From September 25th-27th, I joined thousands of affiliates from the Sotheby’s International Realty network in Las Vegas for the brand’s Global Networking Event, which brings brokers, owners, managers and sales associates together for exclusive networking and learning opportunities with keynote speeches, breakout panels and cocktail receptions. The event, which was held at the Wynn Las Vegas, was attended by a staggering 2,400 members of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, with more than 155 of the brand’s companies represented from 34 countries and territories worldwide.
The dynamic three-day event was attended by approximately 50 members of the Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty team, as they immersed themselves in the brand with two general sessions and a selection of 25 breakout sessions. More than 85 Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate members volunteered to play an integral part in the sessions, which ranged in topic from sales and negotiation tactics to marketing and more, serving as breakout hosts, guest speakers and expert panelists to share advice, best practices and personal experiences with their peers.
Three members of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty were invited to speak at the GNE. Dean Jones, Owner & Principal of the firm, lent his expertise to the Asia Global Alliance panel and the New Development panel, serving as “captain” of the latter’s sphere. RSIR brokers Sam Cunningham and Phil Greely covered Metro Markets and Millennial Trends in Emerging Opportunities, respectively.
Martha Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, was the headlining keynote speaker and addressed members of the Sotheby’s International Realty network discussing the journey of creating a global lifestyle brand, which includes a focus on authenticity, constant evolution, and a keen understanding of the consumer.
In addition, Jeff Hargett, senior corporate director of culture transformation at The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, gave an engaging and dynamic speech about the power of excellence in customer service and creating unique client experiences. The crowd was also addressed by:
- John Peyton, chief executive officer of Realogy Franchise Group
- Maarten ten Holder, executive vice president and global managing director of Sotheby’s Luxury & Lifestyle Division
- Brett Hagler, chief executive officer and co-founder of New Story, the Sotheby’s International Realtybrand’s charitable partner
- The Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC senior leadership team including:
- Philip White, president and chief executive officer
- Julie Leonhardt LaTorre, chief operating officer
- Kevin Thompson, chief marketing officer
- Francis X. Santangelo, senior vice president of global operations
“The strength of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand resonates around the world and our global footprint is unrivaled; the Global Networking Event is a testament to that,” said White. “This year’s conference was attended by members of our network from 34 countries and it was inspiring to see transcontinental business connections and friendships unfold as our affiliates continue to grow their business and strengthen the power of our brand.”
Sotheby’s International Realty unveiled the new LIVE brand ad campaign during the GNE, a platform that reached 7 million people on delivery through placements on leading media outlets including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Architectural Digest. To amplify the brand’s reach, they rolled out an exclusive advertising and syndication platform on the Nikkei, making Sotheby’s International Realty the first real estate brand to showcase properties outside Japan on the Nikkei, one of the most influential business publications in the world.
Following the event, a collective of RSIR brokers and the executive team reflected on their key takeaways, from the launch of the new LIVE campaign and the shift in wealth to millennials, to the service model of the Ritz Carlton and the way virtual reality and the digital world are shifting the real estate industry.