of your current registration.

If someone will be replacing your spot, the new registrant’s first and last name, work email, work phone, company, and job title.

Hotel reservation cancellations and substitutions should be communicated directly with the hotel. An individual’s deposit is refundable to that individual if the resort receives notice of an individual’s cancellation at least seven (7) days before scheduled arrival.

*Funnel is not responsible for any hotel charges resulting from uncancelled reservations or no-shows if you cancel or transfer your Forum registration.

If you have any questions about the conference, drop us a note at Forum@funnelleasing.com. 

Last year we had more than 130 attendees, from 60 property management companies, who represented 12% of professionally managed apartments in the country. This year we hope to see both Forum Alumni and new faces. We are also having a user conference, free to Funnel end users, the day before Forum officially kicks off. 

Use these codes to save an additional $100 off registration, only for alumni: BACK2FORUM2026 for individuals and EARLYGRPALUMNI26 for groups.

If you attended Forum before, are invited to speak on a panel, or are buying three or more tickets, yes, we can provide a discount. Due to great interest and demand to attend the Forum we will not provide other discounts.

Let’s just say you won’t find another lanyard or stress ball here. Forum swag is thoughtfully curated, high-quality, and something you’ll actually want to bring home.

Think less corporate conference, more leadership retreat. Inspiring location, meaningful conversations, casual moments of connection, and a shared sense of purpose.

You’ll be in the room with multifamily leaders and executives from companies of all sizes and ownership structures—REITs, owner-operators, and third-party managers alike. It’s a highly curated group of decision-makers who are actively shaping what’s next.

Correct. No booths, no badges being scanned, no distractions. Forum is intentionally vendor-free (except for Funnel) so every conversation is peer-to-peer, focused on real solutions.

Flying:
The closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located about ~20 minutes from the hotel. Once you land, it’s a quick ride through the desert to your casita and mountain views.

Driving: 
The hotel is offering complimentary parking & valet to all guests attending The Forum. Please let the attendant at the front of the hotel know that you are guests attending The Forum and they’ll ensure you receive the complimentary parking.

Funnel will provide optional shuttle service from the JW Marriott Camelback to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on Thursday, March 26. Shuttle departure times will be shared closer to the event.