By David Chapman
Staff Writer
Florida’s real estate industry will make its voice heard in Tallahassee again this year.
The Great American Realtor Days will be April 6-7 and will provide an opportunity to meet elected officials in formal and informal gatherings.
The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors, which traditionally sends a large contingent, will sponsor a bus that will leave association headquarters at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6. It will return on the following evening.
Participants can register through Florida Realtors or through NEFAR, which is offering several packages that can include the bus trip, registration and motel.
The two-day session includes a briefing at a nearby IMAX theatre, a block party on Tuesday evening, meetings with legislators and a lunch on Wednesday.
Here are details provided by Florida Realtors and NEFAR:
Registration
Registration can be done through the Florida Realtors website (www.floridarealtors.org. The cost is $50, or $55 at the registration desk in Tallahassee.
NEFAR packages
NEFAR is offering three options:
1. Bus trip, registration and single motel room. $165.
2. Bus trip, registration and double room. $112.
3. Bus trip and registration. $65.
Reservations must be made by March 29. A form can be downloaded from the NEFAR website at (www.nefar.com.)
Motel
The NEFAR hotel is the Quality Inn & Suites on the Apalachee Parkway. 850-877-4437. The easiest way to get to the hotel is to take I-10 to the first Tallahassee exit (U.S. 90), go left at Capital Circle and right on Apalachee Parkway. It will be on your right.
Briefing Sessions
Briefings will be held at the Challenger Learning Center, 200 S. Duval St. It’s about two blocks behind the Capitol in Kleman Plaza.
Block Party
Hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets will be provided to all registered participants. The party will be at the Adams Street Commons near the Capitol.
Courtyard Lunch
There will be several food options with multiple lines for each option. The luncheon will be in the Capitol Courtyard and the registration fee includes admission.
Meetings with legislators
Appointments will take place throughout both days coordinated by Realtor associations.
Schedule
April 6
11:30 a.m.: Bus leaves NEFAR headquarters.
(Arrive at 3 and check in at motel before going to 4 p.m. briefing.)
Noon-5 p.m.: Registration, Challenger Learning Center.
1-2:30 p.m.: Live Legislative Briefing, Challenger Learning Center.
2:30-4 p.m.: Pre-recorded Legislative Briefing, Challenger Learning Center.
4-5:30 p.m.: Live Legislative Briefing, Challenger Learning Center.
5:30-7:30 p.m.: Downtown Block Party, Adams Street Commons.
April 7
8:30 a.m.-noon: Registration, Challenger Learning Center,
10-11:30 a.m.: Public Policy Committee Meeting, Doubletree Hotel.
10- 11:30 a.m.: Pre-recorded Legislative Briefing, Challenger Learning Center.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Luncheon, Capitol Courtyard.
1-5 p.m.: Meetings with legislators.
5 p.m.: NEFAR bus leaves Capitol.
8 p.m.: Bus returns to NEFAR headquarters.