ESTATE AGENTS KEEP IT REAL AT COAST FORUM
TALES of transforming from a “loser” to an entrepreneur and how a broken toilet seat landed a $70 million property sale captivated more than 3000 real estate agents yesterday.
They were among the stories from nine speakers on the final day of the Australasian Real Estate Conference at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The two-day event was jam-packed with messages of optimism despite the weak market conditions.
Total Real Estate Training general manager and organiser of the event Nichola Byrne said this year’s event was a standout in its 22-year history.
“We don’t like to focus on the negative but in difficult times you need to take a moment and educate yourself,” she said.
“Having Mark Schulman definitely was a highlight and a really strong finish for day one.”
The renowned musician, best known as pop star Pink’s drummer, wowed the audience with his enthusiasm and electric presentation on “hacking the rock star attitude”.
He was part of a stellar line-up of 21 speakers who graced the stage, including New York real estate guru Barbara Corcoran, conflict whisperer Scott Dutton and property funny man ‘Sliderguy’.
Ms Byrne said the event would return for its ninth year on the Gold Coast in 2020 following its success in the city.
“We see a lot more (agents) bringing their families,” she said. “There’s no other venue that has the accommodation and hospitality all in the one precinct and people make the most of it.
“We’re looking to shake it up for next year.”
The industry might be feeling the pinch but Ms Byrne was impressed to see 40 per cent of exhibitors were newcomers, and hoped to top it next year.