Creating valued and valuable Property Managers

The WeconnectU Annual Industry Event

Friday
17th FEB
9:00 - 12:00
Register Now
Live online Zoom event

Game-changing insights are waiting for you at Engage '23

The industry is challenging, but it’s also exploding with opportunity. Are you ready to do what it takes to turn that potential into reality this year and engage in high gear?

What to expect:

Stand a chance to win amazing spot prizes and giveaways.

How to take Community Meetings to the next level.

New CMS features that will enable Community Managers to be more pro-active.

Find out what you can do to be recognised - and paid - for the full value you deliver.

Get industry shaping statistics to benchmark your business.

Eye-opening discussions unpacking the SILVER LINING of the industry.

Ground-breaking talks to help you excel and be the change you want to see.

What you can do to be recognised – and paid – for the full value you deliver.

How you can empower and equip your team to overcome their biggest challenges and make 2023 the best year yet.

Join us on our mission to create more valuable and valued property managers.

3 non-verifiable CPD points are available for all event attendees.

ENGAGE HOST

Bruce Whitfield
Bruce will be joining us as we take a deep dive into today’s expectations of trustees and investors(landlords), demanding a far more sophisticated skillset than the community administrators and rental agents of the past. As a speaker, Bruce understands the power of grit, tenacity, and the genius of smart ideas being put into action for growth.

Agenda

Arrival, Registration and Breakfast

Attendance to registration, enjoy breakfast, and mingle.

How to become a more valuable and valued Community Manager

Position yourself for the future. "You understand the present only if you understand the past. Understanding both allows you to shape the future" - Bruce Whitfield

Danie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Practical steps to a ZERO inbox

The tools and approach required to overcome the inbox challenge.

Tobie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Conducting next-level Community Meetings

Discussing the skills, approach and tools required to take community meetings to the next level.

Maritza
Botha
WeconnectU
09:00 - 09:15
Property Management, the silver lining

The key industry fundamentals that will shape Property Management.

Bruce
Whitfield
Business Speaker
Johann
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
09:15 - 09:55
Community Management: There's a fork in the road

The market is shifting, are you positioned for the future?

Danie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Marina
Constas
BBM Law
Pearl
Scheltema
Fitzanne Estates
Vita
Wilkens
University of Pretoria
09:55 - 10:20
Community manager: How to get back in the driver seat

The tools and mindset required to enable greater efficiency in 2023.

Tobie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Maritza
Botha
WeconnectU
Oupa
Baloyi
BDM Property Management
10:20 - 10:55
Administrator or Rental Manager - Where does the value lie?

Where the property investment experience falls short and how to reposition yourself from an administrator to a rental asset manager.

Grant
Smee
Only Realty
Lorraine
Tharaga
Private Investor
Ettiene
Nel
Rentl Asset Management
Emanuel
Germanis
Evolution Properties
10:55 - 11:20
Professionalising the Property Management Industry

Enhancing the efficiency and effectivity of the property manager.

Dineo
Mphahlele
PPRA
Johann
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
11:20 - 11:35
The solutions, or the solution needed to succeed

Ever tried to build a puzzle with pieces from different boxes?

Schalk
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
11:35 - 11:45
Simple steps to become more Cyber Smart - the 5 must-knows

Best practice that will help you to recognise and counter threats to you digital safety and become less vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Eric
Lundberg
Red Shift Cyber Security
11:45 - 12:00
Q&A Panel Discussion

Panelists

Bruce
Whitfield
Business Speaker
Award-winning Journalist
Bruce Whitfield
Business Speaker
"Bruce Whitfield is a multi-award-winning journalist, best-selling author and sought-after speaker. Throughout his career, he has had unparalleled access to titans of industry; mavericks who are changing the game; and brilliant entrepreneurs who reimagine what is possible. This access has provided him with an exceptional perspective of how we can change the future. Today. With over 20 years of working in print, broadcast and digital media, he brings a unique brand of realistic optimism to the murky intersection where business, politics and society collide. Welcome, Bruce and thanks for joining us today… "
Johann
van der Merwe
Managing Director
WeconnectU
Johann van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Johann is the Managing Director of WeconnectU, a leading property management software solutions company. Johann has a history of working with one of the top ten multinational pharmaceutical firms where he was the Head of Marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2011, he decided to end his corporate career and join his family in the property management industry. In 2017, he started WeconnectU with his brother, Danie.
Danie
van der Merwe
Director, Solutions Management
WeconnectU
Danie van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Danie is the Co-founder of WeconnectU, a leading property management software solutions company. Before the founding of WeconnectU, Danie gained his experience in the property sector while being the MD of PropConnect, a company specialising in the management of Sectional Title and Home Owners Associations. Danie believes success is largely determined by the impact and success one can create for others.
Schalk
van der Merwe
Director, Sales & Marketing
WeconnectU
Schalk van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Before joining WeconnectU, Schalk gained international experience working in property management in the UK. He returned to South Africa in 2006 and started his real estate career as a franchisee. He was responsible for the management of multiple franchises, which included the management of the residential and commercial property portfolios. Schalk has seen how digital transformation can be leveraged to create incredible customer experiences and how this will enable you to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Schalk believes that meeting the needs of the “always-connected” customer is essential and that it is inevitable that businesses must embrace technology to be relevant and profitable going forward.
Tobie
van der Merwe
Business Development Manager
WeconnectU
Tobie van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Tobie is a Business Development Manager at WeconnectU. Before joining WeconnectU, Tobie spent many years specialising in the field of Marketing and Sales in the Professional Services and Software as a Service (SaaS) industry. Besides a deep rooted passion for people, marketing and sales, Tobie believes that Property Professionals can become more valuable as solutions providers through a strategic approach to their business.
Maritza
Botha
Customer Success Consultant
WeconnectU
Maritza Botha
WeconnectU
Maritza heads up the CMS Customer Success team at WeconnectU. She has more than 14 years’ experience in the property management industry, including running a prominent managing agency in Cape Town with a portfolio of more than 10 000 units. Having been in the seat of a Portfolio Manager, Operations Manager and a shareholder of a managing agency, she has a deep understanding of the challenges the Property Manager faces on a daily basis. Maritza is positive, energetic and passionate, her mission is to support and assist the Property Manager on their journey to continuously expand their value to their stakeholders.
Grant
Smee
Managing Director
Only Realty
Grant Smee
Only Realty
"I studied accounting after school & quickly learned, halfway through my second year in university, that although there is a huge amount of value in understanding how the finances of a business work & how to present these in a format acceptable to financial institutions, the tax man & shareholders, that I would never enjoy a majority of my working life pursuing accounting as a career. So I finished up my degree, all while opening my first company, & dipped my toe into the deep blue ocean of Entrepreneurship, & I was hooked. I always loved property, so it was inevitable that through the trials & tribulations of a young & inexperienced entrepreneur that I would find a home in property, firstly through property investment & refurbishments, & then in the space that I have come to love, the business of property, where I get to spend every working day & many non-working days talking, living, & breathing property."
Lorraine
Tharaga
Private Investor
Lorraine Tharaga
Private Investor
Lorrain is a co-owner of properties under the company named Nkoni Properties which specialises in property development and management of residential, retail and commercial, which has aided within the property development and management sector. She comes from the business analysis and banking management background which propelled her into the property industry. She has been in the industry for 4 years which is coupled with experience working in some of the major banks in South Africa. Lorraine currently manages all the properties in house and has invested most of the time focusing on providing excellent customer service to all the clients in her portfolio.
Pearl
Scheltema
CEO
Fitzanne Estates
Pearl Scheltema
Fitzanne Estates
Pearl Scheltema, CEO of Fitzanne Estates, with more than 30 years of industry experience, carries a wealth of knowledge about the property world. Pearl studied languages and education, but quickly realised that her true passion was working to find the ideal homes and investments for her clients. With more than three decades in one of the most dynamic professional fields has earned Pearl a lifetime of wisdom, tips, and relatable bits of advice. Offering guidance on all aspects of the Sectional Title Schemes Management Act, Pearl knows what it takes to make a client’s property portfolio profitable and sustainable and has built Fitzanne Estates to where it is today.
Dineo
Mphahlele
PPRA
Dineo Mphahlele
PPRA
I am an admitted attorney in possession of a Baccalaureus Procurationis (BPROC) Degree from the University of Johannesburg, I also hold a Postgraduate- Program in Strategic Management and Corporate Governance and completed a certificate in money laundering control. I obtained my Master of Laws (LLM) Degree in Corporate Law from the University of South Africa. I am employed at the Property Practitioner Regulatory Authority (formerly Estate Agency Affairs Board) I have vast experience in property regulatory environment. I am appointed an PPRA representative and coordinator for FIC compliance related matters.
Emanuel
Germanis
Founder & CEO
Evolution Properties
Emanuel Germanis
Evolution Properties
Emanuel is the founder and CEO of Evo Property, a real estate agency that offers sales and asset management to developers, landlords and various real estate stakeholders. Emanuel founded Evo Property seven years ago at the age of 25 and today with his partners hold interests in various businesses from real estate private equity, a coliving brand and short term letting management.
Oupa
Baloyi
Owner
BDM Property Management
Oupa Baloyi
BDM Property Management
Oupa is the CEO of BDM Property Managers, managing agents based in Polokwane. A qualified accountant and registered property professional, Oupa has been involved in the property industry for close on 7 years. BDM Property Managers are Executive Managing Agents and service community scheme across Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Oupa is a husband, father, business man and avid runner.
Vita
Wilkens
Lecturer
University of Pretoria
Vita Wilkens
University of Pretoria
Vita Wilkens is an attorney, notary, conveyancer, and lecturer at the University of Pretoria. Vita is also the course leader and developer of the popular Sectional Title Living - Nuts and Bolts short course.
Eric
Lundberg
Head Of Sales
Red Shift Cyber Security
Eric Lundberg
Red Shift Cyber Security
I have been working in various parts in the IT space for almost all of my career dealing with various products and services, over a wide range of clients in various industries. I look to give a trusting and long lasting relationship with all my clients to ensure a long lasting business and trusted adviser relationship with them. Specialties: Client relations, Training, Account management, Problem solving and Public speaking
Marina
Constas
Director
BBM Law
Marina Constas
BBM Law
Marina Constas is a trailblazer in the field of Community Schemes. As a practicing attorney and Director at BBM Inc. Attorneys, for the past 17 years Marina has assisted Trustees, Owners and Managing Agents in Bodies Corporate and Homeowners’ Associations to understand their legal rights and obligations. She is a best-selling author, having co-authored the first consumer-friendly South African book on sectional title property issues, “Demystifying Sectional Title. Marina regularly appears on radio and television where she updates audiences and answers questions on Community Lifestyle issues.
Ettiene
Nel
Managing Director
Rentl Asset Management
Ettiene Nel
Rentl Asset Management
Ettiene Nel is the Managing Director of Rentl Asset Management. With his vast experience in Corporate Banking & Structured Investments, supported by his legal background in conveyancing, his passion is to fulfil the company’s Value Proposition and professionally manage a property portfolio to the benefit of the client. He sees the landlords as investors in the largest asset class in the world and believes that they must be treated accordingly. His message to the landlord is clear: “Hire a good rental asset manager, then sit Back and Relax” – Ettiene is in the industry since 2004 and his team is directly involved in managing properties to the value of approximately R2,6 billion.

Our Previous Events

Testimonials

Thank you for a most informative presentation, really valuable insights.
Loline Merifield
NoShowDays.Com
Enjoyed the different approach to property management as well as the approach to property as an investment asset.
Amanda Barnardt
Uysie de Klerk Eiendomme
Thank you very much to all the panelists and organisers for a very insightful webinar.
Christiaan Becker
Centavia Property Management
WOW very informative!
Diane Smit
Fred Reynoldts Estate Agency
Together Stronger! Thanks folks for your valuable insights, much appreciated and thanks for the collaborations.
Donald Ndhundhuma
Century 21 Tzaneen
Thank you very much for a great effort from an expert panel.
Eugene Thornhill
Alex Thornhill Properties

FAQs

If I miss an event, will there be a recording available afterward?

No. This is an in-person event, so there will be no recordings made of the event. We will make the content that was shared available as downloadable resources after the event.

Who is invited to ENGAGE 2023?

Exclusively invited CMS clients will attend these regional events. We want to gather 200-300 Business Owners, Managers, Community Managers and Operational staff in each event.

Is it free to attend?

Yes. This is a free event. There are limited seats available per event, so bookings are essential. These events will include catering in the form of a breakfast and coffee, drink and juice. There will also be spot prizes and giveaways.

Will the ENGAGE Exclusive Events be in-person events?

The ENGAGE Exclusive Events will be in-person events to be hosted in Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. These events will be invite-only events with limited seating available per event. Bookings are essential. The ENGAGE Events will take place between the month of March and May.

What is the ENGAGE Exclusive Events?

ENGAGE Exclusive Events are WeconnectU's CMS 2023 in-person events to be hosted in Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban for CMS clients. We want to engage in-person, discuss industry insights, talk business best practice, share stories and unpack CMS product developments.

What is Engage?

ENGAGE is WeconnectU's annual online event. Every year, we spotlight work efficiency trends, our product development, and insightful stories from WeconnectU customers and industry experts to help you reimagine the way you work.

Will Engage 2023 be only online?

This year’s main ENGAGE conference will be virtual. We are planning additional invite-only events in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban during the course of 2023.

Is it free to attend?

Yes. This is a free event. All you need is an internet connection, a cup of coffee, and you’re good to go.

If I miss a session or want to share it with colleagues after — can I get a recording?

Yes. Everyone who registers for the online event, regardless of which sessions they attended, will be able to watch all the sessions on-demand afterward. To qualify for 3 non-verifiable CPD points, attendance on the day is required.

Who’s invited to Engage 2023?

All WeconnectU clients, Property Managers and industry stakeholders are invited to attend.

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