Twenty-five Australian RE/MAX members joined RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand’s Managing Director, Michael Davoren, in Las Vegas recently for the 46thannual R4 Convention, where they rubbed shoulders with many thousands of real estate agents and broker owners representing more than 60 countries.
“The Greatest Network On Earthwas a proud theme and a bold statement in Vegas this year but truly the annual R4 Convention is like no other real estate industry gathering. With more than 6000 delegates and the flags of more than 60 countries and territories flying high, I wonder how many other real estate names can match these numbers for a single gathering.”
Mr Davoren felt 2019 had delivered possibly the best R4 in many years, with a refreshed, highly energized approach.
At the event’s Opening General Session, RE/MAX CEO Adam Contos reminded that RE/MAX remained No. 1 in residential transaction sides globally.
“Adam said that RE/MAX, from its position of strength, was focused on delivering more value to agents and brokers through tools, training and technology. This was an acknowledgement that RE/MAX leads the industry because of its people.
“Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX and as a brand we keep evolving to enhance our advantages, always innovating and shifting to meet the needs of our agents, business owners and consumers.”
Mr Davoren said that while Mr Contos spoke of tools, technology and training, he made it very clear that those things were not as critical as the main thing driving RE/MAX forward – its people.
“He told the audience ‘You’re the heart and soul of RE/MAX. You’re what makes this the greatest real estate network on the planet’.”
The Global Referral Exchange on the R4 program revolves around referrals, and Jenna Gould, from RE/MAX Bayside Properties had a novel approach to networking.
“Jenna introduced herself to others by asking them to sign an inflated kangaroo. And her verdict in relation to the event: ‘It’s the very best. You could not get this atmosphere from any other organization in Australia’, which nicely summed up the energy, the knowledge and the fun,” said Mr Davoren.
The R4 program featured network and industry updates affecting agents and consumers internationally and globally, educational sessions, special guests, international networking and referrals, and great entertainment including country music superstar Tim McGraw who played to a stadium full-house.
Candice Arlott, from RE/MAX Results, captured the packed Grand Ballroom audience when she showcased her use of video. Ms Arlott, who has been in real estate sales less than a year, was invited to join experienced Canadian and US agents on a panel at the R4 Video Summit.
Of the attending Australian delegates, Darren Lewis-Date, Leanne Kroes, Adam Gould, Tracey Ashley, Gaby McEwan, Martin Hood, Jacob Secco, Stacey Arlott, Michele Hyde and Victoria Nicholson were awarded on the R4 stage; and RE/MAX Bayside Properties had both Adam Gould and David Neilson named in the Top 10 team leaders – global residential.
Mr Davoren, who is currently New Zealand-based, carried the New Zealand flag in the traditional opening ceremony ‘celebration of flags’ spectacle at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino while Michele Hyde, from RE/MAX Excellence was the Australian flag-bearer.
“It was a touch ironic,” said Mr Davoren, “given that Michele was, in fact, ‘Miss New Zealand 1977’.”
Media contact:
Lyn Cox, Public Relations – M. +61 418 793 096, E. lcox@remax.com.au
About RE/MAX:RE/MAX was founded in 1973 with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. More than 124,000 agents give RE/MAX a global reach of more than 110 countries and territories to date. Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX.