RISMEDIA, April 27, 2007-More Realty Executives International associates than ever before convened in Las Vegas last month for the annual international convention, making the 2007 meeting the company's largest gathering in its 42-year history.
This year's theme, "Rebirth of an Empire," told the story of the company's recommitment to celebrating the real estate associate as an entrepreneur. More than 1,100 sales associates and broker/owners attended the event representing at least seven countries in addition to the United States, including Canada, Mexico, France, Israel, Australia and Costa Rica.
"There are a lot of ways to measure the success of a convention such as this, but this year we were simply blown away with the amount of interest and active participation from our sales associates from across the globe," said Rich Rector, president and CEO of Realty Executives International. "We intend to continue the momentum throughout the year with the introduction of several innovative programs and support devices that are designed to positively affect the success of our associates."
The company announced a first-of-its-kind health benefits package for its independent contractors, as well as debut free interactive Web-based support, including training, presentations, promotions and more.
The international convention also featured a stimulating line-up of speakers, according to the company, to motive attendees and offer insight regarding the evolving real estate business. Convention highlights included a motivational seminar with Dr. Shad Helmstetter, a top-selling author who has published 12 books and made more than 1,200 public appearances as an expert on goal setting and personal and professional growth. In addition, real estate technology guru Brad Inman, publisher of Inman News, discussed technology advances in residential real estate sales.
"Our entire convention is designed to enable our agents and franchisees to recharge and learn how they can better serve their customers," said Stephanie Gross, executive director of communication and professional development at Realty Executives International. "This year we took a look back at the company's 42-year-history as a way to learn from our past successes and ultimately use our roots to propel us forward in this ever-changing industry."
More than 50 Realty Executives associates dedicated one day of the convention to building a new home for a needy family in Las Vegas as part of the company's charitable Homes from the Heart program. Through this company-wide program, agents worked in conjunction with local Habitat for Humanity chapters to help fund and build homes for the less fortunate and have raised more than $1.5 million to-date for Habitat for Humanity.
For more information, visit www.realtyexecutives.com.