by Michele Gillis, Staff Writer
Grab your flip flops and board shorts and get ready to "Ride the Wave" at the Realtor Builder Tradeshow and Expo next month.
That's the theme of this year's event, which will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the University of North Florida's University Center.
The beach-themed experience will allow attendees to relax and enjoy themselves while networking and learning about new products and services.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door.
Co-chair Liz McMahan of Watson Realty compared the changing market to a wave.
"A wave comes up so quickly and then it's gone. So, you have to catch it while you can," she said. "... As quickly as the market changes, it could be gone overnight. Don't rely on a false sense of hope. Get on your board and ride it."
McMahan was co-chair last year and this year shares the task with Sharon Friedes of The Florida Times-Union. The event is co-sponsored by the area's two major associations: McMahan represents the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and Friedes represents the Northeast Florida Builders Association.
"The real estate market is beginning to swell like a wave with energy, engagement and sales," said Friedes. "So, that's where we came up with the theme. Ride the swell of wave to prosperity, sales or success."
The event will have surf boards, lifeguard chairs and other beach-related items. The decorations are coming from Mugwumps Productions.
McMahan said to dress in your best beach casual outfits, including Hawaiian dresses, board shorts, sundresses or surfer clothes.
She said the show will feature a Wild and Crazy Beach Boys karaoke contest, where teams will perform their favorite song from the 1960s group.
In addition, a DJ will be playing beach-themed music during the day.
There will be a booth contest with prizes for the winners, so get your booth ready. Booths cost $600.
"In the past, the shows have always been fun and engaging and we are keeping with that tradition," said Friedes. "The booth contest is very competitive, so everyone puts their best foot forward and tries to outdo the next person."
She said there will be a lot of engagement from the attendees and the vendors.
"The great thing about the show is that we have a lot of different types of businesses that benefit from working together," she said. "It's another way to foster relationships with each other in a fun environment."
There will more than 60 booths to help you with your business.
"It is a great networking opportunity and it is a great way to find out what the builders and banks have available for the customers," said McMahan. "There will be a lot of companies that provide ancillary services to the real estate industry including engineering companies, home warranty companies, interior design companies, insurance companies, foundation companies and more."
Networking is a crucial part of the tradeshow.
"You will meet new people that you may do business with in the future," said McMahon.
The educational opportunities are 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 president of NEFBA Dennis Ginder of Landon Homes and/or president of NEFAR 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, 5th Element Taste of India and Kilwins Jacksonville.
McMahan said she would like to see some new faces this year.
"I've been going to the show for many years and it seems to me I just see the same people there," she said. "So we need to get new faces and a more diverse attendance. I would like to see people from areas like Clay County, Middleburg, Flagler County, St. Augustine, Amelia Island and Nocatee."
For more information and alerts about the show, visit Facebook.com, type RealtorBuilder Tradeshow in the search box and "like" the page.