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NAR convention - what's in it for you?

By Sharon Simms

Real Estate Agent with Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International

October 24, 2008 04:40 AM

We all have different reasons for attending (or not attending) the NAR conventions.

For me, it's not the huge parties with thousands of people, nor is it the educational sessions, as good as some might be (there are so many other great educational sessions all year long), it's

the trade show. Some years there's not much new and a few hours will whisk me through - other years there are all kinds of new things, and two full days is not enough (lately it's been the former). The trade show is also a chance to connect with some of your current vendors - to find out what's new, how to better use what you have, and to address any issues you have or improvements you want. Face to face is always great.
the international expo. Great chance to meet international colleagues and look at what's happening in other countries - all in one place.
the "outside" meetings of various groups, from ActiveRain to impromptu cyber agent or luxury agent gatherings
the chance to see favored colleagues who are there for their own reasons.

What's in the NAR convention for you?

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Gene Mock

Associate Broker ~ Premier Team, KW Realty - Leesburg, VA

GRI, CRB, CRS, ABR, CIPS, TRC, SFR, SRES

The trade show is great! I usually plan a full day just to take in the trade show.

Oct 24, 2008 04:48 AM

Mary Pope-Handy

Christie's International Real Estate Sereno - Los Gatos, CA

CRS, CIPS, ABR, SRES, Silicon Valley

Hi Sharon,

I attended the one in San Francisco a few years ago and it was simply mind-blowing all around. First the sheer volume of Realtors is staggering! Like you, what was most valuable for me was the networking (but I also got a lot out of the classes, parties, and vendors).

Have fun. I've been to two big real estate events this year already - just can't do 'em all but wish I could!

Oct 24, 2008 04:50 AM

Randy L. Prothero

eXp Realty - Hollister, MO

Missouri REALTOR, (808) 384-5645

Between the outside events, meeting up with old friends and the expo, I did not see much else at last years NAR. I am looking forward to this years event.

Oct 24, 2008 05:01 AM

Charlottesville Solutions

Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

You are right the Trade Shows are great!!!

your friend in Charlottesville VA!

Oct 24, 2008 05:09 AM

Sharon Simms

Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS

Gene - yes, it's good to plan at least a full day.

Mary - any time you can win a quad-fecta it's great!

Randy - hope to see you in Orlando.

Charles - we do have to stay on the cutting edge.

Oct 24, 2008 09:48 AM

Jeff Dowler, CRS

eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA

The Southern California Relocation Dude

Sharon - wish I could make it, adn also be part of the CRS meetings since I am on the board for our local Chapter. Just not in the budget right now, so looking for great insights and follow-up from friends who get to go.

Jeff

Oct 24, 2008 03:45 PM

Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES

Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL

Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Never been to a NAR convention so this year I will find out! Unfortunately, only attending Saturday. Definitely the Expo and also planning on attending some of the international networking events.

Nov 05, 2008 11:15 AM

Jeff - the CRS reception last night was fun - great to see old friends, some that shared CRS leadership 15-20 years ago. You were there in spirit!

Silvia - hope you enjoy it. It's a lot to cover in one day.

Nov 06, 2008 05:50 AM

Sharon, getting back to my original comment, I just returned and had a blast. Not just that, but I learned a lot in just a few hours. Imagine I had spent more than a day! It is so true, getting away from your own environment opens eyes and doors to opportunities and possiblities that you may not realize otherwise. Can't wait until next year!

Nov 10, 2008 02:09 AM

Adriana Otoole

Montclair Realty - Montclair, NJ

I agree there is always something to pick up ( a photo of me and my husband in front of the White house ) courtesy of ( cant remember who tho) The internationsl area was great - learned a lot about Panama City and how that area has benefited from the US visitor visa policy ( all the south americans go there rather than the states) - A lot of gadgets - but I like them - and seeing old friends the best part of the meeting. I also joined a new group which was most beneficial...looking forward to the New Jersey Triple Play in December in AC

adriana otoole, Montclair Realty

Nov 15, 2008 01:37 PM

Silvia - see you in San Diego!

Adriana - many years I skip the educational sessions - this year I attended four and spoke at one, so it was far more rushed in 2 days than usual. Would have liked more time for the Expo - we were racing through ithe aisles we hadn't yet visited before heading home on Sunday.

Nov 16, 2008 01:47 AM

NAR convention - what's in it for you?

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