09/10/24

Football, pumpkin spice, the color of the leaves and all things harvest. These are some of our favorite fall things across our wonderful communities. But there’s another reason those of us in real estate love autumn: it’s also convention season for many of us!

What events are on your calendar? Some of our leadership will be at ALTA ONE in October, which is hosted by the American Land Title Association, and we know many of our state REALTORS® Associations are meeting in the next handful of weeks, too. These gatherings are a great way to connect with fellow professionals, keep up on the latest trends with expert presenters, meet with vendors and partners and have a little fun. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or try to go every year, here’s some advice on how you can make this time a great experience for yourself and your team back home.

Take plenty of business cards. We know. Some of you may think physical cards are old-fashioned, but branding pieces can still be a great tool, especially if your card is modernized and optimized for your goals. It’s not just about exchanging information but creating a tangible reminder of your interaction. After all, you never know which connection might lead to something good. When you get a card from someone else, be sure to write a note on the card as a reminder of who the person was. This will help you in your post-event organization (which is also important).

Talk with vendors – especially those you already use. Any event will be brimming with vendors showcasing the latest tools and services. While it’s exciting to meet with new prospects, take the time to visit booths for those you already work with, too. Consider this the chance to strengthen relationships, learn about upcoming features and even ask for a better partnership agreement.

Introduce yourself to the event’s speakers.  After attending sessions or workshops, don’t hesitate to reach out to speakers or participants with follow-up questions. Catch them in the hallway or even send them an email after the event.  Here’s a secret: Most of them would love compliments and feedback. Doing so might just open doors for future collaborations.

Meet someone new each day. Lots of us love conferences because it’s time to catch up with old friends. You should do that, of course, but step outside your comfort zone to meet some new faces, too. Engage in conversations during breaks, attend social events and be open to introductions. This proactive approach can lead to valuable connections and diverse insights within the industry. Not sure how to accomplish this? Sit with someone different during every meal. While this may seem awkward, it’s a great way to break the ice.

Hopefully, these tips will make your next conference a fun experience and a successful building block for your business. By approaching each event with preparation and an open mind, you’ll return home with both new knowledge and a refreshed perspective, which will pay off for your customers and colleagues. Thank you for choosing our teams as your title and closing provider whenever you’re back home. We love working with you all season long!