by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
If you’re selling your house, chances are your Realtor won’t be doing too much to help you Thursday. Most likely, they will be at the 27th annual Realtor Builder Tradeshow at Alltel Stadium.
More than 1,300 area Realtors and builders are expected Downtown for the annual event that has evolved from a luncheon at the Osborn Center nearly three decades ago to a day long affair that includes a costume contest and virtually every aspect of the real estate industry. More than 100 booths will be set up, taking up most of the East Terrace, where you’ll find the latest in everything from building techniques to financing options to real estate publications.
Attendees will also have a chance to see new developments in Northeast Florida — both small and large — as well as services offered by area builders and Realtors. Networking is a major component of the Tradeshow.
“The Realtor-Builder Tradeshow & Luncheon has always been the networking event of the year,” said Diane Moss, of Watson Realty and co-chair of the event. The Tradeshow is one of the largest collaborations of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and the Northeast Florida Builders Association.
Moss sits on NEFAR’s board of directors and is chairing the event along with Deborah Metzig, advertising sales director for Realty/Builder Connection — a publication of Bailey Publishing — and NEFBA Sales and Marketing Council board member.
“Realtors will have the opportunity to see new products and new communities,” said Metzig. “The booths will have lenders, real estate agents, builders and other vendors that support the industry. They’ll give Realtors additional tools to help their business and provide information for their clients all in one day.”
Industry professionals will get the red carpet treatment and be greeted by “celebrities.” This year’s theme is “Northeast Florida: The Premier Showcase of the South” and it’s all about Hollywood.
Booth participants will be vying for prizes determined by their theme, giveaways, creativity and entertainment. Each prize is worth $500 for the company’s favorite charity.
The event is from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. with a buffet luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m and tickets may be purchased at the door.