Social Media Learning Opportunities Abound at this Years CAR Expo in Anaheim
September 18, 2010 by Stacey Harmon · Leave a Comment
The first week of October brings the Annual California REALTOR® Expo to Anaheim California. California REALTOR Expo is described as “the premier trade show for California’s real estate industry. This annual event features one-of-a-kind educational, networking and professional development opportunities designed specifically for California REALTORS®.” And, of particular interest to me is the ample opportunity for social media learning and digital strategy development that is woven into and around this years event. I’ll be presenting, and participating in several of the Expo events. Catch up with me October 4-7th in Anaheim. Here is where you can find me:
1. CALIFORNIA REALTOR® EXPO Main Event
On Wednesday, October 6th from 9:00 am – 10:00 am, I’ll be speaking on Social Media Strategy for Newbies: How To Get Started. A firm believer in the importance of incorporating digital marketing strategies into a real estate business plan, I’m excited to be presenting on this topic with the goal of getting Realtors pointed down the right path with social media. I understand how the myriad of digital tools – such as blogging, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, FourSquare, texting, email, CRM systems, websites – can seem like too many options and technically overwhelming to many agents. In addition, the pace of technology evolution can leave some feeling left in the dust. My goal is to simplify the seemingly complex, discuss the foundational elements you need to succeed in social media, focus the audience on a strategy that will be an effective and practical, and highlight where today’s Realtor should focus their time and resources. C.A.R. EXPO is a member benefit and as a result, there is no fee to attend if you are a member of the California Association of Realtors. You just need to register here and you are in.
2. Tech Tuesday
The day before my presentation, I’ll also be attending Tech Tuesday on Tuesday, October 5th. Not familiar with Tech Tuesday? Here’s what it is about:
Tech Tuesday provides a full day of tech-savvy sessions for REALTORS®. Scheduled for Oct. 5, this must-attend event will empower you to weave technology into your daily business to remain effective and efficient in today’s evolving marketplace
Whether you consider yourself a tech novice or a member of real estate’s digital elite, Tech Tuesday offers an array of sessions focusing on the hot topics you need to know more about, now.
The Tech Tuesday lineup if filled with some great sessions and outstanding speakers. There is a heavy focus on social media and I believe Tech Tuesday is a good investment for any Realtor looking for quality presenters talking about business relevant technologies of today. I’ll be attending many of the sessions and look forward to watching presentations by many of my friends and colleagues in the space. There is always something new to learn. Tech Tuesday costs $95 to attend and you can register at the CAR Expo website.
3. RE BarCamp Expo
On Monday, October 4th, I, along with many of the Tech Tuesday speakers, will be attending RE BarCamp CAR Expo (also at the Anaheim convention center). REBarCamp CAR Expo is a free, one day gathering of technology curious REALTORS® and industry professionals who come together to discuss how social media and technology are evolving the business of real estate. I’ve been actively involved in prior RE BarCamps which happen all over the nation, having coordinated RE BarCamp Orange County two years running and RE BarCamp NAR in San Diego last year. RE BarCamp is a full day of networking and learning and if you are in the Anaheim area on Monday and want to soak up some great information on technology and real estate, you should plan to attend. There is no cost to participate in this event, but you do need to pre-register at the RE BarCamp CAR Expo website.
One of my favorite parts about attending events like the CAR Expo is the people that I meet. If you will be attending my session, or any of the surrounding events, please introduce yourself. And, if you are on twitter, send me a tweet (@staceyharmon) so we connect. See you in Anaheim!
San Jose – Here I Come!
September 21, 2009 by Stacey Harmon · Leave a Comment
I’m headed to San Jose the first week of October for several major real estate events that should be on the radar of any Realtor or person interested in technology, social media, and real estate:
- California Realtor Expo 2009 (The annual CAR Convention)
- Tech Tuesday (Day long technology training preceding the official CAR Expo)
- RE BarCamp Silicon Valley (A free un-conference attracting the technology progressive and interested in the Real Estate business)
Here is a rundown of the great opportunities these events provide as well as some auxiliary activities I’ll be participating in. If you’re in San Jose, hopefully we’ll cross paths while I’m there (join me at a Tweetup?!):
Friday, October 1st, 2009:
- Social Media Success for Realtors Presentation: Anyone a member of SAMCAR (San Mateo Association of Realtors)? If so, come hear me speak for free (thanks to Pango Group for sponsoring me to speak)! Registration starts at 10:30. Presentation is from 11:00-12:30. It you would like to attend, RSVP via email to Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs for SAMCAR.
Monday, October 5th, 2009:
- RE BarCamp Silicon Valley: This is a free, day long event, born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. There is no set schedule or topics. Instead, the day is shaped by the passionate real estate professionals who gather and discuss how technology and social media can benefit the real estate business. Any forward thinking Realtor who is interested in applying technology to their business should attend. It is an outstanding way to network with industry elite and add be engaged in discussions that can truly transform your business. If there is interest, Andy Kaufman and I will be facilitating a session that day discussing how to use Twitter to enhance your conference going experience. Hope you can join in. The event is free, but you do have to RSVP hereto attend. Twitter hashtag for the event is #rebcsv.
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009:
- Tech Tuesday: An add-on day to the CAR Expo, Tech Tuesday is full of technology training and tips to help Realtors in their business. The twitter hashtag for Tech Tuesday is #TTCarExpo. There are some great techie agents presenting – including Ted Makel of Keller Williams, Simi Valley who is part of the opening panel titled “Text, Tweet, and Sell: A Dialogue on Tech’s Possibilities for Today’s Agents”. Other great sessions include:
- The Benefits of Blogging
- Media is the New Marketing: How to Attract the Right Attention
- Best Practices for Building an Online Presence
- Social Media and Social Networking: A Guide for REALTORS
- Tweetup at Tanq Bar (San Jose Marriott) starting at 5:15 pm: Within walking distance of the Tech Tuesday I’m hosting a tweetup. Come mingle with fellow Tech Tuesday attendees over a drink (everyone is responsible for their own food/drinks…just to be clear!). Tech Tuesday attendance is not required to join in on this one though…if you want to come on out and say hi, please do! @candacecapella, @ericstegemann, and @andykaufman will be there too. More info and RSVP list is here.
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009:
- CAR Expo 2009: California’s largest real estate trade show which draws “thousands of California’s key franchise executives, top producers and movers and shakers every year for educational networking, and professional development opportunities”. The Expo runs for 3 days (Wed the 7th – Fri the 9th). I’ll be there on Wednesday in order to check things out and see what’s hot this year at the vendor show. Twitter hashtag for the conference is #CARExpo.
