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.