PMSC 2026: The "Un-Conference" Recap
I sat down with one of our owners AJ Shepard following his return from the PM Systems Conference (PMSC) at the Suncoast in Las Vegas. His perspective on the event and where the industry is heading was a total departure from the usual trade show vibe.
The "Un-Conference" Experience
According to AJ, PMSC isn't your typical industry trade show; it’s a series of high-intensity, guided masterminds designed by practitioners, for practitioners.
No Noise, No Fluff: They skipped the vendor halls and the "stardust" keynote speakers. Instead of being lectured at in a sterile ballroom, the sessions took place in hotel suites in small, interactive groups of 10 to 30 people.
Gamified Networking: AJ was particularly impressed with the conference app. It wasn't just a schedule-it was gamified. It turned networking into a competition, using a live leaderboard to drive authentic connections. It’s a novel, low-noise environment where the promise of educational networking is actually delivered.
"Let It Go to Let It Grow"
AJ wasn’t just a participant; he was invited to lead a session titled "Let It Go to Let It Grow: Implementing Systems for Easy Delegation." His message to the room was a blunt reality check for owners: if you are the only one who can solve every daily crisis, you aren't a leader-you’re a bottleneck.
He outlined the framework we use to transition from owner-dependent tasks to a system-driven machine, specifically by leveraging Virtual Assistants (VAs):
The VA Advantage: AJ broke down how to identify high-volume, repetitive tasks—like initial lead screening, data entry, and maintenance coordination—that should be handed off to VAs immediately.
Digital Guardrails: He emphasized that delegation only works if the system is bulletproof. He showed how to build "Systems over Supervision," creating automated triggers and SOPs so VAs can execute perfectly without the need for micromanagement.
Strategic Freedom: The goal of "letting go" isn't just to work less; it’s to reclaim the mental bandwidth needed to find your next deal and focus on scaling your 7-figure portfolio.
AJ’s takeaway was clear: In 2026, professional management isn't just about collecting rent—it’s about building the "Invisible Machine" that protects your time and your legacy.
