Staying curious, adopting change and adapting as innovation takes hold in a rapidly changing world were the driving themes over the multi-day RE/MAX RMX24 conference held last week at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
The value of the client experience was celebrated throughout the event which brought together the network of high performing real estate professionals, industry partners and keynote speakers providing valuable insight.
Welcoming over 160 members from across the country, RE/MAX Managing Director Joel Davoren encouraged members to ‘stay curious’ in a changing industry.
“As we come together as a network I encourage you to think about whether you’re watching the tide or the waves when it comes to our industry. Stay curious, get used to change,” said Mr Davoren, encouraging members to consider taking the road less travelled, and over the course of the event slow down and take in the information shared and how it may influence the future of their business.
“Consider, if not you then who? If not now then when?”
And consider the network did. Through expert speakers and thoughtful conversations with leaders within the network, the overarching importance of focusing on the client experience while embracing the digital experience and rapid growth of AI were hot topic.
Trust versus transaction and focusing on actions not outcomes was the message from opening keynote speaker Justin Nickerson. His advice was well received as he stressed the importance of listening to understand and not just to respond, in order to build trust quickly. Energy in the room was high as he left the audience to ponder, “people won’t remember what you say or do, but they will remember how you made them feel.”
Offering their unique experiences as agents, both from an organisational perspective and through personal connection, Kathy Sweeney, Stuart Legg and Fraser Evans each took to the stage respectfully during the morning’s Sales Max Talks. Donna Starkins, Karissa Tigges and Jackie Hardstaff highlighted the Property Management Max Talks.
Day one’s afternoon sessions included commentary with Sales Breakouts Camden Gale, Chris Wease, and Leanne Bojarski; Property Management breakout was held by business coach Vasili Hadzellis from Core Property Management Consulting Australia.
Bursting on to the stage for the final session of the day, keynote speaker Gus Balbontin had members considering the future with insightful reflection and forecast into the world of AI, encouraging exposure to the discomfort of innovation to help prepare for the future and not get left behind.
“When was the last time you used courage, you did something you’ve never done before?” asked Mr Balbontin. “Sometimes we can be stuck in the momentum of doing things over and over, make sure it is in the right direction. Businesses behave as a result of the behaviour of the people; be autonomous and encourage change and opportunities to explore.”
Day one concluded with the announcement of the network’s six-monthly awards, followed by a soiree upstairs at Videre Bar, Royal Pines Resort.
RE/MAX Operations Director Josh Davoren welcomed members to day two, sharing the network is in an exciting place in terms of growth, driven by those within.
“Our values and beliefs drive our business,” he said.
Joel Davoren took to the stage to share insight into industry voice REIP, welcoming Andrew Freibe, REIP Nexus, who reiterated that real estate is about people and the human interaction, with technology allowing the opportunity and processes to enable a better experience.
The thought-provoking Simon Pressley, Propertyology, delved into the data behind the facts, imploring members to be mindful of questions posed and look to evidence-based information. “There is a big difference between an opinion and a fact,” he said. “We can all have an opinion, it does not mean it is right.”
Josh Cobb, CEO of Stepps, provided an engaging look into the world of AI, considering it the ultimate speed advantage and viewing it as a tool to allow more time for human interaction. Mr Cobb encouraged members to experiment with eyes open, and be prepared for discomfort to avoid being left behind. “AI won’t replace agents, but agents using AI will,” he concluded.
Completing the speaker program and delving into the neuroscience of resilience and performance was Kristen Hansen, EnHansen Performance, providing practical advice and consideration to best capitalise on the brain’s functioning, by being present and mindful.
With final words to round out RMX24, Joel Davoren reflected on the many experiences, insights and perspectives, encouraging RE/MAX members who continue to prove “there’s no one way to success in our industry.”
RE/MAX Australia chose the event to acknowledge the network’s charity partner Make-A-Wish Australia, highlighting the ten-year partnership which has helped raise $368,000 which has contributed to helping over 1,000 Wish Kids across the country.
Contact for media:
Jennifer Kent, Public Relations, RE/MAX Australia M +61 434 045 046
About RE/MAX: From a single office that opened in 1973 in Denver, Colorado, RE/MAX has grown into a global real estate network with over 140,000 agents in more than 110 countries and territories. Its entrepreneurial culture affords its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their business with great independence.
