Another REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo is in the books and this year’s six-day event in Washington, D.C., brought together thousands of REALTORS® from across the country to take part in educational and networking opportunities as well as giving REALTORS® a voice on Capitol Hill at the Rally to Protect the American Dream.
Midyear Live offered a steady stream of breaking news and buzz from Midyear, along with regular updates on the Midyear Facebook and Twitter page, but here’s a helpful overview of the highlight activities in Washington, D.C., to give REALTORS® a recap of this year’s outstanding event.
The Board of Directors Meeting
The National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors convenes for two annual meetings, carrying out business related to governing the Association. At the 2012 Midyear gathering, the Board of Directors announced 2013 NAR Officers as well as naming members to groups like the Technology and Young Professionals Network, Law and Policy, and Public and Federal Issues. The Board also honored REALTOR® leaders who had passed, as well as honoring the 81st and 82nd recipients of the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have qualifications to become NAR President but never pursue the office.
Education, Education, Education
Education is a focus at Midyear, with insightful and intelligent speakers leading sessions on shifting demographics and housing, issues affecting property managers and commercial REALTORS®, as well as must-know information regarding subjects like technology issues and federal actions that can impact REALTORS®.
Midyear was a great place to discuss upcoming challenges such as the importance of Echo Boomers in today’s real estate market, and a chance to discuss the future of real estate. The always popular 59 ½ Minute Session was a highlight for many REALTORS® and featured information on topics ranging from affordable home mortgages to short sales and more. Check out some highlights here.
Keeping Up with the Times
A number of valuable sessions at Midyear focused on marketing, technology and social media, including recharging your marketing tools, an insightful look at the use of Facebook as applied to listings and reviewing and rethinking data policies for your business and yourself.
Realtor.com also unveiled three new apps for REALTORS® to help generate referrals, assist with property marketing and help market listings on Facebook.
The Trade Show
The annual Midyear trade show is a chance for REALTORS® to check out the latest products and tools available to take your business to the next level. From eXp Realty to Qazzoo, BombBomb.com and NAR’s own REALTOR® Benefits partners, the expo was a great place to learn about new solutions or look at existing solutions in a whole new light.
The Rally to Protect the American Dream
An estimated 15,000 REALTORS® gathered at the Washington Monument on Thursday (May 17) at the Rally to Protect the American Dream, inviting members of Congress to show their commitment to preserving access to home ownership. A number of REALTORS® met with their state Senators and Representatives to voice their support for the American dream of owning a home and earn their support for homeowners everywhere. Seventeen Missouri REALTORS® crammed into Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s office and, when asked how often his office is jammed full of people, he responded, “Only when you all are in town.” Check out photos and video from the rally here.
For a full rundown of all the events at Midyear, visit the Midyear Blog.
What were your impressions of this year’s meetings and trade expo? What was your most important takeaway from the six-day gathering? Share your experiences in the comments below.