A Stage Built by Property Managers, for Property Managers

Nearly five years ago, when Harrison Vaughan of Tommy’s Property Management and David Faulkner of Property Brokers first sat down, the conversation was simple yet powerful: why didn’t property managers have their own stage?

Sales conferences dominated the real estate calendar, yet property management -the side of the industry dealing with compliance, legislation, tenant relationships, and some of the most challenging responsibilities - remained underrepresented. 

The people who kept the sector running smoothly had no dedicated platform to learn, be recognised, and celebrate their profession.

That moment of frustration sparked a movement. Vaughan and Faulkner didn’t just create an event, they created The Property Management Conference (The PMC), designed by the industry, for the industry.

From an Idea to an Institution

The first year in Wellington proved what many had long suspected: property managers were hungry for their own forum. Delegates described The PMC as an event that finally felt like it was built for them.

“The property management profession needed its own voice,” says Faulkner. “From day one, the goal has been to give managers a platform where they could learn, connect, and feel proud of their contribution.”

For Vaughan, the feedback was clear: “People wanted more - more practical takeaways, more recognition, more sessions that spoke directly to their daily challenges. That passion confirmed that The PMC wasn’t just filling a gap, it was carving out a new space.”

What began as a collaboration between two leaders with an idea has evolved into a collaborative effort across the industry. That spirit of partnership is now a hallmark of The PMC: a stage where voices from all corners of property management come together to elevate the profession.

The 2025 Program: Bigger, Bolder, Broader

This year’s line-up makes it clear that The PMC has grown into a true national platform. Economists, innovators, and respected property management leaders from New Zealand and Australia will share the stage.

The line-up features everyone from frontline property managers to global proptech leaders - proof that this conference is where the industry meets itself, challenges itself, and pushes forward together.

Speakers include:

• Samantha Arnold – Managing Director, GEM Consultancy

• Rachel Atkin – Head of Property Management & Academy Performance Coach, Harcourts Victoria

• Jeremy Baker – Director, Glasshouse

• Matt Ball – PR & Advocacy Manager, NZ Property Investors Federation

• Dr Sarah Bell – Director, Ecosystem Strategy, Data & Innovation, MRI Software

• Abby Blain – BDM, Ray White Bayfair

• Sharon Bradley – Property Management Training Consultant, Transform & Thrive Training

• Sarah Cincotta – Director & BDM Mentor, RISE with Sarah Cincotta

• Matthew Curtis – Operations Manager, Bayleys Property Management

• Stephen Dallow – Regional Manager, Barfoot & Thompson

• Aaron Emery – Business Performance Coach & Property Management Consultant, Rent Roll Mastery

• Drake Farmer – COO, Renti

• David Faulkner – General Manager for Property Management, Property Brokers

• Nick Georges – Director, Wingman Group

• Kay Glendining – Residential Property Manager, Bayleys Real Estate

• Joseph Hickton – Property Manager / BDM, Barfoot & Thompson

• Jarrod Kerr – Chief Economist, Kiwibank

• Kelly Lang – Business Development Manager, Whittle Knight

• Sam Nicholls – Director of Operations & Communications, Keyhook

• Luke Nicholls – Founder, Keyhook

• Rafael Niesten – Co-Founder, Proptech Labs

• Helen O’Sullivan – CEO of Real Estate, Valocity Global

• Anna Pengelly – Head of Customer Success, Tapi

• Anita Smith – Chief Operating Officer, Comprendè

• Claudia Smith – Director & Co-Founder, Renti

• Natalie South – CEO, Housemark

• Villi Tosi – Director & Property Manager, Homely

• Kat Watson – Head of Tenancy, Tenancy Services

• Amanda Wiapo – Director & Property Manager, Homely

  
  

Alongside two days of insights and leadership, The PMC’s Awards Night has become the place where property management celebrates its own.

This year’s “Wonderland” theme promises to make that recognition as memorable as it is meaningful.

Looking Forward

For Faulkner, the mission has always been relevance: “We want The PMC to keep evolving as the platform that genuinely supports, educates, and connects property managers.”

Vaughan adds: “Property management has always been the backbone of real estate, but often the unsung part. The PMC is about changing that narrative - giving the sector visibility and pride.”

From an idea sparked in Wellington to a record-breaking event in Auckland, The PMC has grown into an institution. It’s the industry’s own stage - created by property managers, for property managers - where the profession comes together to learn, connect, and lead.

The PMC 2025 | Pullman Hotel, Auckland | Two days of insight, leadership, and connection.