Is This The Inman Connect Killer?

Despite the rise of barcamp un-conferences, big time real estate conferences are still packing the house and rocking it with quality content. Inman Connect is probably the most famous but brewing in the South is an Inman Connect killer.

Twice a year real estate pros take a week off and fly half-way across the country to immerse themselves in a series of panels and discussions on a broad range of industry topics at Inman.

And yeah, the cost of an Inman ticket ain’t chump change but they really try to step up and deliver a little something for everyone. Which is good, especially if your interested in overall industry insight.

But, what if what you really want is a no-holds barred expose into the technologies that are shaping our industry and how to really win with “new marketing?”

SIDENOTE speaking of “new marketing”, check out this recent real estate success on Twitter:

Clearly, business is being won online. Inman will give you a good introduction to doing business online but down south in Atlanta is where the big brains are gathering to expose how to harness the internet and make business happen.

Get beyond simple insight

If you want more than simple insight into the world of online marketing and want to actually get your hands dirty under the guidance of the pros then you’ll want to check out REtechSouth on March 20th.

psst… there’s a discount link at the bottom of this post if you like saving money

SEO, blogging, social media, link building, online video, pay-per-click and more will be covered in-depth by Realtors and professionals who rely on these methods day-in and out to run their businesses.

In case you’re wondering, I’ll only be there in spirit. I was asked to be a speaker but previous commitments have me elsewhere… ho hum.

Get your hands dirty

Here’s the cool thing:

Beyond the speakers, depending on your skill level you can join REtechLabs or REtechCamps where you’ll get your hands dirty and implement what you learned.

As you can see, this won’t be one of those events you walk away from remembering only 5% of the stuff and are never really able to implement it.

Get the low-down

Recently I was able to pin down Brad Nix, co-founder of REtechSouth, and quiz him on the event…

Mark: You’re no slouch when it comes to leveraging tech in your own business, do you have any predictions as to how it’s going to impact the industry in the future… from an agent standpoint and as a consumer?

Brad: The agent is more powerful than ever before by utilizing the tools and technology available today. However, the consumer is even more powerful by the existence of the same technologies. The future of our industry will be determined by a select few who learn how to use these tools effectively. The consumer will then expect all agents to do the same and the bar will have been raised on industry that seriously needs it.

Mark: A lot of other folks are starting to come to the same conclusion. The concept of barcamps (ad-hoc no/low-cost conferences) has grown tremendously and they mostly favor technology topics. Other conferences are starting to include a tech focus, too. Where does RE Tech South fit in?

Brad: We completely support the barcamp movement and even incorporate parts of the concept into REtechSouth. We also feel that smaller, free conferences have limits on the quality of content and appeal to a small section of the industry due to the lack of structure. Certainly, some speakers are worth spending a few dollars on to learn from the best. We feel that if you can get a critical mass of great speakers, then it’s worth hosting an all day event at a nice facility for minimal expense to the attendee. Bottom line, the more tech conferences for real estate – the better for our industry.

Mark: Regarding speakers, you’ve put together an impressive list for the conference. What were you thinking or trying to create when you sat down and made a list of who you wanted to invite?

Brad: We wanted to host a conversation about real estate technology that was second to none. You can’t have a great conversation without great minds pushing each other further and further. Plus, we just invited everyone we wanted to hear ourselves. Our attendees will benefit from our own selfish desire to learn from the best.

Mark: Obviously, skill sets and know-how vary among agents. There are a lot of agents out there that are pretty deep into using technology but there’s also those that don’t – but want to. Which group will be better served by the conference?

Brad: We’ve designed REtechSouth to meet the needs of all skill levels. Our main stage will have challenging content delivered all day long by great speakers and panelists. However, some attendees will be lost or just beginning to use some these technologies. The REtechLabs (there will be two of them) will be going all day long with specific topics being taught for the beginner level or for those who want specific training on using a certain technology.

We will also have some attendees who are beyond the main stage content and they will be able to visit the REtechCamp room where hi-level topics will be presented all afternoon.

Of course, attendees can move about the facility and visit the main stage, REtechLab, and/or REtechCamp throughout the day. All sessions will be 30 minutes to allow for a variety of custom schedules to be created on the fly by the attendee themselves.

Mark: One of my favorite aspects of conferences is the ability to meet so many brilliant and friendly people that are into the same stuff I am. Will you be doing anything to promote the networking aspect for attendees (speed networking, etc)?

Brad: I agree completely, Mark. Conferences are great for learning but even better for networking. The exhibit gallery will be open all day for attendees to visit the vendors as well as just hang out and network with each other. We always end our conference with a networking happy hour (cash bar) to give attendees, speakers, and sponsors a chance to chat casually over a drink and really get to know each other. Many end up forming groups for dinner parties and even after dinner parties. It’s exciting to see everyone buzzing with with energy and meeting new friends that will help push each other to leading this industry.

Mark: Okay, I realize I’m probably asking you to squeeze an encyclopedia into a pocket book but, let’s say I attend… can you give me a quick run through as to what I’ll gain from the event?

Brad: The conference is a one day event (but we suggest making it a weekend of networking and activities). You will gain knowledge first and foremost as we’ve always said that knowledge is power and shared knowledge is even more powerful. But more than knowledge, you will leave energized to try bold new tactics to improve your business. You will probably even leave with a new friend to help push you towards these new goals.

REtechSouth is Not Playing Around

There’s a reason Trulia, HomeGain, ActiveRain and 20 other sponsers are supporting the event. Because REtechSouth promises to be the new go-to conference for agents not wanting to be left behind on the technology curve. REtechSouth is killing it.

Now, I’ve done a bit of arm-twisting on your behalf and have convinced Brad to give readers of HomeStomper a $25 discount. After all, you do know where it’s at in terms of marketing. So, click this link to secure your Stomper discount to REtechSouth.

Oh, did I mention that Dave Jenks, the #2 man at KW international for the past 10 years and co-author of “Millionaire Real Estate Agent” and “Shift”, will be there to share his insights. What do you think he’ll have to say on the impact of technology?