Conference season is upon us! Well…it’s always upon us it seems lately. There are so many conferences available these days, it’s hard to distill which ones are worth our time. Attending a real estate investor conference can be a fantastic and super valuable opportunity for physicians to dive into the exciting world of real estate investment. However, with so many conferences to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Don’t worry, as a veteran of the conference circuit, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a conference worth my time and money. In the next few paragraphs, I’ll go over the top things I recommend keeping in mind when selecting a real estate investor conference that’s right for you. Let’s dive in!
Know Your Goals
Before you start your conference search, take some time to think about what you want to get out of the experience. Are you looking to learn about a specific type of real estate investment, such as commercial properties or short-term vacation rentals? Or do you want more networking opportunities with other investors to find new opportunities? Or maybe you are looking for a conference that covers a certain industry as a whole? By having a clear understanding of your goals, you’ll be better equipped to choose a conference that will meet your needs.
Location, Location, Location!
Let’s be real, nobody wants to attend a conference in Detroit in the winter (sorry all my peeps in Detroit…but…you know). Choose a conference that’s in a convenient location for you, whether that’s in your city or a short flight away to where you don’t spend most of your time at the conference traveling to and from it. Also, don’t forget to check the weather forecast – there’s no reason you can’t mix sun and warmth in with your educational efforts. There’s a write-off in there somewhere!
Speaker Lineup
The speaker lineup is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a conference. You want to attend a conference where you’ll have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, experienced investors, and other industry professionals. Look for a conference that features a diverse range of speakers, including experts in real estate finance, economics, and investing. And if you’re lucky, you may even get to hear from a celebrity investor or two. A-rod anyone?
Networking Opportunities
Networking is a key aspect of any conference, and real estate investor conferences are no exception. I believe your network is directly correlated with your net worth. Look for conferences that offer opportunities to connect with other attendees, such as networking events, roundtable discussions, and informal after-conference gatherings. This is a great chance to meet new people, exchange ideas, and make connections that can help you grow your real estate portfolio. And who knows, you may make that one connection that 10x’s your investment in the conference.
Reputation and Organization
The reputation of the conference and its organizer is important to consider. Look for conferences that have a strong reputation for delivering high-quality content and providing valuable opportunities for learning and networking. Conferences that have been around for a while and have a history of successful events are often a good bet. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to attend a conference that’s brought to you by the guy who couldn’t even plan a successful office potluck.
Cost and Value
Last but not least, consider the cost of the conference and what you’ll get in return. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that you get what you pay for. Look for conferences that offer good value for money, with a range of opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development. And if you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of great conferences out there that won’t break the bank.
Wrapping It All Up
When choosing a real estate investor conference, it’s important to consider your goals, location, speaker lineup, networking opportunities, reputation of the conference and organizer, and cost and value for money. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to select a conference that meets your needs and provides valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth in the world of real estate investment. Once you have these parameters figured out, a directed google search or reaching out to someone who can help point you in the right direction will go a long way in finding the right conference. So go ahead, find a conference that’s right for you, and let the good times (and investment opportunities) roll!