Between appointments, marketing, showings, and all the other running around you do 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 must. In-person conferences are definitely back, baby, and I’m sure you’re as thrilled to hit the road and take part in some of our favorite annual events as we are. We’re excited and hope to see you out there!
First, here are eight must-attend real estate conferences for 2023 and into 2024, in chronological order. And then we have a whole host of regional and brand-specific conferences detailed a little further down, followed by some networking tips.
1. Inman Luxury Connect 2023
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Date: August 7-8, 2023 -
Location: Las Vegas -
Virtual option: No -
Cost: Early registration: $1,099 I Standard: $1,199 -
Best for: High-end agents -
Helpful resource: Register for Inman Luxury Connect
Why You Should Consider This Event
If you are looking for some exclusive luxury learning and networking, you’ll definitely find it at this extravagant event. You’ll get the high-quality content and event experience you’d expect from Inman Connect founder Brad Inman, but focused on high-end agents. It’s ideal for networking with a select crowd and gaining some insider knowledge of the luxury market. Plus, we’ve heard rumors that there are some spectacular off-site events planned that will knock your socks off.
Speaker We’re Most Excited About
I’m thrilled to see Dolly Lenz of Dolly Lenz Real Estate will be joining the panel of speakers this year. Lenz is a trendsetting pioneer, and it’s refreshing to see a woman wield such enormous power in our industry. It’ll be interesting to hear her take on the current market and prognostications for the coming year.
Photos From Previous Years
Image Courtesy of Inman 2. Tom Ferry’s Success Summit
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Date: August 22-24, 2023 -
Location: Dallas -
Virtual option: Yes -
Cost: Early: $699 I Standard: $999 I Virtual: $599 -
Best for: Agents who need a sales coach -
Helpful resource: Register for Tom Ferry’s Success Summit
Why You Should Consider This Event
Tom Ferry has been selling and coaching salespeople for almost 30 years, and his real estate conferences are synonymous with strong content. The Tom Ferry approach is inspiring for professionals at every point in the real estate journey, from brand-new agents to seasoned professionals.
According to Ferry, “What you say matters,” and at his Success Summit, you’ll 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 and only 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 The Best Real Estate Coaches for 2024
3. Inman Connect Las Vegas 2023
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Date: August 8-10, 2023 -
Location: Las Vegas -
Virtual option: Yes -
Cost: Early: $1,299 I Standard: $1,599 -
Best for: Real estate news junkies on the West Coast -
Helpful resource: Register for Inman Connect Las Vegas
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.
In previous years, Inman Connect featured CEOs of major brokerages, TED Talks alumni, and tech experts from across the industry. And this year’s Las Vegas event is shaping up to be even bigger and more impressive than ever. With so many in the industry flocking to this event, it is a can’t-miss networking opportunity.
Speaker We’re Most Excited About
We’re super-excited anytime Glennda Baker is on the speaker list. She’s doing amazing things with her marketing and has amassed a huge following on Instagram and TikTok. We’re also excited to see Giselle Ugarte, performance coach and TikTok superstar. Both of these ladies have cracked the social media code and we’re here for it.
Photos From Previous Years
Photos courtesy of AJ Canaria, MoxiWorks, and Inman Connect 4. NAR NXT Conference & Expo
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Date: Nov. 14-16, 2023 -
Location: Anaheim, California -
Virtual option: Yes -
Cost: NAR members: $550 | Virtual members: $250 -
Best for: NAR members shopping for tech solutions -
Helpful resource: Register for NAR NXT
Why You Should Consider This Event
This is the premier event sponsored by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). A couple of years ago, NAR rebranded the NAR annual conference and expo to focus more on the Realtor experience, and the new focus seems to be working well for NAR and for the agents who attend.
There are always tons of different educational sessions to choose from, so you won’t want for 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
There are soooo many speakers we’re excited to check out at NAR NXT this year. We’re always excited to see Karin Carr on the speaker lineup. Karin dominates YouTube and teaches agents how to grow their businesses using video. Marki Lemons Ryhal, goddess of real estate social media, is also a great speaker to catch. But you know we’ll be there to see Chris Linsell, former senior strategist for The Close.
Photo From a Previous Year
21 Proven Real Estate Social Media Marketing Techniques That Actually Generate Leads
5. Inman Connect New York 2024
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Date: January 23-25, 2024 -
Location: New York City -
Virtual option: No -
Cost: Early: $799 | Standard: $1,499 -
Best for: Real estate news junkies on the East Coast -
Helpful resource: Register for Inman Connect New York
Why You Should Consider This Event
Inman events get a lot of love from us each year, but honestly, conferences are 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
The list of speakers hasn’t been released yet, but you can bet it will be a diverse mix of agents, brokers, C-suiters, TED Talks pros, and thought leaders who aren’t afraid to disrupt the industry, along with other accomplished professionals. Last year one of their featured speakers was an Olympian-turned-real estate agent. So, you can bet we’ll be eagerly watching and waiting for this list to post.
6. Realtors Legislative Meetings
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Date: May 4-9, 2024 -
Location: Washington, D.C. -
Virtual option: No -
Cost: Free for NAR members -
Best for: Policy wonks -
Helpful resource: Register for the Realtor Legislative Meetings
Why You Should Consider This Event
NAR’s annual legislative meetings are a must for those of you who want to take an active role in shaping the direction of the organization, our industry, and public policy.
Keep your thumb on the regulatory pulse and be on the inside as a part of special issue forums and legislative meetings, while you also enjoy a visit to Capitol Hill. To be a voting member of committees, you need to be a designated representative of your association, so be sure to register before you travel if you’re interested in participating. But anybody can attend this event and network.
Speaker We’re Most Excited About
This annual 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 7. Regional Real Estate Conferences
Because location matters so much in real estate, it makes sense to check out what’s happening in your backyard. Here are a few standout regional conferences that real estate professionals in the are should consider.
Florida Realtors Convention + Expo
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Date: August 16-17, 2023 -
Location: Orlando, Florida -
Virtual option: No -
Early registration: $150 members, $175 non-members -
Standard: $160 members, $185 non-members -
On-site registration: $170 members, $195 non-members -
Helpful resource: Register for the Florida Realtors Convention + Expo
It just makes sense that the state with the largest share of Realtors in the U.S. offers such an incredible expanse of exhibitors and speakers every year. This year, Tim Tebow—University of Florida football star, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, and first-round NFL draft pick—will share inspiring personal stories of leadership, sacrifice, hard work, perseverance, and service to others as the event’s keynote speaker.
REimagine
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Date: September 20-21, 2023 -
Location: Anaheim, California -
Virtual option: No -
Cost: Free for CAR members -
Non-member registration: Early: $330 | On-site: $350 -
Helpful resource: Register for REimagine
The California Association of Realtors’ (CAR) annual conference is ideal for agents who want to network and maybe even take a trip to Mickey-land in September. There are so many excellent speakers scheduled for this conference we’re excited about, including real estate branding expert Chelsea Peitz, industry tech guru Craig Grant, and(again) our own Chris Linsell. You’ll probably need to tag team with a colleague or two to catch all the great sessions at this one.
Triple Play REALTOR Convention + Expo
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Date: December 4-7, 2023 -
Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey -
Virtual option: TBD -
Cost: TBD -
Accreditation: Register for Triple Play
A premier event for Realtors in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, TriplePlay offers a diverse mix of exhibitors and speakers each year. The 2023 speaker lineup hasn’t yet been announced yet, but it’s sure to be as dynamic and inspiring as always.
8. 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. Many 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.
EXPCON
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Date: October 2-5, 2023 -
Location: Las Vegas -
Virtual option: No -
Cost: $899 -
Helpful resource: Register for EXPCON
As one of the fastest growing brokerages in the world—yes, the world—eXp puts on a good show. EXPCON has become a can’t-miss celebration of stunning successes and exciting futures. This year promises to be the most significant event to date.
Better Homes & Gardens’ APEX Greenhouse
Brokerage: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
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Date: October 4-6, 2023 -
Location: Palm Desert, California -
Virtual option: No -
Cost: TBA -
Helpful resource: Registration for APEX isn’t open yet but you can reserve a room
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) always puts on a good show, and the expectations are high again as agents gather in Palm Desert. You can expect the classic events to pump you up and the helpful sessions to educate you. Plus, 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 sessions focused on building your business with intention. We can’t wait to learn about this year’s inspirational and motivational overarching message.
Coldwell Banker Gen Blue
Brokerage: Coldwell Banker
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Date: October 16-19, 2023 -
Location: Atlanta -
Virtual option: Yes -
Early registration: $749 -
Standard: $849 -
Virtual: $99 -
Helpful resource: Register for Gen Blue
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 Ryan Gorman. But you’ll also get a chance to catch TV personalities Page Turner and Shaquille O’Neal.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Sales Convention
Brokerage: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
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Date: March 10-12, 2024 -
Location: New Orleans -
Virtual option: TBD -
Cost: TBD -
Helpful resource: Register for the BHHS Sales Convention
In the spirit of Warren Buffet, the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices real estate conference in 2024 will brief attendees on the company’s considerable successes of the past year. A prestigious awards ceremony and plenty of training opportunities make this Big Easy gathering worth attending. Be sure to grab some chicory coffee and beignets and explore some of the historic city while you’re there.
The One21 Experience 2024
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Date: TBD -
Location: TBD -
Virtual option: TBD -
Cost: TBD -
Helpful resource: Register for the One21 Experience
Century 21’s annual can’t-miss event promises to be three days chock-full of inspiring speakers, engaging networking events, and endless opportunities to learn and expand your sphere of influence. The 2023 event recently wrapped up, but stay tuned for the sessions and speaker lineup coming soon.
Tips for In-person Networking at Real Estate Conferences in 2023
When you walk away from real estate conferences in 2023, 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 2023 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 mainstage presenter, they almost always build time into their schedule to connect one-on-one with attendees.
- Chat with every single vendor selling products you’re considering investing in: I know that sounds like a lot, but trust me, you’ll want to spend some time on the expo floor. 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 interest you. Don’t miss your chance to have your questions answered by a real, live person.
- Don’t skip the parties: Your days will be filled with lots of learning and networking, but the parties and social events are where you really get a chance to connect with colleagues, so go socialize, have a little fun, and don’t forget your business cards.
Tips for Networking at Virtual Real Estate Conferences in 2023
One of the coolest things to come from the COVID pandemic is the rapid expansion of virtual attendance at real estate conferences. Some of the real estate conferences listed in 2023 are still offering both in-person and virtual attendance, which creates a unique opportunity to network online.
Virtual conferences are pretty much always cheaper and easier to attend, which makes them worth the time and investment as a way to meet new industry colleagues and connect with speakers without having to get on a bus, plane, or train. Here are some ways to make the most of this format:
- 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.
- One way to really shine in a digital environment is in Q&A sessions, so research and prepare to ask smart, incisive questions. 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
Real estate conferences offer an opportunity to expand your network, stay in the know with the latest market trends and emerging tech, and make some new friends in the industry. But it’s up to you to make the most of these opportunities. Have you been to any of these events? What are some of your best takeaways? Which real estate events are on your travel list this year?
Tell us about you so we know what to send.
