Nine years ago, Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS®’ Modern Real Estate Professional Committee was brainstorming ways to “welcome newer agents and help them build connections,” CEO Kathy Hartman, RCE, says. It found that “casual, no-cost events provide an easy and approachable way for them to get involved.”
The committee is constantly looking for the latest technology applications to share and decided to host an event to give members an easy, one-stop resource for the top productivity picks, Hartman says. The fun twist? Hosting the event at vibrant local venues.
Once a year, MREP selects a local brewery as the host location for Appy Hour. Locations vary to make sure the event is accessible to all members. Food costs are covered by the association through sponsorships, and members pay for their own drinks. The venue itself is free because the event is held from 4 to 6 p.m., outside of peak hours.
Tables are set up so that members get five minutes with each vendor—just like speed dating. Finding vendors is easy: “We just ask them,” Hartman says. “Vendors usually have no problem coming to demo their products to their target audience, and no fee is charged.”
Appy Hour has hosted app companies offering financial digital assistance, real estate closing cost assistance, easy connection to the MLS, an appointment system designed for agents, and photo and video editing.
Each event is announced via email, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Thirty to 45 members usually attend.
And the feedback? “Consistently positive!” Hartman says. “These events offer a convenient, one-stop experience for our members.”