Apartment communities are in the "first impression" business. It can be difficult and stressful to always "look your best," but in this competitive climate, a beautiful entrance and meticulously maintained common grounds can go a long way toward improving occupancy.

This is where a well-designed curb appeal strategy is so important. Each July, units Magazine conducts its Curb Appeal Contest, asking all members to submit their best curb appeal image and a brief description about their approach.

On this cover is The NRP Group's Thirty Oaks, located in San Antonio, Texas. It was selected by a group of NAA member volunteers.

"Prospective residents love the aspect of the black oak trees throughout the community, saying it gives the place a sense of Texas enchantment by maintaining its heritage," says Chris Heywood, Regional Property Manager, The NRP Group. "The construction team worked to ensure [that more than 30] stayed on the property site."

I welcome you to admire their efforts and learn more on pg. 40. Included in this article are many other honorable mention photos that were submitted as part of this membership-wide competition.

This issue also recaps our 2015 NAA Education Conference & Exposition, held in June in Las Vegas. The largest national event in the multifamily housing industry got bigger this year as we broke all attendance and participation records, surpassing 9,000 industry professionals.

Jay Leno wowed the crowd during the Thursday General Session and chef Giada De Laurentiis entertained the audience with her presentation on Friday. 

We also celebrated the Maintenance Mania National Championships in Las Vegas (pg. 38) and announced the industry's PARAGON Award winners and Community of the Year at the event. See pg. 30 for some of the most exciting pictures from the four-day event.

I hope to see you all at the 2016 NAA Education Conference & Exposition on June 15-18 when NAA comes to San Francisco for the first time.