It's Back to Our Future

Dig out those parachute pants, leg warmers, suits with oversized shoulder pads or any other embarrassing 1980s attire still lurking in your closet. Here’s your chance to take a walk down memory lane dressed like Madonna or Boy George—and not look out of place.

The 30th Annual Realtor-Builder Tradeshow is boasting a “Back to Our Future” theme with a costume contest and tunes from the decade when disco and hair were both big and fashions were loud and colorful.

“We just thought it’d be fun to hark back in time to our future to a booming housing market,” says Donald Ster, event co-chair. “I’ve got a cool ‘80s outfit. It’s near Halloween so the timing is good.”

The trade show, which is not open to the public, offers builders, real estate agents and other housing industry professionals a chance to explain and promote their products and services, says Franchesca Sweirz, also an event co-chair.

Attendees can show off their vintage fashions if they so choose—’80s attire is optional—while mingling and networking in a relaxed setting.

“It’s a trade show to inform, educate, inspire and entertain fellow real estate movers and shakers,” adds Ster. “It’s to help them sell more homes and keep up on the latest trends.”

Organizing the event is the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR), which is headquartered in Jacksonville">Jacksonville and has more than 6,500 members, and the Sales and Marketing Council ?of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), which was founded in 1986 as the marketing arm of the builders association. ?The SMC boasts 300-plus members.

The event, slated for Thursday, October 22, will be held at The University Center at the University of North Florida—a venue that Ster says is newer, nicer and more intimate than in past years. It’s also more centrally located, with free parking.

Attendees can take advantage of three educational seminars entitled Social Networking; Foreclosures and Short Sales; and Builder 101, which is a session on how to sell new construction.

There’ll be more than 60 informational booths encompassing every type of real-estate-related business—from builders to mortgage companies; from appraisers to home inspection services. An array of other products and services used by real-estate professionals will also be represented.
Many of the largest national production builders are also participating with displays, including Beazer Homes, Mercedes Homes and Ryland Homes. Representatives will be on hand to discuss their new plans and new developments.

“For the vendors, it will be a great place to have access to 800 real estate agents at once, to interact with them one-on-one,” Sweirz says. “Think of the trade show as a convenient, one-stop shopping for information. Instead of traveling to all different communities and suppliers, you can talk to them here in one place at one time.”

But, as usual, the event won’t be all business. “The costume contest will be fun and the winner will get a gift card,” Sweirz adds. “We’re also having a contest for the best literature being handed out.” Light refreshments will also be served.

Last year’s show, which boasted a Carnivale theme, drew about 700 attendees. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and ticket prices are $10. After October 8 ticket prices go up to $20.

From the Co-Chairs:
Celebrating the 20th Century’s
Greatest Decade—the ’80s
We’re pleased to welcome you to the 30th Annual Realtor-Builder Tradeshow. This year’s event is celebrating the 1980s—”Back to Our Future,” where big hair, great music, gnarly services, radical builders and totally awesome Realtors ruled the day.

As the real estate market has started to show signs of stabilization and growth, we’re excited to relive the past and celebrate the future with our industry’s best and brightest.

This year, we’ve moved the big annual event to the University of North Florida’s University Center. This beautiful venue is roomy yet intimate, centrally located and offers free parking.

As you dance from booth-to-booth, be prepared to find valuable information on real estate industry products and services and new and existing communities. ?

We’ve also added an educational element by scheduling breakout sessions on social media, short sales, “Builder 101” (selling new construction) and mortgages. ?

We’re dedicated to providing an event at which you can acquire a wealth of practical tips and tools. You’ll also notice several food booths offering hors d’oeuvres.

The members of the Realtor-Builder Tradeshow committee represent every aspect of our industry, each bringing to the table inspiration and a wonderfully unique perspective. We’re so grateful to our talented team members for their time, hard work, focus and enthusiasm. To them, we extend our heartfelt thanks!

To our sponsors, participants and guests, we truly appreciate your continued support and pride in our industry, and hope you have a blast.

“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!” We’re going Back to Our Future.

Donald Ster
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
2009 NEFAR Event Co-Chair

Franchesca Swierz
Homes and Land Magazine
2009 NEFBA Event Co-Chair

Event Info:
What: The 30th Annual Realtor-Builder Tradeshow
When: Thursday October 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: University of North Florida’s University Center (free parking)
Who: Presented by the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) and the Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA)
Why: To learn, network, educate, and have fun
Who: 800 of Northeast Florida’s most successful real estate professionals

Educational Breakouts:
The breakouts will be intimately scaled so attendees can ask questions, participate in discussions and get expert advise on the following topics:
10:30 a.m.
Social Networking
Speaker: Alayna Oram with Relay Marketing

11:30 a.m.
Foreclosures and Short Sales
Speaker: Sherry Davidson with Davidson Realty

12:30 p.m.
Builder 101 Course
Presenter: Builder Relations Committee of SMC

Tickets and Sponsorships:
Tickets: $10 per person, after October 8 ticket prices go up to $20
Sponsorships: Opportunities range from $750 to $3,000
Contact: Celeta McClamma at (904) 394-9494, ext. 1201

Booths:
Booth Price: $600, $700 after October 1
Contact: Amanda Randolph at
(904) 421-0298