by Michele Newbern Gillis
staff Writer
Get out your leg warmers, parachute pants and moonwalk on over to the Oct. 22 Realtor-Builder Tradeshow.
As you can guess, there is a 1980’s theme to the show, “Back to Our Future,” and co-chairs Franchesca Swierz of Homes and Land Magazine and Donald Ster of Wells Fargo want you to let loose and have a great time.
“It’s a fun event,” said Swierz. “We want to keep the passion and fun going in this industry. We all can’t sit around and do nothing and say ‘Oh, it’s going to get better’. It’s the old saying, ‘Don’t be part of the problem. Be a part of the solution.’ I want to be a part of the solution.”
Swierz wants guests to experience three things at the show.
“First, we are fortunate that sales are up so I want them to come in, reconnect and see the new products and services that are available from the builders and others associates that are there,” said Swierz.
“Second, I want them to have fun.
“Third, I want the exhibitors to get their message across and to add value for everyone.”
The venue has changed. It has been held at the stadium and Osborn Center in previous years but now has been moved to the University Center at the University of North Florida.
“What we are trying to do is to create a more intimate setting,” said Ster. “Last year, the event was held at the Osborn Center, which is so tall and so big that they we were only utilizing one-half or maybe two-thirds of space. This year, we want to really pack the University Center and have more of a packed, tight, festive, almost chaotic big party.”
Location also played a part in the decision to move - they wanted a more centralized site.
They are hoping to land a 1980’s cover band such as Little Green Men to provide entertainment during the event.
Tickets will be $10. Swierz and Ster have a few restaurants lined up to serve heavy hors d’oeuvres and they are ordering more from the University Center to ensure they have enough to handle the 800 guests expected at the show.
Ster is in charge of advertising and sponsorships.
“The Dalton Agency has stepped up pro bono to handle the advertising,” said Ster. “They are handling the print advertisements, tickets, and posters. It’s really cool.”
Swierz is in charge of outreach, decoration and public relations.
They have a group of about 25 heading up various committees helping with the planning.
There will be Literature and Costume contests. The best 1980’s dressed male or female will get a prize as will the booth that gives out the best literature.
Swierz said everyone that buys a booth spends a lot of money to market their product but often people visit the booths, grab the flyer, put it in their bag and never look at it again. The contest will encourage the vendors to really make their literature stand out so it will get noticed and acted upon.
Participants will be judged on content, attention and offering. Winners will be featured on the NEFBA and NEFAR Web sites and at the next SMC breakfast.
The focus this year will be on the booths.
“We want to make sure we get their message and their information to the attendees because that is why they are there,” said Swierz. “By utilizing the literature and costume contest it will draw attention to the booths.”
Education will be another new focus this year. There will be breakout sessions on social media, short sales, Builder 101 and mortgages.
“They are kind of tutorials that will allow attendees to ask questions from an expert in each field,” said Swierz. “We want to add value. If they come in and learn one new aspect in a certain field, plus see all the new products available in our profession, then it was worth their time and their $10.”
Ster and Swierz are going to contact past sponsors and past booths to get them signed up.
“We are also going to visit sales meetings at Realtor offices to promote the event and really get the word out,” said Ster.
Booth sales are being handled by Amanda Randolph, the NEFBA Sales and Marketing Council director, and ticket sales are handled by Celeta McClamma, Systems and Accounting Manager at NEFAR.
There will be room for 68 booths and standard booths are $600.