ON OCT. 9, attendees at NVAR’s annual Convention and Trade Show learned new ways to harness the power of their unique brand at the most-attended NVAR convention on record. Themed “Own Your Brand: Inspire, Connect, Grow,” the 2018 event included high-energy keynote speakers, a hands-on “Brand Alley,” and a live-streamed recording booth where Realtors® shared their brand stories.
At the opening session annual meeting, members unanimously approved proposed bylaw amendments, which were developed by a volunteer-led bylaws task force and presented to the NVAR board. In addition, the 2019 Board of Directors was announced – as well as the Realtor® of the Year, Tracy Comstock, and the NVAR Hero Award Winner, Nora Partlow (see page 10).
With over 100 exhibitors, the trade show floor was the perfect place to connect with referral partners and take advantage of new business opportunities. Members also attended the Politics and Pancakes Breakfast with BBC World News America Lead Anchor Katty Kay (see page 14), themed networking pods, exciting workshops, interactive panel discussions and more.
Opening keynote speaker, Kindra Hall, kicks off the day with an energizing presentation explaining how using storytelling in marketing can make a lasting impression on consumers.
“Facts tell, stories sell!” In a dynamic workshop, Tara Houston, associate broker and Realtor®, shares how stories resonate with audiences more than facts and statistics.
At an afternoon reception, members meet the closing keynote speaker, Jared James: (L-R) Scott MacDonald, Dallison Veach, Jared James, Lorraine Arora and Fred Westerlund.
Members “owned their brand” in the onsite Realtors® of Northern Virginia recording booth. Videos were broadcast on digital screens throughout the day, and shared with attendees during the closing session.
Sean Carpenter, an Iman News contributor, gets laughs from the audience as he shares stories and real-life examples of how thoughtful customer service can set Realtors® apart from the crowd.
Jennifer Du Plessis, CEO and founder of Kinetic Spark Consulting, leads a workshop titled “Networking to Your Individual Brand Strengths.”
Jeff Turner, CEO of Immoviewer, Inc., explains how virtual and augmented reality are key marketing tools and the future of virtual real estate media.
A caricature artist sketches an attendee at “Brand Alley” – where members could get professional headshots, pose for caricatures and undergo handwriting analysis.
At the closing session, Genevieve Concannon, chair of the 2018 Convention Advisory Group, thanks the audience for attending and invites them to join the Realtor® Marketplace Mixer.
At the Realtor® Marketplace Mixer, attendees enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before the prize drawings.
Members put new social media branding tips into practice – snapping pictures with a convention-branded smartphone popgrip accessory!
The annual meeting audience joins NVAR CEO Ryan Conrad in thanking the convention partners for making the day possible.
The newly-elected 2019 Board of Directors gathers on stage during the annual meeting (L-R): Ava Nguyen, Ritu Desai, Marc Pina, Marriah Unruh, Shelia Jackson, Shirley Buford, Peter Nguyen, Lorraine Arora, Rob Allen, Heather Embrey, Derrick Swaak, Christine Richardson, Nicholas Lagos, Gary Lange, Reggie Copeland and Ann Yanagihara.