RIDE THE WAVE 34th ANNUAL REALTOR BUILDER TRADESHOW

Northeast Florida’s coastline is the prettiest in the state. In fact, many people relocate to the region specifically because of its adjacency to the ocean.

So it only makes sense that the 34th Annual Realtor-Builder Tradeshow, the largest gathering of its kind in the state, would adopt a theme tied to sun, sand and surf.

The big event, dubbed “Ride the Wave,” is a joint project of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) and the Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA).

It’s slated for Friday, Oct. 18, at the University of North Florida University Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There’ll be more than 70 exhibitors as well as an array of educational and networking opportunities.

More than 800 real estate professionals are expected to attend, literally riding the wave of a rapidly improving market. This year’s co-chairs are Sharon Friedes of The Florida Times-Union and Liz McMahan of Watson Realty Corp.

“This is a premier event that brings real estate and building professionals together for education and networking,” says Landon Homes President Dennis Ginder, who’s also the 2013 NEFBA president. “In addition to providing information on the latest trends, the Realtor-Builder Tradeshow offers the opportunity to connect and strengthen relationships within the industry.”

NEFBA serves the construction industry in six Northeast Florida counties, including Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Baker, Putnam and Nassau. For more information about NEFBA, visit nefba.com or call (904) 725-4355.

NEFAR is the largest professional/trade association in Northeast Florida, with a membership that includes more than 5,000 Realtors and business partners in Duval, Clay, Putnam and St. Johns counties. For more information about NEFAR, visit nefar.com or call (904) 394-9494.

“Ride the Wave” organizers are currently accepting registrations for exhibit space and sponsorships. For sponsorship information, contact Celeta McClamma at (904) 394-9494, Ext. 101, or email her at cmcclamma@nefar.org. This year, booth spaces are already sold out. But you can make your reservation for next year by contacting Corey Hacker at (904) 421-0298 or email her chacker@nefba.com.

Message from the Co-Chairs

SURFING SKILLS ALSO APPLY TO BUSINESS

You can surf the Web and you can surf between hundreds of television channels. But real surfing is a sport that involves riding on the forward face of a moving wave.

Some of the best surfing is right here in Northeast Florida. And as anybody who’s surfed can tell you, it’s exhilarating and exciting to be propelled forward by such an incredible force.

But the difference between riding a wave and taking a tumble has a lot to do with skill. Working in the real estate business can be a bit like surfing, especially when the market starts to pick up momentum.

A surfer’s skills are tested by the ability to control his or her board in challenging conditions, riding powerful waves and executing such maneuvers as strong turns and cutbacks. It’s fun, but isn’t easy.

Likewise, riding an economic wave requires more skill than luck, especially in the new reality under which we all do business.

That’s why this year’s Realtor-Builder Tradeshow has been themed “Ride the Wave.” All of us can feel momentum building and activity increasing in the market.

But will we have the knowledge required to catch the next wave at just the right moment?

Imparting that knowledge is what this extraordinary annual event is all about. And as co-chairs, we’re excited about what’s in store for those who attend.

You’ll learn, and you’ll enjoy yourself. That combination of entertainment and education is perhaps the main reason why the Realtor-Builder Tradeshow always packs the house.

If you build homes, you’ll have a motivated audience of the best real estate salespeople in the state eager to hear about your projects.

If you sell homes, you’ll have access to insider information that gives you a competitive edge among buyers, who are more savvy than ever.

So, thanks to everyone who has helped to make “Ride the Wave” possible. That includes task force members as well as sponsors and exhibitors.

Hang on — it’s going to be a great ride!

Liz McMahan
Watson Realty Corp.
Co-chair

Sharon Friedes
The Florida Times-Union
Co-chair

Informational Sessions

As part of the Realtor-Builder Tradeshow, special informational sessions will be held on topics of interest to the real-estate community. The sessions will be held in Room 1059.

HUB 203(K) LOANS

10 a.m.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Section 203(k) program is specifically for the rehabilitation and repair of single-family properties. It’s an important tool for community and neighborhood revitalization and for expanding homeownership opportunities. This session will explain the program and how to navigate it.

SPEAKER
Donny Griffin
Senior Loan Originator
Prime Lending

Realtor Builder Accord

11:15 a.m.
The accord is an agreement between the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) and the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) that was drafted by a task force formed by the NEFBA Sales and Marketing Council’s Education Committee and signed by both organizations last year. This session explains the accord and how it benefits the new-home industry.

SPEAKERS
Dennis Ginder
President, NEFBA

Carol Zingone
President, NEFAR

TASTY TREATS

Stations serving up complimentary snacks and drinks will be placed throughout the Tradeshow. Here’s a list of the participants:

• Black Finn American Grille
• Country Caterers BBQ
• Edible Arrangements
• 5th Element Taste of India
• Flippin’ Good Cookies
• Kilwins Jacksonville
• Mai Oui! Gourmet
• PRP Wines
• Select Coffee Service
• Time for Wine

The 2013 Realtor-Builder Tradeshow Committee.

IN BRIEF

What: The 34th Annual Realtor-Builder Tradeshow

When: Friday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: University of North Florida’s University Center

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 and network. Also enjoy some complimentary food and drink and register to win some impressive prizes.

Tickets: Admission is $10 per person in advance or $20 at the door.
Sponsorships: Prices start at $800. Contact Celeta McClamma at (904) 394-9494, Ext. 101, or email her at cmcclamma@nefar.org.

Booths: Booth space is sold out, but make reservations now for now for next year’s show by contacting
Corey Hacker at (904) 421-0298 or email her at chacker@nefba.com.