There will be big-name speakers, world-class performances, and inspirational moments galore. But members of NAR’s Meeting and Conference Committee say the chance to learn new business-building ideas is, hands down, the biggest draw of the conference for them. A close second: networking with real estate pros from around the world!
Education
“Since I started attending NAR’s annual conference, my business has grown each and every year. I look forward to the incredible education opportunities. I focus on learning as much as I can and then apply one thing into my business well, and it has worked like a charm. Plus the networking and referral opportunities are endless.”—Christopher Suranna, CRS, GREEN, Washington, D.C.
“The education has been the most valuable [part of the conference] to my business and my personal and professional development. No matter how long I’ve been in the business, every year I learn something new and have -multiple ‘a-ha’ moments!”—Barry Grooms, Bradenton, Fla.
“I was on the [education] review committee. There are so many great educators appearing at one event I can’t wait!”—Sally Sparks, Knoxville, Tenn.
“This is a huge opportunity to take your career to the next level.”—Karissa Thompson, Skaneateles, N.Y.
TIP: Plan each day in advance so you don’t miss key sessions. Use the Event Planner at conference.realtor; then download the NAR Annual app, available for iOS and Android devices, and take your schedule with you.
Top Speakers
“I am super excited to hear Billie Jean King speak. She is an incredible trailblazer, a true hero on social issues, and a personal role model. I get to see her from a distance every year when I attend World Team Tennis events in Philadelphia, but hearing her address the REALTORS® will be another level entirely.”—Stefanie Hahn, Collegeville, Pa.
WHEN: Sunday, 9-10 a.m., Inspirational Program, Moscone North/South Center, Esplanade Ballroom
BONUS: Saturday, Nov. 9, 1–3 p.m., meet King in the NAR Booth (#5545), and take home a custom tennis ball. While you’re there, learn about exclusive member offers and products from NAR and its affiliates.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the former communications director for Harley Davidson, Ken Schmidt. HD was on the brink of failure. Ken engineered a turnaround with nontraditional communications and customer relations. His methods are applicable to our business. He’s very entertaining and shares great insights into the challenges HD faced.”—Gary Rogers, Waltham, Mass.
WHEN: Friday, 2-3 p.m., “Make Some Noise: Open Your Throttle and Dominate Your Marketplace,” Moscone North/South Center, Esplanade Ballroom
Networking and Giving
“There’s nothing more energizing then making new friends, seeing great sights, giving back to those in need, getting smarter, and dancing with those who have enriched my life!”—Mike Bruno, Sarasota, Fla.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to gather with professionals from around the globe to enhance my education and skills, to collaborate on both a professional and a social level, and to build my professional referral network. The opportunity to come together as one and conquer the REALTORS® Relief challenge while helping those facing the challenge of natural disasters is soul raising and empowering.—Kelly Catallo, CRS, Medford, Mass.
Network
Commercial Marketplace, Global Real Estate Pavilion, and Green Pavilion. REALTORS® Expo: Friday, 3 p.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Young Professionals Networking Reception: Verso,
1525 Mission, Friday, 6-9 p.m. (ticketed, or $75 at the door)
Give Back
REALTORS® Relief Stair Climb and Good Neighbor Awards toiletries drive.
Can't Choose a Favorite
“There’s a wide array of educational topics to keep us busy during the day and some amazing events planned to keep us entertained at night. Add in beautiful city, and it’s going to be a fun and fulfilling conference!”—Heather Dunn, Powell, Ohio
“I truly am looking forward to the entire conference. The education sessions are always tremendous. I feel so fortunate that I will have the opportunity to see live the incredible talents of Pentatonix. I absolutely love attending the General Session; you walk away from it feeling very proud to be a REALTOR®. And the expo is fabulous and fun; it is ‘REALTOR® retail therapy’ at its best—Jennifer Shea, GRI, Butte, Mt.
“I’ve never spent time in San Francisco. This will be a fun experience for our office! The education sessions are particularly intriguing. I always look forward to the expo—as a new company, we look for new and innovative solutions!”—Melissa Atchley, Amarillo, Texas
Highlights
General Session featuring the 20th Year celebration of the Good Neighbor Awards, Saturday, 4–6 p.m., Moscone West, Level 3
Celebrity Concert featuring Pentatonix,
Sunday, 9–10:30 p.m., Moscone West, Level 3