Convention: Schedule of Events

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Time
Speaker(s)
Location
11:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Pickleball Tournament

Separate registration required

Convention registration is not required to participate.

PickleBall Tournament Learn More image

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Time
Speaker(s)
Location
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Registration Open
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
NC REALTORS® Executive Committee Meeting

The Executive Committee is a committee of the NC REALTORS® Board of Directors, and may, with a few important exceptions, act on behalf of the Board of Directors. Except for responsibilities specifically given to the Board of Directors or may otherwise be provided by law, the Executive Committee has authority to act for the Board of Directors and reports any and all matters executed by the Committee at the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

Convention registration required to attend.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Expo Open

Connect with industry vendors showcasing products and services designed to support your everyday business needs.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Concession available in Expo

Convention registration required to attend.

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
General Membership Meeting |Awards | 2026 Leadership Academy Graduation

Convention registration required to attend.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Attendees On Own for Lunch

Lunch Concession available in Expo

Show Your Badge Discount Program

Find exclusive deals and savings while exploring with the Show Your Badge program. Present your event badge at any of the participating businesses or, where applicable, enter the code for online purchases to receive great deals and discounts on your adventures during the Convention.

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Team 27 Lunch

By invitation only

1:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Convention Education

Individual session information coming soon.

Convention registration required to attend.

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Opening Session | REALTOR® of the Year Presentation | Keynote Address

Keynote Address from Brittany Hodak
Creating Superfans: How to Turn Customers Into Lifelong Advocates
The Convention kicks off with keynote speaker Brittany Hodak, an award-winning entrepreneur and customer experience expert known for helping businesses build loyal superfans. In today’s Experience Economy, customer loyalty is built through meaningful connections and memorable experiences. Through inspiring stories, real-world examples, and practical strategies, this high-energy keynote explores how elevating everyday interactions can strengthen relationships, build trust, and turn clients into lifelong advocates for your business.

Convention registration required to attend.

Speaker: Brittany Hodak
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Opening Reception

Convention registration required to attend.

Friday, October 9, 2026

Time
Speaker(s)
Location
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Registration Open
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Expo Open

Connect with industry vendors showcasing products and services designed to support your everyday business needs.

Convention registration required to attend.

9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
REAL Talk | Get Sticky

Big goals do not stick without a plan. The Get Sticky™ Framework helps professionals move from good intentions to real results, even in a workplace shaped by automation and AI. Discover how clarity, discipline, and small, consistent actions can cut through the noise, keep you moving when motivation fades, and turn everyday effort into lasting success.

Convention registration required to attend.

9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
REAL Talk | Hook, Line & Sinker

Social media attention spans are short, and first impressions matter. This session explores how REALTORS® can create engaging reels and short-form video content that capture attention, build trust, and turn views into real business.

Convention registration required to attend.

9:35 AM - 10:00 AM
REAL Talk | Burnout Is Not a Business Plan

Burnout is common in high-pressure leadership roles, but sustainable success starts with understanding how stress impacts both the mind and body. This session explores practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing burnout, and creating healthier habits that support long-term personal and professional growth.

Convention registration required to attend.

9:35 AM - 10:05 AM
Roundtable | Beyond Your Market

This interactive roundtable brings REALTORS® from across North Carolina together to build referral connections, exchange ideas, discuss market trends, and connect with professionals from markets across the state.

Brought to you by the NC REALTORS® YPN Committee.

Convention registration required to attend.

9:35 AM - 10:05 AM
REAL Talk | The BIC Agreement Playbook

Broker-in-Charge agreements are becoming an increasingly important part of brokerage operations. This session explores how effective agreements can help set expectations, strengthen professionalism, improve communication, and reduce potential issues before they arise.

Convention registration required to attend.

Speaker: John Wait
10:15 AM - 10:55 AM
Roundtable | Leading Through Hard Conversations

Difficult conversations are part of every real estate business, from client expectations and transactions to team dynamics and conflict. This interactive roundtable explores practical strategies for navigating challenging conversations with confidence, empathy, and professionalism while strengthening relationships and improving communication.

Convention registration required to attend.

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Panel | From AI to Acres: The Data Center Gold Rush

AI needs more than algorithms; it needs acres. This panel explores how the data center boom is transforming North Carolina’s land, infrastructure, and communities, and what it all means for the future of real estate.

Convention registration required to attend.

10:55 AM - 11:20 AM
REAL Talk | The Follow-Up Most Agents Never Do

Convention registration required to attend.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Roundtable | The AE Exchange

Association Executives are navigating more challenges, expectations, and leadership conversations than ever before. This interactive roundtable creates space for AEs to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, share strategies, and collaborate on the issues impacting local associations and leadership teams across North Carolina.

Convention registration required to attend.

11:15 AM - 11:55 AM
BICs at the Table

Convention registration required to attend.

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel | Brand Builders: The Social Media Panel

In today’s digital world, your online presence is often your first impression. This panel brings together REALTORS® and content creators who are building recognizable brands through social media, video content, and authentic engagement. Learn what is working right now and ways to turn visibility into real business growth.

Convention registration required to attend.

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Every Square Foot Matters

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s “Yellow Book” was recently updated. Join us as we address how important it is for REALTORS® and all agent to understand the key points to accurately measure, calculate, and report the square footage in residential properties and the duties the North Carolina Real Estate Commission is now emphasizing. This session will help to reduce your risk of costly misrepresentations.

Speaker: Vic Knight
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
AI: A Leader’s Friend Or Foe?

Is AI your workplace bestie, your biggest challenge, or a little of both? Explore the possibilities and pitfalls of AI while learning how to write better prompts, make smarter decisions, and create a balanced strategy for using AI confidently and responsibly.

Convention registration required to attend.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Convention Lunch

Join REALTORS® from across the state during a sit-down networking lunch and also take the time to walk around and visit Convention exhibitors.

Convention registration required to attend.

1:30 PM - 1:55 PM
REAL Talk | Built to Adapt

Mindset plays a powerful role in leadership, communication, and growth. This session combines research-backed insights with practical tools to help attendees better understand reactive thinking, overcome roadblocks, and build habits that support long-term adaptability and success.

Convention registration required to attend.

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
North Carolina on the GROW: An EDPNC Update

North Carolina is growing, and real estate is along for the ride. Get an inside look at new and expanding businesses, foreign investment trends, and the projects coming down the pipeline. Plus, discover what the state’s economic momentum means for both commercial and residential real estate.

Convention registration required to attend.

1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
Roundtable | What’s the Fix? Navigating Repair Requests

Repair requests can get complicated fast. Pull up a seat and share strategies, experiences, and practical tips for managing expectations, navigating negotiations, and keeping transactions moving toward the closing table.

Convention registration required to attend.

2:10 PM - 3:10 PM
Smart Tools, Clear Rules: Building Your Association’s AI Policy

AI is moving fast, but is your association policy keeping up? Explore essential guidelines for staff use, data privacy, accuracy, disclosure, copyright, and approved tools. Bring your current policy, if you have one, and leave ready to strengthen it or start building one from scratch.

Convention registration required to attend.

2:15 PM - 3:50 PM
Interactive Workshop | AI, But Make It Useful

AI is everywhere, but which tools actually make business easier? Roll up your sleeves for an interactive workshop exploring practical AI tools that can save time, simplify everyday tasks, and boost productivity. Through guided activities and real-world applications, you’ll discover how to put AI to work in your business right away.

Convention registration required to attend.

Speaker: Craig Grant
2:25 PM - 3:05 PM
Roundtable | What Do I Even Post?

Running out of content ideas? You are not alone. This interactive roundtable brings REALTORS® together to share creative content ideas, discuss what is actually working online, and exchange strategies for building visibility, strengthening connections, and growing business through social media.

Convention registration required to attend.

3:20 PM - 4:00 PM
Talk Legal To Me: What’s Really Ringing the Hotline?

Curious what legal issues REALTORS® are calling about the most? This session breaks down the top five questions hitting the Legal Hotline and why they matter to your day-to-day business. Get straight answers, real-world examples, and practical tips to help you avoid risk and stay compliant, because when it comes to legal pitfalls, what you don’t know can hurt you.

Convention registration required to attend.

Speaker: John Wait
3:25 PM - 3:55 PM
Ask An Appraiser

Convention registration required to attend.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Global CIPS Pinning Networking Event

Convention registration required to attend.

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
PAC Major Investor Event

By invitation only

Convention registration required to attend.

Location: Platform ABCD, aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, 501 Nutt St., Wilmington, NC 28401
Platform ABCD, aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, 501 Nutt St., Wilmington, NC 28401

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Time
Speaker(s)
Location
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Registration Open
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Expo Open

Connect with industry vendors showcasing products and services designed to support your everyday business needs.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Concession available in Expo

Convention registration required to attend.

9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
REAL Talk | BICs, Budgets & Bottom Lines

Running a successful brokerage means keeping a close eye on the bottom line. This fast-paced session gives BICs and team leaders a practical look at budgeting, revenue forecasting, expense management, and the financial decisions that support sustainable growth.

Convention registration required to attend.

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Idea Exchange | Where Everybody Knows Your Name

You don’t need a barstool at Cheers to become someone everybody knows by name. Pull up a seat for this interactive idea exchange and discover how volunteering, networking, and authentic community involvement can build meaningful relationships, strengthen your reputation, and create long-term business growth.

Convention registration required to attend.

Speaker: Jonathan Moore
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
REAL Talk | Market Like a Rockstar

Big marketing does not require a headliner-sized budget. This fast-paced REAL Talk explores practical ways to build your brand, create engaging content, and connect with consumers through social media, video, and relationship-based marketing. Discover where to focus your time and money to get noticed without blowing the budget.

Convention registration required to attend.

Speaker: Craig Grant
9:40 AM - 10:20 AM
Deep Dive | Keys to Extra Income

Your next income opportunity may be hiding in the skills you already use every day. This session explores realistic side hustles that can complement your real estate career, diversify your earnings, and create new possibilities for growth.

Convention registration required to attend.

9:40 AM - 10:20 AM
Deep Dive | Wired for Trouble: Fraud, Funds & Cyber Coverage

Wire fraud can turn a closing into a crisis in seconds. Learn how wire transfers work, how scammers intercept transactions, and what steps can help protect your clients. Plus, discover why cyber liability insurance matters and what to consider when choosing a policy.

Convention registration required to attend.

Speaker: Craig Grant
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Idea Exchange | Oops…That Should’ve Been Disclosed

Convention registration required to attend.

10:25 AM - 11:20 AM
Roundtable | The AE Exchange

By Invitation Only

Exclusively for association executives, this interactive roundtable creates space to discuss today’s hot topics, exchange ideas, and share practical strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities facing local associations.

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Panel | The Room Where It Happens: The BIC Mindset

Behind every successful brokerage are the conversations, decisions, and challenges happening behind the scenes. This panel brings Brokers-in-Charge together to talk leadership, communication, problem-solving, and the realities of navigating today’s evolving real estate landscape.

Convention registration required to attend.

Speaker: Stephen Long
10:35 AM - 11:00 AM
REAL Talk | How a Form Becomes a Form

It starts with an idea, but how does it become an official form? Follow its journey through committees, debates, task forces, legal review, and final approval in this fast-paced look behind the scenes. Meet the people and processes shaping the forms North Carolina REALTORS® use every day.

Convention registration required to attend.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Roundtable | The Lease Made Me Do It

Property management always comes with a story. Join the Property Management Division for an interactive roundtable on leases, tenant and owner challenges, industry trends, and the everyday situations that keep property managers on their toes. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and learn from others working in the field.

Convention registration required to attend.

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
Idea Exchange | Keep It, Skip It, or Try It

With new apps, AI tools, and tech trends launching every day, what is actually worth your time? This fast-paced idea exchange explores the tools REALTORS® should keep using, skip altogether, or give a try. Share your favorites, vote along, and leave with practical tech ideas for marketing, follow-up, client communication, and productivity.

Convention registration required to attend.

11:25 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk Legal To Me: What’s Really Ringing the Hotline?

Curious what legal issues REALTORS® are calling about the most? This session breaks down the top five questions hitting the Legal Hotline and why they matter to your day-to-day business. Get straight answers, real-world examples, and practical tips to help you avoid risk and stay compliant, because when it comes to legal pitfalls, what you don’t know can hurt you.

Convention registration required to attend.

Speaker: John Wait
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Attendees on own for lunch

Lunch Concession available in Expo (Convention registration required to attend.)

Show Your Badge Discount Program

Find exclusive deals and savings while exploring with the Show Your Badge program. Present your event badge at any of the participating businesses or, where applicable, enter the code for online purchases to receive great deals and discounts on your adventures during the Convention.

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Treasurer's Forum

Convention registration required to attend.

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Regional Caucuses

Convention registration required to attend.

3:00 PM
Enjoy the city!

Show Your Badge Discount Program

Find exclusive deals and savings while exploring with the Show Your Badge program. Present your event badge at any of the participating businesses or, where applicable, enter the code for online purchases to receive great deals and discounts on your adventures during the Convention.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Economic Impact Walking Tour

By Invitation Only

Tour provided for the NC REALTORS® Commercial, Economic Development and Global Committee Members by Invitation only

Guided walking tour showcasing Wilmington’s transformative downtown development and the partnerships driving its continued growth. The tour begins with a short 3–4 block walk from the Wilmington Convention Center to Riverfront Park, one of the city’s newest public spaces. Opened in 2021, the park features a Live Nation-managed amphitheater that has become a major entertainment destination, generating increased tourism, sales, and room occupancy tax revenue for the region.

From there, participants will walk through an emerging redevelopment district between Skyline Center and the new New Hanover County Public Library and Cape Fear Museum. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s vision for future growth through collaboration with private property owners and long-range redevelopment planning.

The tour concludes at the library and museum, where you’ll hear how a successful public-private partnership transformed a county-owned block while preserving public parking and creating opportunities for future mixed-use development.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to see how strategic investments, public-private partnerships, and thoughtful planning are shaping Wilmington’s economy and creating a vibrant future for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The tour covers approximately 1 mile at a relaxed pace.

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
PAC Local Association Event | Easy Lift Challenge Reception

By invitation only

Convention registration required to attend.

Location: Convention Center Event Lawn | Weather Backup - Expo Hall
Convention Center Event Lawn | Weather Backup - Expo Hall

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Time
Speaker(s)
Location
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Registration Open
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
NC REALTORS® Board of Directors Meeting

All corporate powers are exercised by or under the authority of, and the affairs of the Association managed under the direction of, the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors administers the finances of the Association and has sole authority to appropriate money. The Board of Directors also approves the Association’s Strategic Plan, annual budget, and any amendments to the Bylaws.

Convention registration required to attend.

NC REALTORS® is dedicated to environmental improvements that foster a sustainable future. View our sustainable practices for this event.