Discussed:
Choosing Conferences:
- Select events based on their location, relevance to your business, and whether they offer unique networking opportunities.
- Balance big national conferences with smaller, regional events to build confidence and connections.
Value of Conferences:
- For experienced professionals, networking often outweighs content, as relationships provide referrals and resources.
- Specialized conferences and brand-agnostic events can offer unique insights.
Advice for Beginners:
- Start with local or regional events to ease into networking.
- Prioritize conferences that align with your market or professional goals.
Strategic Networking:
- Social interactions outside of formal sessions, such as hallway chats or hotel bar conversations, can yield valuable connections.
- Use events like speed networking to maximize introductions.
Budgeting and Planning:
- Aim for about four conferences per year, aligning with your budget and professional priorities.
- Consider events as business investments and integrate them into travel plans for added value.
Luxury Consumer Insights:
- High-level conferences feature speakers from industries outside real estate, like luxury hotels and car dealerships, offering valuable insights into luxury consumer behavior and expectations.
Proactive Planning:
- Successful agents prioritize attending conferences as part of their annual business plan. Intentional planning ensures they leverage these opportunities for growth and avoid last-minute scheduling issues.
