National Association of Realtors vice president Sue Gourley plans the conventions for the NAR. As the NAR prepares for record crowds this year in San Francisco, from October 28th through the 31st, she has recommendations for six must-do's while you're at the convention this week.

"We're expecting more than 26,000 total attendees," says Gourley, "another mainland record! Last year, we had a record 25,500 attendees in Orlando."

Gourley believes the convention will be even bigger and better this year. "The General Session will be very motivational this year with Dr. Phil as the Keynote Speaker, and Al Mansell's industry address," she says. "Realtors have made tremendous contributions in response to the world-wide natural disasters that have taken place in the past year, and Al will be recognizing those contributions in his address."

With so much to do and see, what are Gourley's must-attend events?

Five not-to-be-missed events, plus one:

1. The Expo: A sold out show with 621 exhibiting companies in both the North & South Expo Halls! With so many exhibitors, plan to spend more than one day on the show floor. The Expo Grand Opening & Wine Tasting Party begins Friday night at 5:00 pm, sponsored by Systems Engineering.

2. Power Brokers Discuss Issues and Best Practices: Friday, 1:00 pm. Developed by RISMedia, a panel of leading brokers and brands identify their successes in terms of best practices, methods and trends. Just one of 60+ sessions offered on Friday.

3. REBAC Day: Take Care of Business -- Saturday 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. The Learning Channel's Taking Care of Business group will review and reveal their business makeover of a REBAC member's office. Part of a full day of programming for Agents and Brokers.

4. General Session featuring Dr. Phil: Saturday, 4:00 pm. TV celebrity and human behavior expert, Dr. Phil McGraw is this year's keynote speaker. NAR President, Al Mansell, will also give his industry address and recognize the REALTORS of the Year, Good Neighbor Award Winners and the achievements of REALTORS around the globe.

5. Entrepreneurial Excellence Series: Sunday, 10:00 am. Richard Teerlink, former Chairman of Harley-Davidson, who helped turn around the Harley Davidson brand will give you ideas for revitalizing your business. Plus Malcom Gladwell, author of Tipping Point and Blink. Plan to attend all five EES programs!

6. Celebrity Concert starring Glenn Frey: Sunday, 8:30 pm. Co-founder of The Eagles, Glenn Frey will sing his greatest hits including "Take It Easy," "Tequila Sunrise," "Heartache Tonight" and many more. The Celebrity Concert is sponsored by Bank of America.

"Networking and sharing ideas with Realtors from other markets and around the world is one of the key benefits of attendance," Gourley advises. "The conference is attracting a record number of Realtors who have never attended before ... providing more diversity and new ideas to the experience."

As the NAR rotates between Realtors' favorite convention spots, including Orlando, Chicago, New Orleans and San Francisco, next year's destination to New Orleans is iffy. "Certainly our hope is that we will be able to meet in New Orleans in November 2006 and support that community as it rebuilds," says Gourley. "We want to give the city as much time as possible to recuperate and will make a final determination at the end of this year."

Published: October 24, 2005

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