Between appointments, marketing, admin, and all the other responsibilities you juggle as a Realtor, it’s hard to imagine carving out time for anything else…until you attend a kick-ass real estate conference that leaves you feeling energized, informed, and better equipped to return home and tackle your next set of challenges.
That’s how I feel after every real estate conference, and for me, attending and contributing to these events is an absolute priority. As travel restrictions ease this year, you also might feel that familiar yearning to hit the road and take part in some of our favorite annual events. Many are still offering both in-person and virtual attendance. We hope to see you there!
1. NAR Broker Summit
Why You Should Consider This Event:
NAR’s Broker Summit, as the name suggests, is the only event dedicated to the needs and special interests of those running a real estate shop. While many other 2022 real estate conferences feature special sections just for brokers, this year’s broker-only summit in Phoenix is likely to be the best broker conference out there.
Speaker We’re Most Excited About:
While the speaker panels haven’t yet been announced, you can expect this event to attract excellent presenters like Leonard Brody, president of Clarity Digital and all-around management rock star. I know those two words don’t sound like they belong in the same sentence, but he has helped revolutionize organizations like Visa and Pepsi, as well as governmental groups from India to Israel.
2. Inman Connect NEW YORK 2022
Why You Should Consider This Event:
Inman events are getting a lot of love from us this year, but honestly, it’s one of the things they do best. We’re not sure it’s worth attending both New York and Las Vegas, but if you can only make it to one, get yourself to New York and spend three days swanning around with some of real estate’s best and brightest.
Speaker We’re Most Excited About:
We’re pretty excited about the full list. It’s a diverse collection of agents, brokers, owners, C-suite executives, and thought leaders who aren’t afraid to disrupt the industry. I’m personally excited to hear from Philip Whilte, CEO of Sotheby’s, who always provides powerful insights gained from his experience building a luxury powerhouse brokerage. If you don’t come away from this event feeling inspired, then you probably weren’t paying attention.
Photos From Previous Years:
Image Courtesy of Inman iBuyers, Blockchain, & More: Takeaways from Inman Connect NY 2019
3. Home Front: NAR Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo
Why You Should Consider This Event:
Home Front, NAR’s annual legislative meeting for REALTORS®, is a must for those of you who want to take an active role in shaping the direction the organization, our industry, and public policy are headed.
Come be a part of special issue forums, legislative meetings, and a visit to Capitol Hill. To be a voting member of committees, you need to be a designated representative of your association, but anybody can attend this event and network.
Speaker We’re Most Excited About:
This year’s Maryland summit promises to attract serious industry experts who will offer valuable insights into legislative issues and the future of real estate. Watch this space for their soon to be announced array of speakers.
Photos From Previous Years:
Images Courtesy of the National Association of REALTORS 
Image Courtesy of the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS 4. Inman Luxury Connect 2022
Why You Should Consider This Event:
If you are looking for some exclusive luxury learning and networking, you’ll definitely find it at this event of the year. You’ll get the high-quality content and event experience you’d expect from an Inman event and Inman Connect founder Brad Inman, but focused on high-end agents. Ideal for networking with a select crowd, and we’ve heard rumors that there are some spectacular off-site events planned this year that will knock your socks off.
Speaker We’re Most Excited About:
Though the full list hasn’t been announced yet, I am pretty pumped that Ryan Serhant of SERHANT. and Gary Gold of Hilton & Hyland are on the list. Gold is a leader in our industry and, frankly, a trendsetter. It’ll be interesting to hear his take on the future of technology and marketing. And, of course, Serhant, whom many know from “Million Dollar Listing New York,” is always entertaining and full of valuable insight.
Photos From Previous Years:
Image Courtesy of Inman 5. Tom Ferry’s Success Summit
Why You Should Consider This Event:
Tom Ferry has been selling and coaching sellers for almost 30 years, and his real estate conferences are synonymous with strong content. The Tom Ferry approach is inspiring for professionals at all points in their journey, from brand-new agents to seasoned professionals.
According to Ferry, “What you say matters,” and at Sales Edge, you spend three days listening, learning, and practicing to make your conversations with clients, leads, and people on the street more profitable.
Speaker We’re Most Excited About:
The one, the only, Mr. Tom Ferry. There is a reason this guy is one of the most sought-after trainers in the industry. We go to these events because we want to learn and practice, but, let’s be honest, we also go because Tom Ferry is such an engaging speaker with so much to teach us.
Photos From Previous Years:
Photos courtesy of TomFerry.com 6. Inman Connect, LAS VEGAS 2022
Why You Should Consider This Event:
Inman Connect is a week of engaging speakers addressing various topics within the real estate industry. Brad Inman goes all-out to get the heavy hitters of residential real estate.
Last year’s Inman Connect New York featured CEOs of major brokerages, TED Talk alumni, and tech experts from across the industry. With east and west conferences held annually, this year’s Las Vegas event is shaping up to be even bigger and more impressive. With so many in the industry flocking to this event, it is a can’t-miss networking opportunity.
Speaker We’re Most Excited About:
The speaker list for this year’s event isn’t public yet, but we’ll make sure to update this when it is. Last year our favorites were Zillow President, Susan Daimler, and Glen Kelman of Redfin. We also loved mixing it up with Charleston, South Carolina, native and motivational speaker Chris Singleton. He has an incredible story of resilience that left very few dry eyes in the audience. If you attended the event last year, who was your favorite panelist?
Photos From Previous Years:
Photos courtesy of AJ Canaria, MoxiWorks, and Inman Connect 10 Unexpected Takeaways From Inman Connect Las Vegas 2021
7. NAR Conference & Expo
Event Website (The NAR website updates about six months before the event. Expect that this link will take you to NAR’s 2021 conference site until about July 2022.)
Why You Should Consider This Event:
This is the premier event sponsored by the National Association of Realtors. There are always a TON of different educational sessions to choose from, so you won’t lack programming options. Also, the expo features almost 400 vendors. If you’re looking for a provider with a solution to a real estate problem, here is the ideal place to start!
Speaker We’re Most Excited About:
Chris Linsell of The Close! Last year, I represented The Close at the NAR event, speaking on the topic of real estate marketing on a shoestring budget. Our team has pitched to present again this year, so keep an eye out for an announcement at the beginning of May.
Photos From Previous Years:
Images Courtesy of the National Association of REALTORS 7 Things We’re Still Talking About From the NAR 2019 Conference
8. Regional Real Estate Conferences
REimagine
In-person attendance is back at REimagine–and Realtors across California are ready for it. The California Association of Realtors’ annual conference is ideal for agents inside or outside the state—and who doesn’t want to take a trip to sunny Long Beach in October? Expect to hear top speakers full of valuable insight and motivation. While the speaker line-up hasn’t been announced yet, we’re sure it’ll be an event not to be missed.
Triple Play REALTOR Convention + Expo
A premier event for REALTORS in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, TriplePlay draws professionals from across the nation, and offers a diverse mix of exhibitors and speakers I had the honor of speaking at last year’s event! The full 2022 speaker line-up hasn’t yet been announced yet, but it’s sure to be as dynamic and inspiring as always.
9. Brokerage Events
Are you part of a large real estate brand? Most major labels have their own convention every year packed with amazing speakers and guaranteed fun. Most of these events are more for hype and motivation, but there are some excellent learning opportunities, and you definitely come back feeling energized and ready to tackle new business.
Here are some of the events we are looking forward to this year:
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices: Sales Convention
Brokerage: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
In the spirit of Warren Buffet, the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices real estate conference in 2022 will brief attendees on the company’s considerable successes of the past year. A prestigious awards ceremony and plenty of training opportunities make this Kentucky gathering worth attending, and with Lenny Kravitz headlining, there’s sure to be plenty of fun too.
The One21 Experience 2022
Brokerage: RE/MAX
Century 21’s Las Vegas event should be a show-stopper, with three days packed with inspiring speakers, engaging networking events, and endless opportunities to learn and expand one’s sphere of influence. Looking for motivation? Three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes is the keynote speaker at this year’s forum, held at Caesar’s Palace.
Coldwell Banker Gen Blue
Brokerage: Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker’s annual soiree is equal parts glitz and glamor and education and training. Agents can expect to hear from all the Coldwell Banker heavy-hitters like CEO M Ryan Gorman. Previous performers included Bebe Rexha, and you’ll hear from Angela Duckworth, Robin Roberts, and the Harlem Gospel Choir!
Better Homes & Gardens: APEX Greenhouse
Brokerage: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate (BH&G) always puts on a good show, and the expectations are high again as agents gather in Miami. You can expect the classic events to pump you up, the helpful events to educate you, and, as many agents have commented in the past, it’s a perfect chance to connect with other BHGRE top producers to share tips, network, and build a better business. Last year’s event had a real focus on building a personal brand and breaking into the luxury market. This year is sure to be just as informative and inspiring.
EXPCON
Brokerage: eXp
As one of the fastest growing brokerages in the world—yes, the world, EXPCON has become a can’t-miss celebration of stunning successes and exciting futures. Venus Williams was at last year’s event—if that tells you anything.
Tips for In-person Networking at Real Estate Conferences in 2022
When you walk away from real estate conferences in 2022, you should feel inspired, educated, and better connected to colleagues and other industry pros. Here are some tips on how to build your network more efficiently at real estate events.
- Don’t forget the business cards: Despite all the advances in real estate technology, nothing has surpassed the trusty ol’ business card as the best way to exchange information with people in a networking environment. Bring at least 100 cards and be liberal handing them out. You’re there to meet people and create connections that will improve your business.
- Hang around after the presentations: Some of the most interesting connections you’ll make at a real estate conference in 2022 will be with the speakers themselves. If there’s a session you find particularly interesting or helpful, hang around afterward and chat with the speaker directly. Unless they’re a main stage speaker, they almost always build time into their schedule to connect one-on-one with attendees.
- Chat with every single vendor: I know that sounds like a lot, but trust me, you’ll want to spend some time doing so. How often have you been online reading about a real estate product or service and thought to yourself, “It sure would be helpful if I had a real person I could talk to about this.” Embrace your chance to speak face to face with reps from the companies that might interest you. Don’t miss your chance to have your questions answered by a real, live person!
- Don’t skip the parties: Even though the day sessions are packed with other industry pros working toward the same goals you are, most of them (you included) are engaged in learning from the stage speaker or speaking to the vendors at the expo. The parties and social events are where you really get a chance to connect with colleagues, so go socialize (and don’t forget your business cards).
Tips for Networking at Virtual Real Estate Conferences in 2022
Several of the biggest real estate conferences in 2022 are offering both in-person and virtual attendance, but it can feel challenging to network when you’re participating online. However, virtual conferences can be worth the time and investment, and are an ideal way to meet new industry colleagues and connect with speakers without having to get on a bus, plane, or train.
- Preparation and confidence are key to making virtual attendance a success, so apply some serious thought and attention when you create your attendee profile, as it can help you stand out and help fellow attendees get to know you.
- Update your social media channels ahead of the event and take every opportunity to introduce yourself with confidence. Be concise and offer fellow attendees an easy way to reach out if they want to connect after the session.
- Research the speakers and be ready to engage in Q&A sessions with smart, incisive questions, which is one way to really shine in a busy, digital environment. If the conversation is too fast-paced to interject, use the chat function. You can usually chat with the entire group or direct message individual participants.
- Whenever you can, ask interesting connections for their contact information (or make note of it when someone is introduced) and make sure you follow up after the conference.
Your Turn
Have you been to any of these events? Which real estate events are on your travel list this year? Which ones do you hope to attend virtually?
Tell us about you so we know what to send.
