If you're nervous about boarding a plane, or too busy to break away, or you just haven't had enough sales to warrant the expense of a long weekend in a pricey convention towns like San Francisco, you aren't alone. Attending real estate conventions is less of a priority for many real estate agents these days.

Following the dot-com debacle and continuing evidence of an uncertain economy, many convention planners were feeling the pinch of agent disinterest before the terrible events of September 11th. Since then, cancelled events, poor attendance and reduced vendor participation at conventions across the country raise the question of not only how agents can receive the educational and networking benefits of a convention without the risks and expense, but how planners can afford to put such events on?

One organization may have found an answer - have a convention online.

The Real Estate Cyberspace Society is hosting the first cyberconvention in real estate history, and you can attend for free with a click of your mouse. Called the National Real Estate On-line Convention And Exposition, the convention will be held live online April 18-22, 2202.

You won't miss events that you would expect to be less dynamic in cyberspace; the convention will feature everything from live keynotes by Michael J. Russer, aka Mr. Internet, and Jim Young, founder of RealComm to an exposition populated by most of the leading technology vendors.

There will be two General Sessions, breakouts with over 30 nationally recognized real estate trainers, authors and industry experts who will discuss topics ranging from networking, technology, commercial, international sales, to tips and tricks from working real estate professionals. Think you'll miss networking with other agents? The convention will also feature a Virtual Networking Center and a Convention On-line Social Center.

With the convention first announced in February, Real Estate Cyberspace Society CEO Jack Peckham says that preregistered attendees are already approaching 10,000 from over 28 countries. The Society is almost halfway to their goal of serving 25,000 residential and commercial real estate agents online.

"At the Society we have been planning this event for over a year--even before 9/11," says Peckham. "We saw the Society in a unique position, our objective always being to provide the most up to date information, services, tools and opportunities for our members to succeed in cyberspace. We seemed to be the natural organization to organize and produce a major On-Line Virtual Convention and Exposition. We have been producing the basic content of such an event for over 6 years with our Real Estate CyberSpace Radio and other information content at www.REcyber.com. Our Society members receive access to this type of content 24/365 along with a lot of other significant tools. We know that inviting the rest of the real estate industry to attend without cost will open a lot of eyes to the benefits of Society membership."

"We also realized that real estate professionals are busier than ever and value their time and that an on-line convention will be a less time demanding and less costly alternative or effective add-on to typical conventions," explains Peckham. "Also, in this era of heightened security, sitting in the comfort of your home or office and hearing experts provide real estate tips and visiting booths with the latest products and services can be more attractive than traveling to faraway cities."

Participating vendors also benefit. Not only do they skip paying airfare, booth and staffing costs, the Society promises 24-hour visibility at the On-line Expo and the booths won't be dismantled for twelve months following the convention all for a low booth fee.

Peckham says, "The only thing missing will be out of pocket costs for airfare, hotel bills, lost shoe leather, aching muscles, travel hassle and registration fees - and time away from home!"

And don't forget to sign up for door prizes. Look for the fishbowls on the front page of each vendor's convention site to put in your e-card.

Editor's note: The National Real Estate On-line Convention And Exposition is sponsored by a number of news organizations such as Realty Times, vendors and real estate associations. Take advantage of this free service today.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Now For Early Bird FREE Attendance And Prizes!