Suite Talk: A Multifamily Talk Show & Lunch at APARTogether EXPO

Day 1: 11:30AM-12:30PM

As a supplier partner or exhibitor, you won't want to miss this unique event with a number of special guests. To attend, you must purchase a Day 1 (Members ONLY) ticket for the full day of events or a ticket for Suite Talk and lunch. Please note that preregistration is required for this event.

Suite Talk: A Multifamily Talk Show delivers an energetic and insightful look at the evolving world of multifamily housing, blending industry expertise with the fun, conversational feel of a talk show. Suite Talk dives into the latest developments in construction trends, housing plan innovations, and forward‑thinking building strategies that are shaping the future of the industry. The show also breaks down key government housing plans and policies—explaining how they influence development, funding, and community design keeping you informed about the broader forces shaping the market. With expert interviews, dynamic discussions, and an upbeat tone, Suite Talk makes complex topics approachable while keeping audiences informed and entertained.

Join us for Suite Talk and Lunch ONLY if you are unable to attend a morning education sessions or Business Exchange on DAY 1.

MEMBER: $60

NON-MEMBER: $75

Register Now

Meet Our Talk Show Guests

Corey O'Connor, Mayor, City of Pittsburgh

   Corey O’Connor is the sixty-second mayor of the City of Pittsburgh. Mayor O’Connor brings with him a record of listening and prioritizing the voices of Pittsburgh residents, including its most vulnerable; making tough decisions under difficult circumstances; helping to deliver effective and efficient city services; and leading transformational change that maximizes opportunity and growth for all Pittsburghers. Mayor O’Connor is committed to making Pittsburgh more transparent, efficient, accessible, safe, and vibrant.

   Mayor O’Connor has served his hometown in elected office since 2012. He began his distinguished career in public service by representing Pittsburgh City Council District 5. Mayor O’Connor held that role for more than a decade and, during that time, he authored the City of Pittsburgh’s Paid Sick Days Act, crafted common sense gun safety reforms, facilitated the investment of millions of dollars in affordable housing, and more. 

   Mayor O’Connor was sworn in as the Allegheny County Controller on July 10, 2022, after being nominated for the office by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and with the unanimous approval of the Pennsylvania State Senate. He was elected to his first full term in November 2023, securing the most votes of any county-wide candidate in that election. In this role, Mayor O’Connor worked tirelessly to promote a more accessible and transparent government that offered solutions to difficult challenges. He brought the office to the community in innovative ways, including by introducing new platforms for public access to government data, auditing major County departments, proposing measurable benchmarks for County environmental and climate efforts, and enacting ethics reform measures on the Allegheny County Retirement Board, among other initiatives.

   Prior to assuming elected office, Mayor O’Connor served as a Community Development Representative for U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle. 

   Mayor O’Connor is a proud graduate of Central Catholic High School. He tells everyone that one of his most memorable jobs and some of his proudest accomplishments come from the years that he spent coaching the varsity golf team. He led the team to multiple State Team Championships and WPIAL Championships. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Duquesne University.

   Mayor O’Connor is the youngest of three children of Pittsburgh’s late Mayor Bob O’Connor and Judy O’Connor. He lives in the city with his wife, Katie, and their children, Molly and Emmett. Though he has held many titles, his favorite will always be dad.

Lucas Piatt, CEO, Piatt Companies and Piatt Sotheby's International Realty

    Lucas B. Piatt is the Chief Executive Officer of Piatt Companies and Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty, where he blends visionary leadership with a deep-rooted commitment to the future of Western Pennsylvania. With more than 25 years of experience in real estate, development, and executive leadership, Lucas has led the transformation of Downtown Pittsburgh, investing over $500 million as part of a broader portfolio exceeding $1 billion in revitalization efforts across the region.

   Lucas is the driving force behind The Esplanade, a transformative waterfront development that will redefine Pittsburgh’s North Side. Designed to be a world-class destination for innovation, entertainment, hospitality, and public space, The Esplanade reflects Lucas’s bold vision for shaping the future of Pittsburgh through large-scale placemaking rooted in community, inclusivity, and global ambition.

   A respected collaborator, Lucas brings people together—developers, civic leaders, creatives, and community members—to reimagine the built environment and make it a catalyst for growth and connection. He is committed to delivering luxury experiences that serve a greater purpose, with an eye toward sustainable and inclusive development.

   His leadership extends far beyond real estate. Lucas actively supports organizations such as the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Point Park University, the Pittsburgh Film Office, the Alzheimer’s Association, and serves on the Board of Directors for St. Clair Health Foundation, helping to shape the future of regional healthcare and community access.

   As founder of the Piatt Family Foundation’s Rock, Reggae and Relief Festival, Lucas has harnessed the power of live music to raise significant funds for impactful causes. Beneficiaries have included ovarian cancer initiatives, Café Momentum Pittsburgh, 412 Food Rescue, MCG Youth & Arts, and Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, among others—supporting efforts around food security, youth empowerment, education, and economic mobility.

   Beyond his professional and philanthropic commitments, Lucas is a devoted family man who finds his greatest joy in spending meaningful time with his wife Renee and their children, River and Marlea. Whether attending concerts and music festivals, traveling, or sharing life’s great experiences, Lucas lives with intention and heart—always seeking to build something greater for the next generation.

Brandon Guy, CFO, Oxford Development Company

   As Chief Financial Officer, Brandon brings over 16 years of real estate finance and development experience to the Oxford team. He oversees financial strategy, capital planning, deal structuring, underwriting, and asset management across the company’s development and investment platform, playing a critical role throughout the full project lifecycle.

    Brandon is the co-founder of Steel Street Associates, Inc., where he has delivered innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable real estate solutions by integrating disciplined financial analysis with development execution. His background allows him to guide projects from concept through capitalization, construction, and stabilization.

    Previously, Brandon served as a Director in the commercial real estate finance group at Guggenheim Partners, LLC. Since 2008, he has originated, underwritten, and closed more than $1.8 billion in transactions nationwide across debt and capital markets, including life companies, agency lending, and CMBS. His experience spans all major property types.

Kyle Prawdzik, Senior Vice President, CBRE

   Kyle Prawdzik joined CBRE in 2006 and is a Senior Vice President on the Pittsburgh Investment Properties team.

   The Pittsburgh Investment Properties team specializes in advising institutional and private clients on the disposition and acquisition of income-producing office, multifamily, industrial, and retail properties. The team also has experience with large development sites, office-to-residential conversions, 1031 exchange transactions, lender receiverships and dispositions, and corporate sale-leasebacks.

   During Mr. Prawdzik’s career, he has been involved in the marketing and sale of multiple transactions comprising more than $4 billion in investment real estate.

 

Meet Our Talk Show Host

Chef Anthony Marino, Corporate Chef, Don's Appliances 

   Anthony Marino is a seasoned corporate chef and industry professional with over two decades of experience at the intersection of culinary excellence, luxury appliances, and residential design solutions.

   A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (Class of 2001), Anthony earned his PC2 Certification, establishing a strong technical and culinary foundation that continues to guide his work today. His career has been defined by a commitment to precision, innovation, and elevating the client experience through exceptional product knowledge and culinary expertise.

   Specializing in residential appliance sales with a focus on luxury brands, Anthony brings a unique perspective to every project — combining hands-on culinary mastery with deep technical understanding of high-performance appliances. This rare blend allows him to translate complex product features into meaningful benefits for homeowners, designers, builders, and developers.

   Anthony is widely recognized for his ability to build trust, deliver results, and create lasting partnerships through professionalism, integrity, and a passion for excellence in both food and design.

Meet Our Permanent Resident

Toni Blake, President, TotallyToni.com 

Toni Blake is a popular industry keynote speaker and comedienne. Her enthusiastic presentation style is unique, with “laugh while you learn” education and comedy. After three decades of touring multifamily housing, she continues to be the premier choice. Toni Blake won top selection in the 2020 Multifamily Insiders Choice Award for her Wednesday Webinar. At the 2022 NAA in San Diego, CA, Toni was the featured comedienne to open for Jeff Foxworthy at the Top Gun Party aboard the USS Midway!In 2021 Toni began boldly touring the industry with her popular AmaZING Tour Bus, visiting 23 states in 135 days, traveling over 13,000 miles. The tour continues! Toni Blake’s research is published in many national industry publications, including Units Magazine. Her creative wisdom inspires thousands of industry professionals each year with innovative concepts in customer service, sales, and marketing. Toni’s infectious energy has built a social media following of over 36K, with .5M views of her Facebook LIVE videos, making her a sought-after guest on multifamily radio and podcasts. Toni is passionate about being an agent of positive change in our world and inspires people to be great human beings. Stay in touch with TotallyToni by following her in real-time on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.