I have attended well over a dozen NAR conferences in my 18 years of real estate. They are fantastic and I always learn new things there each year. This year’s conference is in San Diego from November 11th to the 16th. (actual dates vary depending on courses you want to take and volunteer work prior to conference). It is a relatively cheap place to fly to and there is lots of competition for hotels so if you are on a budget, shop around. Your travel agent may even have some “vacation package” deal.
Tips:
1. Make up special business cards with a new conference email account and bring about 500 of them to pass out. This way, you can track the leads you get back to this conference and you won't feel bad about dropping your card in all the vendor booths for their prizes knowing they will probably have already called your office or emailed you before you get back home.
2. Allow two full days to visit the Expo! They have over 400 exhibitors this year. Several years I have gone and only bought the expo pass for $25 instead of paying $330 for the entire conference. http://www.realtor.org/convention.nsf/pages/exp
3. Lodging is most convenient at the host hotels however you pay a premium for convenience. Sometimes I have gotten rooms nearby for 1/2 the price and still can use all the same shuttles to different events. I think Manchester owns both the Hilton and the Marriott so you probably have to go further to get much price variance this year.
4. Review the agenda and when you have conflicts of which event to go to, choose to visit the vendors at their booth instead of taking a class and attend the class that may not have a booth. Wouldn't you rather talk one on one with the instructor anyway? Use their event planner online.
5. Make sure to look for specialty functions associated with any designations you may have: (i.e CRS Day, ABR receptions, WCR functions, etc.)
6. Learn immediately where you can get access to WIFI and determine if you need to bring your tablet (laptop) everywhere or not. I have a special laptop case with wheels so I have no problem lugging it everywhere and it makes a great place to stuff all the give away items at the convention.
7. Make a list of companies you want to follow up with. Instead of dragging a suit case home with pamphlets you hope to read later, just write down the business category, their website and the person you talked to. Maybe just write these notes on the back of their card. The pamplet they hand you typically is not as comprehensive as their website.
8. Wear something that people can associate with your area. For example, I will probably go to the Idaho Potato Commission and see if they can spare a few hundred "Idaho Potato Pins" for me to hand out. Sure beats being from Wisconsin and having to wear a cheese hat since that stands out way too much for me (grin).
9. Network, network, network! What a great way to meet top agents from all around the country personally to build your referral network.
10. Post to your blog that you will be attending and invite your readers to meet you there.
11. Don't physically plan to do any work the day you get back home. There will be enough "surprises" and messages to return without having to fill them in between your prescheduled appointments.
12. Change your email and voice mail to let people know you are investing in your customer service level by attending a national Realtor conference to help better serve your them and the best way for them to reach you while you are out of town.
13. Many of the vendors will have special “show pricing” and “free delivery” or “no set up fees” so it is a good place to buy supplies for 2010
14. Have a great time writing off the business expenses and mix in a mini-vacation while you are there!
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