Virtual Event Featured More Than 50 Dynamic Industry Leaders Who Shared Their Best Strategies for Thriving in a COVID World
The 2020 Real Estate CEO Exchange was unlike any other in RISMedia’s 31-year history of hosting the prestigious event. In order to continue bringing real estate’s top minds together, while mitigating the risks introduced by the coronavirus pandemic, RISMedia moved this year’s event to an all-virtual format on Sept. 17, presenting 16-plus sessions that featured more than 50 leading brokers and industry professionals. The event attracted more than 1,200 attendees who are now more prepared to overcome COVID-related challenges through innovative strategies and groundbreaking processes.
This year, the CEO Exchange was co-presented by RISMedia and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). The event kicked off with an opening address by RISMedia’s Founder, CEO and Publisher John Featherston.
“Our collective goal for this event was simple: In this year of COVID-19 and the incredible challenges we’ve encountered, we wanted to introduce you to the industry colleagues who have faced these challenges so they can share their thoughts, methods and successes with you to help you improve your overall skill-set and abilities. Today’s buyers and sellers are demanding more from the REALTORS® they choose so they can achieve the American dream of homeownership even in these challenging times.” said Featherston. “Thank you to all of our sponsors, moderators, panelists, keynote presenter and attendees for making this year’s CEO Exchange possible.”
Following Featherston was keynote presenter Paul Boomsma, president and CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, who discussed the changing landscape of real estate amid the pandemic.
“The high-touch nature of in-person real estate transactions quickly migrated to virtual showings and online contracts,” said Boomsma. “We will benefit from this adoption well into the future. I don’t believe innovation is new; it has simply changed. The promised information age is in full swing.”
But, at times, that comes at a cost. Boomsma explained that with technological innovation comes a flood of data that is now “becoming a burden.”
“Social media users say they are worn out by posts, and the trust in all this info is now at an all-time low. We have an opportunity to deliver clear, accurate information. Let’s make a commitment to speak better and to raise the bar of the conversation.”
Additionally, Boomsma spoke about global issues that must be addressed at the real estate level as well.
“We have to end racial bias, which still exists in our society. Yes, Fair Housing laws were put into effect, but we still have a long way to go to be more inclusive and celebrate diversity within our ranks,” said Boomsma.
Lastly, Boomsma reminded attendees that despite the current health crisis, any challenges can be overcome by coming together as an industry.
“Things are not always as we remember them. You are living through something that you don’t know how it will end, and so you fear the worst. But it is during these challenging times that we see true leaders shine,” said Boomsma. “I have been overwhelmed by the wonderful outpouring of positive actions. We will get through this challenge. The entire world will get through this.”
All 2020 CEO Exchange attendees can access session replays at ceo.rismedia.com/replays.
Stay tuned for details regarding RISMedia’s “Rockin’ in the New Year” virtual event with Brian Buffini, co-presented by the National Association of REALTORS®, on Jan. 7.
RISMedia’s 2020 Real Estate CEO Exchange was brought to you by RISMedia and Diamond Sponsor:
– NAR Center for REALTOR® Development
Platinum Sponsors:
– Homes.com®
– Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans
– MoxiWorks
Master Sponsors:
– American Home Shield
– Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
– Century 21 Real Estate
– HSA Home Warranty
– Realty ONE Group
Host Sponsors:
– Cole Information
– Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
– Colibri Real Estate
– RPR®
– Terradatum
– Zillow
Event Sponsors:
– Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation
– ActivePipe
– ATTOM Data Solutions
– BoomTown
– Buyside
– Cinch Home Services (formerly HMS)
– Constellation1
– CoreLogic
– CMG Financial
– David Knox Productions, Inc.
– Deluxe
– DocuSign
– dynaConnections Corp.
– Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
– Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
– JP & Associates REALTORS® (JPAR)
– Local Logic
– Pillar To Post Home Inspectors
– ShelterZoom
– Sherri Johnson Coaching & Consulting
– WFG National Title Insurance Company
– WiseAgent
Stay tuned to RISMedia for ongoing coverage of the event. Interested in sponsoring or participating in one of our events? Email any event questions to dyran@rismedia.com.
Liz Dominguez is RISMedia’s senior online editor. Email her your real estate news ideas to ldominguez@rismedia.com.
