For 35 years, NEFBA and NEFAR have worked to bring builders and real estate professionals together with the annual Realtor Builder Tradeshow.
It began as a way to unite the two organizations in their common goals, and it has flourished from there to be the largest tradeshow of its kind. Deborah Metzig, of Bailey Publishing and former co-chair of the tradeshow, has witnessed its impact and influence increase over the past 15 years.
“It started as a lunch at the Marriott between NEFAR and NEFBA,” Metzig said. “Soon after, NEFBA’s Sales and Marketing Council started a tradeshow, and the joint lunch and tradeshow were combined to take place simultaneously in adjoining rooms at the Prime Osborn.”
Metzig recalls the peak years for the building and real estate industries in the area.
“The 2006 tradeshow was perhaps our largest,” she said. “We had three floors in the then-Alltel Stadium, more than 1,500 attendees and 120 vendors.”
After the downturn in the market, the Realtor Builder Tradeshow moved to a more modest venue at the UNF Alumni Center where it continues to have a strong showing. This year the tradeshow will feature more than 70 vendor booths.
Vendors decorate their booths to attract attendees and to win prizes.
“One thing I like about the contest is the winners donate their winnings to a charity of their choice,” Metzig said. “Not many other competitions, in or out of tradeshows, can say that.”
The theme this year is Mardi Gras, and you can expect to see creativity unleashed in booth décor.
In the spirit of the theme, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” – Let the good times roll!
The Realtor Builder Tradeshow is Oct. 17. See details on the SMC page.