by Michele Gillis, Staff Writer
Last year, organizers of the Realtor Builder Tradeshow were selling booths up until the day before the show.
This year, they’re already sold out – and in record time.
“It was a huge shock,” said Sharon Friedes, co-chair of the event, who attributed it to the upturn in the market.
That means more networking and information for those attending the event from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the University of North Florida’s University Center.
“We sold out six weeks in advance,” said Friedes, but at that point they could not entertain the idea of a bigger venue.
“But that is what we will be looking at for next year,” she said. “I don’t know if it is the first time it has happened but it has not happened at least since the market crash.”
Also, for the first time, the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council moved its breakfast to coincide with the event since they meet at the same venue.
“We moved the date to increase attendance at both events,” said Corey Hacker, SMC director.
The breakfast is from 7:30-9 a.m. The tradeshow starts at 9:30 a.m.
“So the folks who attend the SMC breakfast will only have to walk down the hall to attend the tradeshow,” Hacker said.
The beach-themed experience will allow attendees to relax and enjoy themselves while networking and learning about new products and services.
In addition to the networking, educational opportunities will also a big draw to the show.
This year, they are having a seminar on the 203K and mortgage renovation loans by Donny Griffin, senior loan originator at PrimeLending, and a seminar on Realtor Builder Accord, presented by NEFBA President Dennis Ginder of Landon Homes and/or NEFAR President Carol Zingone of Prudential Network Realty.
The Realtor Builder Accord, a guide to ethical business practices between the two industries, was developed by a task force that included Realtors and builders.
Food vendors will be Select Coffee Service, Country Caterers BBQ, Flippin’ Good Cookies, Mai Oui! Gourmet, Edible Arrangements, Blackfinn American Grille, PRP Wines, Time for Wine, 5th Element Taste of India and Kilwins Jacksonville.
SMC will be selling advance tickets to the tradeshow for $10 at its meeting. Tickets at the door will be $20.
For more information and alerts about the show, visit Facebook, type Realtor Builder Tradeshow in the search box and “like” the page.