Here in am in Orlando Florida at the NAR 2008 Convention and ActiveRain Gathering. In a 100 years, I would have never guessed that this is where I'd be creating my 300th post on AR. Sitting in my hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel, I just had to write this milestone post. What will make this post the most unique of all, is that I am building it as I go. This will be my smorgasbord post of everything ActiveRain at the NAR 2008 event this year. The CyberProfessionals, The Convention, The Expo, Diamond Dwellings, The AR Party, REALTORS night out at Universal Studios and anything else I can share. It's all been such a blur, thank goodness for digital cameras and video.
This has been one of the greatest times I've ever had. The memories from this trip will live on for lifetimes in this post. Spending these past few days with friends and members from all over the Country completes what I call, a real history In The Making. Jon, Rich, Bob, Jeff and I have really enjoyed being part of such an awesome trip here in Florida. I am blessed to be with such a fine group of individuals who have really made me feel apart of not just a GREAT organization and company, but also part of a family that I would do anything for. I never could have imagined that working for ActiveRain is really NOT just a job, it is truly a Life Adventure.
Stay tuned for ALL the details coming very soon....right now I'm off to spend an enchanting evening with my AR family and friends at Universal Studios here in Florida. I will be back to complete this post shortly....
UPDATED 11/11/08
Well I finally made it back home. It's amazing that I took over 300 photos, those have taken some time to upload, and I went ahead and posted most of them here, (the ones I can share anyway) :-O I hope you'll stop by to take a look at em. Take a minute to see the "FaceBook" photo TagIt for sure, see how many AR members you can recognize and then tag. It's Fun!
There were so many great events happening you guys, so many things to do, so many people to meet, it was ALL so much fun and very exciting. I still can't believe how big the EXPO was. It just seems like just a blur, there was so much there. I'm not sure that I ever slept on this trip. LOL Hopefully, this post will capture most of what I got to see and do, and I'm glad I get to share it with you. The best part of the entire trip this year was getting to meet ALL the other ActiveRainers from all over the Country. Truly some of the best people and friends I know. So until the next NAR Convention, REBarCamp or ActiveRain Gathering, be well, be safe, and be blessed! :-)
My NAR 2008 Video - 5 days in 10 min.
"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount
Very very very cool !!! We are really enjoying reading the posts about the convention and especially the AR party and what is going on in the AR world. Look foward to the updates ! You guys rock. We wish we were there : )
Brad - It looks like a terrific time there in Orlando. Wish I could've been there. I don't remember where I was for post #300, but I was probably right here at home. :)
Brad - You created this opportunity for yourself with AR! Isn't this so much better than your old career? Thank you for all the value you continue to add on AR. Enjoy the convention. I wish I could be there.
We are here too, just about 400 miles south in Sunny Isles Beach. You'd think we would make the 3.5 hour trip, but nooooo..... we're here in the office trying to make ends meet.
Brad - cool post-in-process. I imagine a bunch of us have written them in different places...but sure don't recall any milestones. My most fun was writing one n the flight to Hawaii from LA. Looking forward to hearing more. What an event and a great collection of people. We have s=come so far in the 2+ years I have been here. Wow.
Long time huh? Maybe about 24 hrs since we saw each other. It was great to see you and I had a blast. I also took some really nice shots near the Hard Rock......be well my friend.
Thanks for the great photos and updates from NAR. I wish I could be there also. Just to let you know I'm approaching my 20th post and I wouldn't have gotten to 5 if it wasn't for all your help and direction. You are a definite asset to AR. Thanks for all you do!
Hi Brad! What a great time for your AR 300 AND the best time you've had to come together! I am insanely jealous of all who were able to meet one another face-to-face! I'd much rather my hubby and I have been there than in the hospital but, maybe you guys will come to the NC/SC area in the near future and I'll get to meet you all then!
Thanks for sharing the awesome photos and congrats on #300!
Brad-it was a great time both at the party and around the expo floor seeing the whole AR team. Thanks for throwing the bash and look forward to more great opportunities to network.
Brad, I don't think ANY of us knew we'd have so much to say :) Or thought a few years ago how incredibly important Activerain would become. Congratulations to you and I'm thrilled that you loved this convention and will remember it always.
Hey Brad, congrats on #300. It was fabulous to meet you last night and there is a great photo of your signature shirt over on my blog. Looking forward to the next time:)
Hi Everyone, thank you for all the great comments...
It's 12:30pm here in Florida, we just got back to the HR Hotel, and my plane leaves in a few hours, so I'll finish this post somewhere between the airport in Orlando, Denver, and when I return home tomorrow sometime. This was one of the best times I have ever had working for what I consider the greatest network and community of people in the world. :-)
Brad, When you love what you are doing, it is not work. You are living proof of how you have taken a passion and created a wonderful career. Have a safe flight and I am looking forward to reading more.
Congratulations on #300 and for sharing so much wonderful information.
Hi Brad, it was so exciting to see you and meet you in person!! I'll be looking forward to 'the rest of the story.' AR is lucky to have you, and so are we!!
a theater near me? You are more popular than (I won't make the same mistake as Lennon did;) around here. I recall when AR announced you being a part of their team; I thought it a wise decision and still do. You've brought so much to this community in so many forms. I'd give you the seal of approval but the verdict has already been rendered. Mr. Brad Andersohn, I hope to one day meet you. My hope is that day will come soon. Until then, I'm done sucking up and telling the truth... Mojito on you;)
Ah so that's why you were so quiet as of late. You were waiting for your 300th post. Well i couldn't agree with you more. Seems like it was a special occasion enough to do it at. When i first saw the title, i thought you were going to mention that the spartans were there sparring on the grounds of the hard rock cafe. Anyways, glad to see you made it out alive and well. How many people showed up in total?
Wow! 3oo! I know this is a fun milestone for you. Look how far you have come in such a short space of time? Funny how life changes things...for the best. Congratulations! Wish I could have been in Orlando this year. I'm ready to meet all the online celebs.
Hi Brad - Congrats on this milestone. I did make it over to the Convention Center yesterday and met briefly with Rich. I asked for you, but you were back at the hotel...next time :-)
I am glad to hear that you guys had such a good time Brad. Sorry I missed Orlando, I am hoping to make San Diego. Congrats on post #300. You have been with AR for a long time now and I know how much this community has meant to you.
It was great to meet you and the other AR guru's. One of the highlights of my trip to NAR was not only meeting the guru's but in learning that you are all very likeable and down to earth people. Keep up the great work.
Hi Brad, congrats on your 300th excellent post. I wouldn't be on AR without you and all of your help. What a party you all had, I am going to catch the next Vegas one for sure!
Hi Brad, great fun last night. I see you added more photos and with all the ones you took, I am sure you will do more. There is a flickr group for the convention you should upload them all to.
Love the pics, Brad! It's fun to read your comments and post about the event and everyone else's too. Wish I could have been there (but turns out it's lucky I didn't go as I ended up with Shingles).
I am sooooooooooooo happy for you, Brad...but I'm super jealous. I know...that jealousy thingy is no good. I'll work on it. I'm glad you'll be back home with us. The place is just not the same without you. GBU!
Well, I finally got back to update this post, I am trying to finish up the video today. I took over 300 pictures to represent the title and tie into the meaning of this post. I hope you enjoy the ones I was allowed to share. LOL.
On another note:
I just got a call from Lenn Harley who wants to do a radio show about copyright. She even got her attorney to join us on the call to answer questions. I have to post about it now. The excitement just never stops here on AR.
wow #300, great! so glad you had a fun night at the rain party. (seems like everyone did) I'm actually getting tired of hearing bout all the fun- since I didn't get to go. Hey - some of us had to stay back and hold down the fort! Oh, I heard about your 'signature' shirt, great idea! later :)
Brad - it was so special to meet you and have lunch with you, Rich and Missy on Saturday after the Panel. All of you are so genuine and helpful that it is amazing! The temper of a company starts at the top and after meeting you, Rich, Bob, Jonathan and JeffX, it is easy to see why the atmosphere is so friendly around here. Thank you for throwing such a fun party at Hard Rock Live. We really enjoyed meeting so many people and learning new tips all night :)
Sharon - it was great to meet you and your husband at NAR. The atmosphere here, is what it is, because of our great members and friends. We all had a great time at the gathering and again, it's only because of our AR members and friends. Looking forward to seeing you again sometime soon, you know our door is always open to you. Thanks. :-)
Well it took me a week to complete the video, but it's finally up. 5 days, 4 nights, 2 1/2 hours of video and over 300 photos packed into a 10 min. video. Watch at your own risk!! If you do, I hope you enjoy it. I did.
Brad- Awesome post and fantastic video! I had so much fun with you guys... And that pic of Jon is hillarious! Too many funny stories to not smile about them forever. Can't wait for New York!....Alright Alright I will post more, Ya talked me into it! Miss you!
Mike -it was a blast, hope you can make it to the next one. Are we having a get together session in TN again this next year? Got a lot we can share when the time comes. :-) We should do a REBarCamp this time. :-)
Christa - thanks! I'll be watching for those posts! Miss you too.. :-) NY NY, and looks like Atlanta, and Omaha too. We'll do it again for sure. Good times in store ahead.
Wow does this look like just too much fun! What a great time and now its time to plan for next year for everyone. Hope I meet you soon at one of these great events.
2008's NAR Convention was my first - and I had a BLAST! The networking, education, relationship building were priceless. I wish I could have made the AR event - had a confilct - However, you can be sure I'll be there in San Diego!
2008's NAR Convention was my first - and I had a BLAST! The networking, education, relationship building were priceless. I wish I could have made the AR event - had a confilct - However, you can be sure I'll be there in San Diego!
2008's NAR Convention was my first - and I had a BLAST! The networking, education, relationship building were priceless. I wish I could have made the AR event - had a conflict - However, you can be sure I'll be there in San Diego!
Brad, it sounds like something I like to go to next year. To bad I didn't make it to this one, Orlando is alot closer than San Diego! Thanks for the post!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Here in am in Orlando Florida at the NAR 2008 Convention and ActiveRain Gathering. In a 100 years, I would have never guessed that this is where I'd be creating my 300th post on AR. Sitting in my hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel, I just had to write this milestone post. What will make this post the most unique of all, is that I am building it as I go. This will be my smorgasbord post of everything ActiveRain at the NAR 2008 event this year. The CyberProfessionals, The Convention, The Expo, Diamond Dwellings, The AR Party, REALTORS night out at Universal Studios and anything else I can share. It's all been such a blur, thank goodness for digital cameras and video.
;)
;)
From looking at all the pics by other members looks like you guys had a blast and AR was well received.