Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Panels, Parties, and Purpose

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player!

Overview

Rob and Greg recap their time at Inman San Diego — the first Inman keynote without Brad Inman on stage, new CEO Tom Bohn’s mixed reception, and Greg’s fan encounter with his own book. From there they dig into a bigger debate: what’s the actual purpose of real estate conferences, whether panels count as “education,” and how MLS Reset and other events are trying to carve out a clearer mission.

Key Takeaways

  • Greg’s second edition of “The Art of the CMA” is out; he’s doing speaking engagements and bulk book buys tied to gigs
  • This was the first Inman keynote Brad Inman didn’t give himself, following the company sale
  • New CEO Tom Bond’s keynote got mixed reviews from attendees
  • Inman has shifted toward more agent/broker-centric content and away from organized real estate coverage
  • Complaint of the episode: Inman San Diego had no real central lobby bar
  • Rob argues most real estate conferences (outside NAR events) lack a clear purpose or mission
  • NAR Midyear and Annual are “working conferences” with real votes and lobbying, unlike most others
  • Brand conferences (like Keller Williams’ family reunion) succeed because their purpose is obvious
  • T3 Summit, Gathering of Eagles, and RISMedia events each target a specific tier of attendee for marketing/networking purposes
  • MLS Reset traces its roots back to the Clarity Conference and the MLS executive workshop model
  • Rob and Greg disagree on whether panel discussions are ever educational
  • Greg pushes back, arguing conferences can also be valuable as a source of inspiration and storytelling
  • Rob’s pitch for an ideal conference: two content sessions total, everything else built around networking and an open bar

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website 

Greg’s Website 

Watch us on YouTube

Our Sponsors:

Cotality 

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board 

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

All in

From Vegas to venture capital: Navigating the uncertain path of the proptech founder

“I think as a founder, what I have found through this journey is almost every couple of months I have to be a different CEO,” Reddy said. “Like I have to be a completely different person because what was needed from me for the company a few months ago isn’t what we need today because we’re inherently shifting, evolving, scaling as the industry goes.”

A great read from Craig Rowe at Inman News. Really captures the struggles of being a founder in this space. I know a lot of the people and companies he is talking about.

Hat tip to Vanessa, Scott, Terrance, Malte, Vijay, Andy, Greg, Alex, Dan, Audie, Shelia, and many others You guys all inspire me. And a special shout out to Cole Boyer with Tuesday. LFG!

Andrea Brambila joins Real Estate News

Big news from Real Estate News: An important addition

“Many of you know Andrea as someone who has covered the real estate industry since 2009, specializing in legal and policy issues affecting associations, MLSs and brokerages. Her award-winning journalism, previously for Inman, is widely seen as accurate, fair and thorough.

I’d like to invite you to read Andrea’s first piece for RealEstateNews.com — an exclusive interview with Anne Marie DeCatsye, one of the industry’s strongest advocates for Realtor associations and MLSs to operate independently. As CEO of an association and MLS, it’s an opportunity she is well-equipped to recognize. “

So glad to see Andrea find a new home. As a loyal reader and big fan I’m stoked she decided to stay in the real estate space. My hope is that RealEstateNews.com lets Andrea do the type of reporting she is known for, yes she may ruffle some feathers from time to time, but LET ANDREA COOK!

Giant Steps [Sponsor]

Inman Connect San Diego Recap

“As the last day of Inman Connect wraps up, I’m sitting at the desk in my hotel room, looking out across the downtown San Diego skyline and marina. Tiny people, much more disciplined than I, are already out on their morning runs. It’s early, around 7 AM. I still navigate the host hotel, the Hilton Bayfront, with some trepidation now that Inman Connect has officially moved to San Diego from Las Vegas. “

Read more on the Giant Steps Blog

Lets connect, at Connect

I’ll be attending Inman Connect San Diego next week. Email me if you want to meet. See you there!

Don’t forget the Inman Connect Proptech Pre-Party!

Proptech Pre-Party: Escape the Vegas Vibes, Find the Real Ones

🗓 Monday, July 28th | 🕔 5PM – 10PM

📍 Greg and Dan’s Studio – Costa Mesa, CA

GO BIG ON THE FIRST NIGHT!! Before Inman Connect makes its San Diego debut, come hang with the cool kids of proptech and organized real estate just a couple hours up the coast in beautiful Orange County.

Register Now => Proptech Pre-Party!

Industry Relations and Listing Bits podcast nominated for Inman Innovator Award

It’s nice to be recognized and it’s double nice to be recognized twice! Many thanks to Inman News for this nomination. Rob and I have been nominated several times, maybe this year is the year!

Inman Connect Proptech Pre-Party!

Proptech Pre-Party: Escape the Vegas Vibes, Find the Real Ones

🗓 Monday, July 28th | 🕔 5PM – 10PM

📍 Greg and Dan’s Studio – Costa Mesa, CA

GO BIG ON THE FIRST NIGHT!! Before Inman Connect makes its San Diego debut, come hang with the cool kids of proptech and organized real estate just a couple hours up the coast in beautiful Orange County.

Register Now => Proptech Pre-Party!

Inman Connect San Diego Proptech Pre-Party! Save the date!

Proptech Pre-Party: Escape the Vegas Vibes, Find the Real Ones

🗓 Monday, July 28th | 🕔 5PM – 10PM

📍 Greg and Dan’s Studio – Costa Mesa, CA

GO BIG ON THE FIRST NIGHT!! Before Inman Connect makes its San Diego debut, come hang with the cool kids of proptech and organized real estate just a couple hours up the coast in beautiful Orange County.

Register Now => Proptech Pre-Party!

Hosted by Tuesday and Giant Steps, this is not your average networking mixer. We’re throwing a proper pre-party at our studio—with great food, cocktails, and a soundtrack that doesn’t suck.

Yes, San Diego has beaches. But we’ve got something better:

✔️ Real talk with the sharpest minds in real estate tech

✔️ Zero conference carpet

✔️ Drinks served before your badge is printed

Register Now => Proptech Pre-Party!

Whether you’re flying into John Wayne or just craving a fresh scene before the conference madness begins, this is the spot to kick off your Inman week. Find out more here.

See you in New York!

Sponsored By MLS Reset