Over the past few days, I have been reading tons of updates from my friends who are attending the NAR conference in San Diego. Of course, I expected this, since I probably know several hundred of the attendees by now. I came within a hair of attending myself, then I decided that I didn't want to leave my wife alone with four kids for a week.
However, I do want to attend some conferences and events in 2010, in order to bring my social media efforts to "real life" meetings. During my time blogging and interacting online via the mainstays of new media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.), it seems like I get invited to an event every few weeks.
Here's what I have in mind for 
2010 at this point:
I will be attending the South by Southwest Interactive Festival in mid-March - it's local, so that seems easy enough. I'll probably go ahead and splurge and attend some of the Film part, too, since it just seems just plain cool to me. I would do the music part, but as I am approaching 40, I have come to realize that live music isn't really my thing anymore, unless it's a big-name band that I have loved for years (think U2) or something more mellow (think acoustic).
Many of my friends will be attending the RE TechSouth event in the Atlanta area in late March, including Ken Cook (my radio co-host) and Jeremy Blanton. Since they have both become good friends, I would like to meet them in person and I have heard great things about this conference from several sources. I plan to be there.
I am strongly considering going to the NAR mid-year conference in May in Washington, DC. Even if I don't attend the event, I think we will make a trip to that area as a family. I have never been, nor have my kids. There are a number of things I would like to see, most notably the Smithsonian, so we are likely going. My wife is already excited about this one.
Lastly, since next year's big NAR conference is in New Orleans, this is a no-brainer for me. I have been to New Orleans several times, though it's been about 20 years since my last visit, if memory serves. That is an easy drive - I will be there, too.
I have a feeling that someone will be organizing at least one RE Barcamp in Texas in 2010 - if so, count me in. I don't know that I have time to be the primary organizer, but I would love to attend, and I would be happy to help promote it, too. :-)
I hope to have the chance to meet many of you in the upcoming year. One of my friends told me awhile back that I am a "super-networker". If this is indeed true, the time has come for me to put those skills to use!
Thanks for reading, as always.
Photo credit: Jeff Turner (I'm in the picture - can you find me?)
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One of my friends told me awhile back that I am a "super-networker". If this is indeed true
No doubt about it. It's true!
Hey Jason,
The hotel which usually hosts the NAR mid year meetings is within walking distance of the National Zoo at Woodley Park. Look into commuting around by Metro since there is a stop very close to there.
Rich
Jason, A man after my own heart. Mixing business with pleasure. While my wife is still a bit bewildered by the concept I don't seem to be able to help myself. All The Best.
I'd love to attend the ReBar in NYC and hopefully the RETechSouth conference. Hopefully I'll get to use my networking skills and see you there!
By the way, if you've not taken the kids to DC (or ever been there yourself), that one is a must do.
Stay just outside of DC and take the Metro in every day. It'll save you a boatload of money.
This is certainly the time to plan for the coming year. I'm sure that it can be difficult though at times when you have a young family to take care of.
RE TechSouth event in the Atlanta area in late March, including Ken Cook (my radio co-host) and Jeremy Blanton.
Have you ever attended this event? Is it worth the $149.00? This is just a hop, skip and a jump away from me so I am thinking about going. Thanks for the blog, I didn't even know about this.
Hopefully I'll get to see you at one of these events. I love NO, it was my all time best vacation with my husband... and our car broke down and it was still the all time best vacation.
I adore New Orleans as well. I'm off to new Orleans in February for the Keller Williams Family Reunion and frankly I can't wait!
The Re-tech South even in Atlanta sounds interesing.
You can't attend them all. When would have time to sell real estate?
Love to go to RETech South as well as SXSW - can't plan that far in advance but I'd like to make "ALL of the Above" + Inman Connect NY
Hi Jason, having lived in Austin, SXSW was always a favorite time of year for me. It always brought the most interesting people to Austin!
June - I have not attended this event yet, but several friends and people I respect have recommended it to me.
My goodness and I am in the midst of planning for 2010 so here are my must go to's
Thats it so far as I have just started my event planning. Thanks for the nudge to think about this one!!
Jason - Since visiting the ActiveRain lounge in San Diego and meeting Brad I am anxiously considering the RainCamp and Inman New's Real Estate Connection NYC 2010. Unless maybe there is a RainCamp closer.
I may catch you in DC for the Mid-Years.
I am planning the CRS Sellabration in Las Vegas in July
And of-course New Orleans for NAR in November
I guess I never thougth about that kind of a list. My list is for family and recreation. Of course, my age may have something to do about that.
I am traveling to several states to take CRS classes along with NAR next year. I like the CRS classes because they always lead to referrals. So I go to states that are most likely to have people coming my way.
"I am approaching 40,"
Jason Crouch
tAt twenty years of age the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment.
Benjamin Franklin
Hey Jason,
Good stuff, btw I was at NAR myself this year. RebarcampSD was the best I've attended so far, I think I've been to 4 others around the state. It was especially good to meet so many Rainers from the east coast this time around.
Inman in S.F. was pretty good too this year. However the best event I attended in 2008 (by far) was BlogWorld in Vegas.
Hope to see you and others in the "Big Easy" next year, it's one of my favs.
You have a green shirt on in the front by the window right? I feel like I'm playing Where's Waldo? :-)
Thanks for the smiles...
Hey Jason -
I hope you do make it to Washington, it makes for a great family outing. If you come I am offering now to give you a personally guided tour of the Vietnam and Korean Memorials and Arlington Cemetery. The Smithsonian is actually a group of individual museums - pick one, like American History. They are huge and can take all day. Skip the Spy Museum. Arrange a tour of the Capitol from your Congressman - living history. Maybe do a tour by Segway? Oh, you can also take flying trapezee lessons in the middle of the city too.
So, who has time for NAR?
Michael in Alexandria - Northern Virginia's Best Small City
Jason,
Re: I came within a hair of attending myself, then I decided that I didn't want to leave my wife alone with four kids for a week
You rock. Seriously.
Come to DC !!! Make a vacation out of it. Then make sure you hit Pat Kennedy and I up for lunch!
Jason,
Thank you for the look ahead. I am definitely looking forward to the REBar Camp in Charlotte next year.
Thanks for the rundown on what will be some of the top events for Realtors in 2010. I also agree that since social networking has taken a forefront as a form of networking it is still very important to get face to face time.
Jason-if you are headed to the DC area this spring please let us know. We have a great bunch of AR members here and we would love to show you the city and get to meet you in person!
Hope to see you in Atlanta in March - that's all the planning I can do at the moment!
Jason, great planning. I am aiming for NAR in N.O. How lucky for you that you can drive!
Jason, I've been so bad about traveling lately.... I need to get out more! I plan to go somewhere for the new CDPE class, but unsure when and where yet... I would love to meet up somewhere & finally meet you.