Navigating the Florida REALTORS ® Convention & Trade Expo: A

First-Time Attendee’s Guide

By: Lily Lopez, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Realty, and Cassie Yeager, Realtor®, Micahael Saunders & Co.

If you’re planning to attend the Florida REALTORS® Convention & Trade Expo in August, you’re in for a real treat. This event is the largest gathering of real estate professionals in the state, and it offers a wealth of opportunities to network, learn, and grow as a Realtor®. To make the most of your experience, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.

Go Prepared

When attending the Florida REALTORS® Convention & Trade Expo, it is crucial to keep yourself fueled throughout the day. Although the Convention may offer refreshments at certain times, you will often find yourself engaged in conversations or attending back-to-back sessions, leaving little time for proper meals. Packing a variety of healthy snacks and lots of water can be a lifesaver. Consider items like granola bars, nuts, fruit, or protein-packed snacks.

Attending the Convention entails covering significant ground as you navigate through expos, breakout sessions, classes and networking areas. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to have shoes that won’t leave your feet sore at the end of the day. A backpack or tote bag is also essential for carrying around all the swag you’ll pick up at the trade show. We highly recommend well-cushioned shoes that provide enough support to walk or stand for long periods without discomfort. Remember, blisters and tired feet can quickly decrease your enthusiasm and hinder your ability to make the most of the event.

Watch Your Schedule

Another thing to avoid is overbooking your schedule. While it’s tempting to try to attend every session and event, it’s important to give yourself time to decompress and process what you’ve learned. It’s better to attend a few key sessions and make meaningful connections than to run yourself ragged trying to do it all. Also, check out the Florida REALTORS® Convention & Trade Expo app for maps, class schedules, updates and more.

Network And Connect

Networking plays a vital role in any convention, and the Florida REALTORS® Convention & Trade Expo is no exception. As a first-time attendee, it is crucial to bring plenty of business cards. You’ll be meeting a lot of people, and you want to make sure you can exchange contact information easily. Handing out business cards establishes a professional connection and makes it easier for others to reach out to you after the event. Make a lasting impression and get those referrals!

Finally, don’t forget to have fun! The Florida REALTORS® Convention & Trade Expo is a great opportunity to connect with your peers, learn from experts in the field, and have a little fun along the way. So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the ride!

The 2023 Florida REALTORS® Convention & Trade Expo is scheduled for August 16-17 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. Visit https://events. american-tradeshow.com/fl2023 to register. •