At the National Association of REALTORS® 84th annual AE Institute (AEI) in Minneapolis, nearly 900 REALTOR® association executives participated in peer-to-peer learning, as well as discussions on how to help members overcome the biggest business challenges in their markets today. Some of the major themes: improving broker communications, providing guidance on technology, especially AI, and offering focused education that helps agents close more sales.
Kevin Brown: Getting Back to Business
NAR’s 2026 President Kevin Brown kicked off the conference on Wednesday by emphasizing the connection between the national organization and the state and local executives and staff who are getting things done on the ground and serving as the first point of contact with members.
“What we do matters, and NAR couldn't do this work without you,” Brown said. “You are critical to NAR’s success.”
Brown often talks about getting members back to business. He told the AEI audience, that means “helping our members navigate the issues that impact their day-to-day business—finance, insurance, inventory, zoning restrictions and other barriers to homeownership. It means leveling up ... our amazing advocacy work, cutting edge research … and [helping our members understand] the latest tax rules to better serve their clients. It means finding new ways to help our members get to their next transaction.”
How NAR Is Leading Change
Three of NAR’s top staff leaders participated in a “fireside chat” on how the organization is improving engagement and communication with members, partners and the public.
Panelists included NAR CEO Nykia Wright; Jarrod Grasso, RCE, AHWD, NAR senior vice president of industry relations; and Bennett Richardson, NAR chief marketing and communications officer. Also joining the panel were Rob Campau, RCE, AHWD, CEO of Michigan REALTORS®, based in Lansing, Mich., and Laura Crowther, RCE, GRI, CEO of the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS®, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Key initiatives the panelists covered include:
- Media Engagement: In the past nine months, NAR has conducted more than 400 media interviews and provided zero “no comment” responses to press inquiries, aiming for increased transparency about the organization and its strategic priorities.
- Consumer Engagement: The new More Than Opening Doors ad campaign launched Feb. 24 and is available for co-branding by associations. The “NAR REALTOR® News Change Agents” podcast launched March 4. And the media team hosted its first Influencer Summit, engaging social media influencers and critics.
- Internal Collaboration: NAR is moving away from a top-down approach through increased communication and collaboration with state and local associations, making the most of the strengths of the three-way agreement and continuing to enhance the capabilities of Multiple Listing Services.
- Broker Support: NAR already has 35 broker summits on the calendar for this year and is providing a growing list of resources, including an AI policy template, sales meeting playbooks, a toolkit on how to onboard agents, and handouts on the value of hiring a real estate. All gathered at nar.realtor/brokers. There’s even a new page devoted to small brokers.
- Education: NAR is now engaged in a significant transformation of the Center for REALTOR® Development, focusing on partnerships rather than competition with existing programs.
- Advocacy: Panelists said local and state associations are a critical factor in building relationships with policy and lawmakers from their area.
- Inclusivity: NAR is addressing the needs of specialty groups, like appraisers and commercial members, and seeking direct feedback to ensure they feel heard and valued.
On communications: “Last year we really focused on how we can show up in the right way and meet the moment that leaders like Nykia and Jarrod created for the association,” Richardson said. “Right now, we need to show that we are open for business, transparent, accountable, and ready to answer any question and address any criticism.”
On industry relations: In the newly created role of industry relations SVP, Grasso has been working alongside Sherry Chris, NAR strategic advisor to brokerages, to establish one-on-one connections with real estate leaders and brokerages across the country. But the former New Jersey REALTORS® CEO said NAR’s commitment to the executives and staff specialists in the room was just as critical. “We want to make sure that we are engaging with you.”
