Note: I’ve asked several people to share their thoughts and experiences about what Real Estate Connect has meant to them with our FOREM readers. Look for these special “Connect Stories” here on FOREM leading up to Real Estate Connect San Francisco, July 27-29, 2011. Our second Connect guest post is from our friend Steve Weiss, Broker, Patterson Realty. Thank you Steve! – Katie
@InmanConnect #ICSF
Inman Connect is indeed where Real Estate and Technology Connect.
When it comes to a real estate symposium, Connect is THE most unique and captivating program I have had ever attended and believe me, in my 26 year career, I’ve attended my share of real estate conferences. From listening to the basic motivational speakers to the franchise spectaculars and everything in between, nothing compares to Connect. The chief distinction between any typical real estate conference and Inman Connect is the variety of subject matter, the format in which it is presented but most of all, your desire to return each and ever year.
Connect is the “crack” of real estate conferences, once you attend, you’ll be hooked for life. Connect continues to improve annually and is without any doubt, the premier source for real estate news and technology.
My primary goal for attending Inman Connect was to become more familiar with today’s real estate tools and technology. My goals were not only met, but succeeded all expectations. Additionally, the personal relationships I developed during the Breakaway Sessions and throughout the hallways are truly invaluable and have helped expand my referral network.
By attending Connect, you will have the privilege to listen to the most innovative marketing strategists with the most unique ideas that are changing the way we do business today and setting the stage for how we will do business in the future.
When attending any real estate event, I’m usually looking for that one nugget of information that will allow me to excel in my marketplace. Most of conferences I’ve attended will spotlight large markets. The information I’ve assembled from Connect can be easily integrated into any marketplace. For example, in 2007, my brokerage spent close to $9,000 per month on print advertising. Attending Connect NYC in 2008, I “connected” with a website consultant skilled on how to retool our web presence and suggested adding Search Engine Optimization. After implementing her ideas, we delivered a website that produces numerous leads and have nearly cut print advertising out of our annual budget. In 2010, Connect NYC shared the need to demonstrate transparency in our market by adding market data to our website. With the help from one of the vendors showcased at Connect, we are able to produce very useful information to our customers and set ourselves apart from the others.
Connect is appropriate for those who are establishing their real estate career to the most polished real estate veteran. Connect offers a variety of material that is informative and is presented in entertaining approach. The agenda continues to improve with each year and have yet to be disappointed.
Finally, I would like to thank those of you at Inman News for what you have done for me and my real estate career. The Inman News Team responsible for producing Connect has my deepest and sincerest appreciation for seeking out the best presenters and the most innovative tools available to the real estate community. The material offered at Connect keeps me on the cutting edge of real estate news and technology. Each year I take away several nuggets that have indeed turned my business around. I highly recommend to my fellow associates that they attend either Inman Connect New York or San Francisco as the experience will absolutely change your career forever.
(Here is a video of Steve we filmed at this past Connect NYC.)
Do you have a Connect Story you’d like to share? Did coming to Connect profoundly change you, your outlook, your team or your business? All of the above? If so, I want to hear from you and possibly feature you here on FOREM. Leave me a comment below or email me katie (at) inman (dot) com.
Katie Lance, Social Media Director, Inman News, @katielance
