6 Helpful Tips for R4 Attendees From R4 Attendees

Each year, RE/MAX affiliates from all around the world come together for the RE/MAX R4 – an invigorating event designed for business-building, learning, networking, and connecting with all things RE/MAX.

The 2023 RE/MAX R4 will take place at the MGM Grand Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 27-March 1. The RE/MAX network is buzzing with excitement – the upcoming event will celebrate 50 years of RE/MAX.

Whether affiliates have gone for years or are attending for the first time, they’re sure to come away with valuable information and lasting friendships – especially if they apply some strategies.

Heading to R4? Check out these tips and tricks from experts.

1. Meet as many people as possible

What better way to expand a referral network than to meet thousands of RE/MAX affiliates by attending classes and events together?

“Get out of your comfort zone and sit with new people at every opportunity,” says Lisa Harris, an agent with RE/MAX Center in Braselton, Georgia. “Focus on having meaningful conversations to make this time count. Try to attend different meet and greets dedicated to your similar interests and designations.”

Harris also recommends networking with others online, like joining the R4 Facebook group, ahead of the event to start the camaraderie in advance. If traveling to R4 with others – including a team or office – expert attendees recommend branching out to meet new faces.

“Don’t hang out with your office all week. You can hang out with them at home,” shares Colleen Collier, an agent with RE/MAX Plus in Buffalo, New York, who will be attending her 11th R4 in 2023. “If you’re meeting a group of people and you’re with three people from your office, you have only a one-third chance of being a new connection’s referral partner.”

Multiple agents recommend attending Tuesday’s Global Referral Exchange, an event dedicated to meeting RE/MAX affiliates from other countries, embracing cultures, and securing referral partners all over the world.

The chance to connect, however, doesn’t stop when the convention ends.

“Follow-up after R4 is important, too!” says Cyndi Cobb, an agent with RE/MAX Southern Shores in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “My new R4 contacts go into my database and I keep in touch with them throughout the year.”

2. Be comfortable going alone

“One of the misconceptions agents have is that they need to know people before they get to R4,” Collier says. “But they don’t – because the RE/MAX community is so welcoming. You can make friends from talking to a RE/MAX agent in the elevator. Or even just grabbing lunch in the food court. When someone is randomly looking for a spot, be like, “Hey, I’ve got an extra seat here if you want to join me!'”

Other agents who have attended R4 alone agree.

“I went alone to the 2021 R4 and it was a blast! You are never alone with our RE/MAX family,” says Stacy McClure, an agent with RE/MAX Unlimited in Huntsville, Alabama.

3. Understand the schedule in advance

“Download the R4 app to have the schedule of activities at your fingertips,” Cobb says.

From speaker sessions to classes to social events to awards ceremonies, the R4 agenda is packed. It’s best to take a close look at the schedule in advance and make a tentative plan.

“I’ve attended R4 every year since 2014 and I always arrive early to attend a class. Some of my best networking has come from meeting other global RE/MAX agents during these certifications since they’re smaller and more intimate classes focused on like-minded goals and interests,” Harris says. “Last year, I attended the Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) course, and this year I’m looking forward to the Pricing Strategies Advisor (PSA) course and learning more about MAX/Tech powered by kvCORE.”

At R4, Harris points out, there is something for everyone on the schedule. Cobb adds a few other parts of the itinerary she found especially compelling while attending her first R4 in 2022.

“Find classes that resonate with your needs, ask questions, and be sure to say who you are and what market you are from,” Cobb says. “And don’t miss any of the keynote events. They are full of top industry talent and worth every minute you spend there.”

She continues, “MarketPlace is a great place to talk to suppliers – and many have specials to take advantage of. It’s a chance to get some help with tech and of course meet more agents. Be sure to go there more than once.”

4. Wear comfortable shoes

One of the main tips past attendees have for making the most of R4? Wear comfortable footwear. The MGM Grand Resort and Casino – home of the 2023 RE/MAX R4 – is expansive in itself. But attendees also venture out to see the sites and meet up with fellow RE/MAX affiliates all over town.

“[Bring] different shoes. Even the most comfortable ones will feel awful after a couple of days,” says Tatiana Castro, manager of RE/MAX Panama.

Harris, too, stresses the importance of proper footwear.

“Expect to get your steps in and be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. Break them in before you arrive!” she says.

5. Plan ahead for coffee

Many agents rely on a cup of coffee to start their day. In as busy a location as Las Vegas, attaining a morning brew can mean waiting in long lines.

“You’ll wake up bright and early to find that it’s difficult to find coffee. Most hotels in Las Vegas don’t have coffee pots in the rooms, so I always pack a small one-cup coffee maker so it’s easy to make coffee or tea while working on early morning offers,” Harris says.

6. Pack marketing essentials, like business cards

“Bring twice as many business cards as you think you will need. This will be the biggest R4 so far,” advises Castro.

Instead of paper business cards, many RE/MAX affiliates create a digital contact page that scans by QR code for easy info-swapping.

“I passed out regular business cards in 2022, but I’ll try having a Blinq or QR code in 2023,” Cobb says. 

In addition, attendees often bring other forms of marketing to swap with new connections they make – like stickers and trinkets.

“Consider bringing memorable marketing products to exchange,” Harris says. “Some of my favorites include cell phone accessories or local things specific to your market.” 

Looking for more information about the 2023 RE/MAX R4? Check out the event agenda details and register today.

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