My Experience at the Washington Multifamily Association – Tapas & Topics Event

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend one of the most engaging industry gatherings of the year — the Washington Multifamily Association (WMFHA) Tapas & Topics Event. As someone who works closely with property managers, maintenance teams, and multifamily communities through American Classic Painters, this event was more than just networking — it was a chance to fully immerse myself in the heart of the multifamily industry and connect with the people who drive it forward.

From the moment I walked in, the room was full of energy, excitement, and genuine collaboration. WMFHA brought together a dynamic mix of property managers, supplier partners, board members, and new members, all focused on building stronger communities and improving the multifamily living experience across Washington State.

Key Takeaways From the Event

1. The Power of Collaboration Between Suppliers and Property Managers

One of the strongest themes of the evening was the importance of teamwork between suppliers and property management professionals. I had insightful conversations with leaders who emphasized how critical strong vendor relationships are — whether it’s for property maintenance, renovations, capital improvements, or day-to-day operations.

Hearing from new members like Jason Belton and David Roberts, and learning how suppliers are positively impacting multifamily communities, reinforced how much value companies like ours can bring when we focus on reliability, communication, and craftsmanship.

2. WMFHA’s Industry Leadership and Community Impact

The event also highlighted the incredible work being done by WMFHA’s team and board members, including:

• Angie Fentler
• Brett Waller
• Mark Sims
• Dean Anderson

They recognized their team members — Hannah Ashcroft, Tricia Johnson, Jason Lockridge, Evan Amelia, Kate Sarno, and Jake Mason — for organizing such a memorable event.

What impressed me most was the association’s commitment to giving back. Together, attendees helped raise $3,255 for Move for Hunger, which translates to 13,020 meals. Moments like this remind me what makes this industry special — it’s filled with people who care deeply about their residents and their communities.

3. Education, Professional Growth, and Upcoming Events

WMFHA continues to lead the way in educational opportunities for property teams. They reminded us of the final webinars available for continuing education credits and upcoming industry events, such as:

EdCon 2026 – Early Bird Registration Now Open

This event will offer expanded educational tracks, more exhibitor booths, and even larger engagement opportunities for suppliers and property teams. As a vendor in the multifamily space, I see tremendous value in events like EdCon for visibility, partnership development, and industry insight.

4. Networking With Purpose

Events like Tapas & Topics are about more than business cards — they’re about real relationships.

I met incredible property managers, maintenance technicians, and suppliers who were all open to conversation, idea-sharing, and future collaboration. I also had the chance to reconnect with familiar faces and even introduce colleagues like Gabriel to the community, ensuring we stay active and involved in future meetings.

Whether we were discussing project challenges, new technologies, or just enjoying great food and tapas, the sense of community was undeniable.

5. A Fun, Festive Atmosphere

With the holidays right around the corner, the event had a warm, celebratory feel. There were raffles for prizes — including headphones, gift cards, and more — and co-hosts like Amy Abernathy, Abigail Koski, and Angela Womackhelped make the evening incredibly welcoming.

Networking didn’t stop once the raffle ended — conversations kept going long after, and I left feeling energized and inspired.

What I Learned and Why It Matters

Attending WMFHA’s Tapas & Topics reinforced a few important truths:

• Consistency matters — showing up to industry events strengthens community trust.
• Partnerships drive property success — strong collaboration between vendors and property managers improves outcomes for residents.
• Education is essential — staying informed allows our team to deliver better service and better solutions.
• Giving back is part of leadership — the Move for Hunger contribution reminded me how much impact we can make together.

For me personally, it was a reminder that American Classic Painters is part of something bigger than just paint and projects — we’re part of a community that values integrity, teamwork, and service.

Final Thoughts

The Washington Multifamily Association Tapas & Topics Event was a powerful reminder of the value of connection. I left with new contacts, new insights, and renewed motivation to continue supporting multifamily communities with high-quality painting, carpentry, and maintenance solutions.

A huge thank-you to the WMFHA team, board members, volunteers, suppliers, and property professionals who made this event possible.

I’m already looking forward to the next one.