Hosting events, such as one listed on this updated list of the top real estate conferences is one of the best ways for real estate agencies and realtors to get their names out there. Whether it’s to attract new clients, build brand awareness, generate referrals, give back to your community, or thank previous clients, events are sure to boost your profile and possibly your sales, too. 

That said, preparation is everything in terms of planning a real estate event. This article outlines the steps you need to host a successful real estate event.

1. Think ‘Why’

Before you start planning your real estate event, you need to identify the purpose or reason you're hosting the event and your desired outcome. The possible real estate event purposes include the following:

• Community events

• Seminars and educational events

• Charity

• Client appreciation events

• Promoting new listings

• Holidays 

Ultimately, hosting events will allow you to expand your real estate brand, deepen connections, nurture leads, attract and convert new prospects, and close transactions. 

2. Set A Budget

Hosting an event won’t be cheap. From the venues and vendors to the strategies you employ to get the word out and even after-event follow-ups, there will be significant costs involved. 

That said, setting a budget for your real estate events is critical in determining the success of your event. It allows you to better control how much you spend and measure its success on your ROI.  Considering a laptop rental for your real estate event can be a smart move, especially for seminars and educational events, providing attendees with the necessary technology to engage and interact effectively

Organize and record your major expenses into a spreadsheet to make sure that you budgeting correctly. Also by recording all your expenses, you’ll be able to calculate your loss and profit.

3. Find A Good Location

According to Victory Offices, one of the most reliable providers of unique lounges, spaces, and corporate venues Melbourne has to offer, location can make or break your real estate events. You want to make sure that the location you choose is accessible to your attendees and that there’s enough room for everyone to socialize and enjoy the event comfortably. 

When looking for a venue, consider the following factors:

• Capacity

• Ease of parking

• Available technology

• Overall ambiance

Remember, the event location represents your real estate brand. So, make sure to choose the right one that fits your brand. 

In addition, the type of event you host should determine the type of venue you choose. For instance, if you’re having a real estate seminar you need to look for venues with workshop-style seating with good sounds and audio equipment like in a hotel conference center or meeting room. For a more casual event like a thank-you dinner party or holiday event, having it in a restaurant or bar could be ideal. 

4. Identify Your Audience

How you curate your lists of invitees will impact the overall success of your real estate event. Once again, you’ll have to go back to the purpose of your event to determine the kind of audience you need to invite. 

For instance, if you’re hosting a charity event, you want to invite people who could be potential donors such as landlords, business owners, or past clients who purchase high-priced homes. Also, it wouldn’t make sense to invite your past clients to come to a first-time homebuyers seminar. 

That said, it’s important to invite more people than you expect. This is because not everyone you invite will be able to attend. And even if they promise to attend, situations can easily change their answer. Also, consider giving your invites a plus-one or two. This is a win-win situation since your invitees won’t have to attend alone while allowing you to expand exposure. 

5. Hire The Right Vendors

Reliable vendors can help support the success of your real estate event. Thus, it’s important to stress accountability and punctuality with your third-party vendors. Look for the necessary licenses, if necessary, and ask for references and verify them. 

In general, some of the vendors you’ll need include the following:

• Catering, food, and beverage services

• Videographers and photographers

• Sound and lighting services

• Security and event attendant

• Seminar Tables

Gearing up properly for your real estate event will set you and your guests up for a successful experience. Alamo City event organizers are always on the lookout for reliable table and chair rentals in San Antonio to ensure all their guests are comfortable during the event. Having reliable vendors can also help ensure everything runs smoothly and professionally.

6. Promote 

The most important element of your real estate event is your attendees. While you may have already identified your target audience, it’s time to send invites. Mine your database and send out email invites to targeted invites and past clients as appropriate. 

Also, there’s no shortage of outlets you can use in spreading the word about your event. Here are some ways to promote your real estate event:

• Using your own blog and website

• A press release sent to your local media

• Social media channels

• Print ads and digital ads

• Signage at your office, the location of the event, and in your partner’s offices

Make sure to include all key details about the event including the time, date, location, and how to register. 

Take Away

And there you have it! Hosting a real estate event can be daunting. But with the above event planning checklist, you’ll be able to host an effective real estate event that meets your goals and objectives—whether that’s to generate leads, get your real estate brand out there, or simply give back to the community.