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Conference season in real estate is an exhilarating time of energy, insight, connections, deals, and more. But it can also feel overwhelming and exhausting.
Having navigated countless industry events around the world as an attendee, speaker, and organizer, I have some key strategies to help you not only survive but thrive during this hectic time.
Here are 25 ways to get the most out of your real estate conference and elevate your experience from busy attendee to standout industry leader. (I could probably write a book on this topic. Maybe it will be a chapter in my book someday?)
1. Define your purpose
Before the meeting, clarify the main purpose. Are you looking to expand your referral network, discover new tools, or strengthen your expertise? Having clear objectives helps you prioritize your time, choose relevant sessions, and increase post-event success. useful for measuring.
2. Schedule wisely
Review the conference agenda and highlight sessions that match your goals. Take breaks to recharge both mentally and physically.
If you participate as a team, divide and conquer and regroup to share insights and strategies. If you’re not participating in a team, plan to make friends during the main session, chat with other participants to see which sessions they’re in, and exchange notes about sessions they’re in. please.
3. Participate in the pre-event platform
Most conferences have an app or platform for early engagement. Join these platforms, update your profile, and upload photos that accurately represent you. Join the pre-event discussion. This is a great way to make connections even before you arrive.
4. Perfect your elevator pitch
Create a concise and compelling introduction that explains who you are, what you do, and why it’s important to you. Practice this until it becomes natural so you can confidently introduce yourself in any situation.
5. Dress for success (and comfort)
Ideally, your outfit should reflect your personal brand while remaining comfortable. Temperatures can vary significantly during meetings, so layering is a must. Always choose shoes that are comfortable to wear all day long.
6. Pack wisely
Create a checklist of essential items. Portable chargers (labeled to prevent loss), refillable water bottles, and business cards. If you travel frequently, consider an AirTag or tracker to store your valuable tech items.
Take a photo of your email address and alternate contact information (such as your office phone number) and make it your lock screen during the meeting. That way, if you lose your phone, someone will contact you to return it.
Consider dressing for every part of your day, whether it’s your morning workout, your conference session, or your evening networking event.
7. Use social media
Social media can help you expand your conference reach. Share your insights, photos, and key takeaways using the event hashtag. Tag speakers and panelists – Not only does it show engagement, but it can also open the door to further conversation.
8. Build authentic connections
Networking is about quality, not quantity. Engage meaningfully, ask questions, and actively listen. Instead of rushing from person to person, invest your time in building trusting relationships with people who align with your goals.
9. Schedule important meetings
Identify the people you want to meet in advance and arrange a quick meeting, even if it’s just for coffee. A focused 15-minute meeting can create more value than hours of interaction.
If you need a little help or a specific introduction, Inman has ambassadors tasked with elevating and facilitating your experience. (I know this firsthand from personal experience.)
10. Stay hydrated and energized
Meetings can be physically and mentally draining. Drink plenty of water, snack on healthy options, and take mental breaks to reset. With small efforts, you can stay energized throughout the day.
Once you arrive at your first location, buy some of your favorite snacks and keep them in your pocket. I also bring a reusable water bottle, as I like to choose my favorite beverage to avoid the exorbitant surcharges for bottled water or ginger ale.
11. Adopt fitness to improve focus
Start your day with some physical activity, whether it’s a morning walk, yoga, or a spin class. Fitness clears your mind and gives you a positive mood. It also creates opportunities to bond with other participants who share your interests.
For many years at Inman Connect, I would go for morning walks or attend SoulCycle classes with other participants.
12. Embrace flexibility
Be open to spontaneous conversations and schedule changes. Some of the best connections and insights happen in unplanned moments, like in the hallway or on the exhibit floor. So give yourself permission to deviate from your itinerary if necessary. In fact, I leave the window of time open for this very purpose.
13. Share meals strategically. Never eat alone
In honor of Keith Ferrazzi’s wonderful book Never Eat Alone, use your meal as a networking opportunity. Eating in a group allows for rich discussion and connections.
In a city like New York, make reservations in advance at top restaurants to enjoy a productive and enjoyable dining experience. Coincidentally, for the past few years, NYC Restaurant Week has coincided with Inman Connect (which is also Broadway Week). Share amazing prix fixe meals, watch shows with your key partner, and make new friends.
14. Take practical notes
Find a note-taking system that works for you, whether digital or physical. Don’t just write down the facts; document your thoughts, questions, and next steps to turn your insights into action. I’ve tried various options over the years. Do what works for you.
15. Ask insightful questions
During your Q&A session, ask concise and thoughtful questions that demonstrate your curiosity and expertise. Thoughtful questions can make you stand out and lead to post-session conversation. Some of my best relationships have come from following up with people during Q&As, and in at least one instance, led to an incredible career opportunity.
16. Attend niche sessions
Breakout and niche sessions often provide an intimate and valuable learning experience. These small groups encourage more direct interaction and help you connect with like-minded professionals.
17. Send thoughtful follow-ups
After the meeting, send a personalized follow-up message that addresses specific parts of the conversation. This makes your outreach feel authentic and strengthens your connection.
I love taking notes when I meet people and add them to my phone (or card if you prefer). When I’m feeling good, I write a quick follow-up note during the day. Otherwise, you will spend your travel time getting home.
18. Become a knowledge broker
Share your key takeaways with your team or network. Host a post-meeting debriefing session or create a LinkedIn post highlighting key insights. By doing this, you can position yourself as a thought leader.
One of the reasons I love sharing insights is because it forces you to think and organize in a way as part of preparing to create content.
19. Collaborate in real time
When you meet someone whose expertise complements your own, brainstorm potential collaborations right then and there. Real-time conversations can accelerate partnerships that can take months to build.
20. Manage your energy
Know when you’re at your best and plan important activities during times of high energy. Use your quiet time to reflect and plan to maintain a balanced schedule.
21. Mentoring and Support
Take the time to orient new participants. Please tell others and share your helpful tips. Becoming a mentor increases your visibility and reputation as a leader.
22. Connect with speakers
Speakers often linger after the session, and you can take the opportunity to ask follow-up questions or express your appreciation. Follow them online and send them a thoughtful note after the event.
23. Turn around and refocus.
Take regular breaks to consolidate what you’ve learned and reevaluate your schedule. Reflection can help you avoid becoming overwhelmed and ensure you absorb valuable insights.
24. Prioritization of follow-up organizations
Categorize new contacts into categories such as potential customers, referral partners, and collaborators. Update your CRM promptly and set reminders for follow-up actions.
It helps to have a plan for how to add new connections to your address book. While I love physical business cards, I’m also open to using digital cards as a way to quickly exchange information and export to your CRM of choice.
25. Charge after the event
Schedule some downtime after the conference to relax and plan your implementation strategy. Taking time to reflect while your ideas are fresh will help you develop a focused plan of action to apply what you’ve learned.
Often you’ll be staying the next day, so you can plan and absorb on the fly. If not, make time to review your notes when you get home, think about the important things you want to implement, and follow up on important new and existing connections. -event.
Conference season is about more than just attending events, it’s about expanding your impact and expanding your expertise. By approaching each conference with intention and a clear strategy, you can turn opportunities into actions, connections into collaborations, and relationships into referrals.
Nikki Beauchamp is an advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty in New York City. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
