Roll Out the Red Carpet

The 27th Annual Realtor-Builder Tradeshow and Luncheon, slated for Thursday, Oct. 5 at Alltel Stadium, promises to be a glamorous get-together where industry exhibitors and attendees can combine dining, networking and stargazing.

Presented by the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and the Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, the big event is themed "Northeast Florida: The Premier Showcase of the South."

It will occupy three floors of the Alltel West Stadium Club and will encompass more than 100 informational and educational booths hosted by an array of companies, from developers to lenders to suppliers.

And, not only will there be local notables in attendance, the event will also draw international show biz celebs such as Joan Rivers and Rod Stewart-or at least reasonable facsimiles thereof-and will offer entertainment, food and other surprises.

This year's Realtor-Builder Tradeshow is expected to attract some 1,500 attendees.

"The event gives builders and vendors the opportunity to show what we do," says Barbara Moore, division president of Beazer Homes. "It's also a time when we can re-establish contact with people we haven't seen in awhile."

Naomi Lumley, director of sales for Palencia, agrees.

"The Realtor-Builder Tradeshow really is such a fun event," Lumley says. "I've been going for years, since the very beginning. It's also a wonderful team- building exercise for the company."

This year Palencia is an event sponsor with three booths-two to showcase Palencia and a third to spotlight the St. John, a new, 51-story condominium tower by Hines now under construction on the Southbank.

Deborah Metzig of Bailey Publishing and Diane Moss of Watson Realty Corporation are this year's co-chairs.

"We're very, very excited about this year's event, and we've done a few things to kick it up a notch," Metzig notes. "The first thing we've done is to create a fun, glamorous, Hollywood theme with surprise personalities."

In addition, Metzig notes, the event and its sponsors are being touted in five publications instead of just one, including Jacksonville Homebuyer, The Business Journal, the Florida Times-Union, Realty-Builder Connection and Mature Living Choices.

Metzig and other organizers have also been personally visiting real estate offices with a "road show" designed to increase awareness and boost attendance.

"Attending the show is a big benefit for Realtors because they'll be able to gather information about new communities and learn about products and services geared to their needs," Metzig adds.

Booth contests for best giveaway, best theme, most entertaining and most creative add to the excitement.

Winners will each receive $500 to be given to their favorite charity while all attendees will have a chance to win the grand prize-an all expense paid trip to Hollywood, by seeking out celebrities and securing their autographs.

"The Realtor-Builder Tradeshow is a great opportunity to create relationships," says Moss. "It's just good exposure all the way around."

Multiple-level sponsorships are still available, and range from Platinum at $6,000 to Bronze at $1,250.

Sponsorship include advertising in participating publications, signage at the event, tickets to the VIP breakfast in the Jaguars' Suite and a booth, among many other perks.

Companies interested in becoming sponsors should call Celeta McClamma at (904) 394-9494, extension 1201. McClamma is also the contact for purchasing tickets, which are $40 per person. For information on purchasing a booth, call Portland Stuart at (904) 421-0298.

IN BRIEF

What: The 27th Annual Realtor-Builder Tradeshow and Luncheon

When: Thursday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m.­ until 3 p.m., with a buffet luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Where: Alltel Stadium

Who: Presented by The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and the Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association.

Tickets: $40 per person. Contact Celeta McClamma at (904) 394-9494, extension 1201.

Sponsorships: Contact Celeta McClamma at (904) 394-9494, extension 1201.

Booths: For information on purchasing a booth, contact Portland Stuart at (904) 421-0298.