Embrace the digital age of real estate by attending one of these virtual industry events.
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the real estate business. Limited travel restrictions and social distancing protocols have forced many of the industry’s top conferences and meetings to cancel their 2020 events. For some, the hope is a return to normalcy in 2021.
Thankfully, real estate professionals looking for year-end training or insight from respected industry leaders or keynote speakers are not entirely out of luck. As we approach the final few months of 2020, there remain several standout virtual real estate conferences and training sessions that are very much worth your time.
While virtual events don’t possess the same brand of camaraderie as the in-person gatherings we’ve come to enjoy, they are still a welcome, unifying relief as we look to a brighter real estate future.
As we explore the best virtual real estate events of 2020, keep in mind all are subject to change. Be sure to follow up with each event’s website to confirm dates and times as conference dates draw closer.
Inman Connect Now Digital Events
When: Your Job – September 15, 2020; Your 2021 Plan – October 20, 2020
Cost: $149 per individual session or $179 for both events
In addition to reporting on real estate, Inman offers ongoing digital events to educate and inform industry members, including their Inman Connect Now series. In September, they’ll feature Your Job, with a focus on where many industry professionals find themselves in the current climate. A month later, the follow up Your 2021 Plan will help you prepare for the coming year.
Mega Camp 2020
When: September 15 – 17, 2020 (with a virtual opening party on September 14, 2020)
Cost: $119
The annual Keller Williams-backed Mega Camp has been an industry staple for over two decades. The three-day digital event will offer the same educational training and insight as in years past (even allowing you to personalize your agenda) and remains open to all industry professionals.
2020 CREW Network Convention
When: September 15 – 17, 2020 (first-time attendee networking on September 14, 2020)
Cost: $399 for members, $699 for non-members
Since 1989, CREW Network has worked tirelessly to advance women in the commercial real estate industry. The organization’s annual CREW Network Convention is going virtual for 2020. It includes three days of general sessions, small group learning and networking, live Q&As with industry experts, and a closing keynote address from Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton.
Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
When: Upcoming Dates include September 16 – 17, 2020 and September 29 – 30, 2020
Cost: $495 per course
Training and continuing education events are a welcome relief for many in real estate, as they offer some sense of professional normalcy amid the ongoing pandemic. The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s once in-person training sessions (held in partnership with an area’s local association of REALTORS®) are now offered via live stream or as a self-paced learning option.
APEX 2020
When: October 7 – 9, 2020
Cost: $99
Under normal circumstances, the Better Homes and Garden Real Estate APEX Conference is open only to the year’s top performing agents. However, with the event moving online, this year marks the first time it’s accessible to all affiliated agents within the BHGRE network.
SIOR Create 360
When: October 21 – 23, 2020
Cost: $350 for members, $500 for non-members through September 16; $500 and $600 after (first 600 registrants prior to September receive a swag box)
Another virtual commercial real estate conference comes from the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors. The SIOR Create 360 online event features general sessions, roundtables, and special events, including virtual lunches and happy hours. Keynote speakers include former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Former CEO of Ford Motor Company Alan Mulally.
Century 21 Leadership Summit
When: October 27 – 28, 2020
Cost: N/A
Open to all owners, brokers, and managers in the Century 21 real estate network, this year’s leadership summit features two days of general sessions, virtual networking, and entertainment. Attendees can also take part in a self-guided 5K Run/Walk in support of Easterseals.
2020 REALTORS® Conference & Expo
When: November 11 – 13, 2020
Cost: TBD
Finally, COVID-19 may have forced the cancellation of several prominent real estate events, but it couldn’t close down what is arguably the biggest real estate gathering of them all. The National Association of Realtors 2020 REALTORS® Conference & Expo, originally scheduled for New Orleans, is moving online in November. Specific details on the virtual event have yet to be announced, so check the NAR’s website frequently for updates.
