Created in 2023 by the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® communications and public relations committee, the You Belong Here Expo is designed to help members feel more connected to the association and understand the many ways it supports their success beyond MLS access and required services.
“With nearly 10,000 members, we recognized that many of them may not be aware of the committees, councils, programs, leadership opportunities and member benefits available to them,” says Joanne Werstlein, RCE, AHWD, RRAR’s vice president of membership and communications.
The You Belong Here Expo pulls all that information together; adds in networking, food, prizes and giveaways, entertainment and interactive experiences; and serves as a gateway for members interested in serving on a committee or developing leadership skills. Last year’s event featured a country theme with a live band and a caricaturist, while sponsors, committee members and council members went all out in boots and cowboy hats and decorated their tables to match.
The biggest lesson? “Don’t assume members know where they fit,” Werstlein says. “Create intentional opportunities to help them discover their place in the organization and connect with others who share their interests. That’s when belonging starts to take root.”
Planning, which starts several months in advance, brings together staff, volunteer leaders, committees, councils and affiliate partners. While it has been held in August, this year’s expo will be held Oct. 29 and features a Halloween theme.
Sponsorships enable RRAR to offer the event as a free member benefit. “Our goal is not to generate revenue but to create an engaging experience that encourages participation and connection,” Werstlein says.
Steps to Create a Membership Event
For other associations interested in planning a similar event, RRAR follows these steps:
Pre-Planning
- Establish a theme.
- Select the date.
- Secure sponsors.
Committee & Council Participation
- Invite all committees and councils to participate.
- Provide table guidelines and engagement ideas.
- Coordinate volunteer staffing.
- Member Experience Design
- Develop activities that encourage interaction.
- Create incentives for visiting booths.
- Organize food, entertainment and giveaways.
Marketing
- Develop email campaigns and social media promotion.
- Create website and event registration.
- Use member communications to promote the event.
Day-Of Operations
Oversee:
- Registration and welcome team
- Signage and event setup
- Volunteer coordination
- Sponsor support
- Prize drawings and announcements
- Breakdown and follow-up
Post-Event
- Survey attendees.
- Review participation metrics.
- Track committee application activity.
- Identify improvements for future years.
Every Member Has a Place
During the three-hour event, members get to network; win door prizes or giveaways from sponsors; and enjoy food and refreshments, music, activities and photo opportunities, while exploring various showcases and booths. While details change year to year, the expo typically features:
- A Committee and Council Showcase led by volunteer leaders who talk with attendees and answer questions
- An Affiliate Partner Showcase highlighting products and services available to members
- An Association Benefits Exploration focusing on education, advocacy, consumer outreach, leadership opportunities, professional development and other member benefits.
Since launching the event three years ago, RRAR has seen an overwhelmingly positive response from members.
“New members often tell us they appreciate having a relaxed environment where they can meet staff, volunteer leaders and fellow members outside of a classroom setting. It helps them understand that the association is much more than a place to pay dues or take classes,” Werstlein says. “Longtime members frequently discover committees, programs and benefits they didn’t know existed, even after years of membership.”
One of the biggest indicators of success is the number of members who apply for committees and councils after attending. RRAR estimates that more than half of the applications it receives for committees and councils come from attendees of the expo.
Importantly, the event also creates connections between members who might not otherwise interact—new agents, seasoned practitioners, affiliates, volunteer leaders and staff professionals. “Those conversations often become ongoing professional relationships,” Werstlein says.
At its core, activities at the You Belong Here Expo reinforce a simple message:
Every member has a place at RRAR, and there are countless ways to engage, contribute and benefit from being part of our REALTOR® community.
“We believe belonging happens when members understand how they fit into the organization, see opportunities to contribute and build relationships with others,” Werstlein says. “The You Belong Here Expo intentionally focuses on all three.”
