Future of Real estate summit 2024
Together as One
Austin, Texas | April 2024
Event Metrics
Number of Attendees: 400
Number of Sponsors: 31
Number of Staff: 110
Event Length: 3 Days (Collaborate, Innovate, Operate)
Number of Sessions: 40+
Budget: $900K
Forecasted Pipeline: $22MM
Guest Satisfaction Rate: 93%
Themes and Design
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Rare Solar Eclipse
The event aligned with the 2024 solar eclipse. Email marketing and ticket sales promotions utilized the phenomena to build excitement and urgency while design was inspired by it. Colored gradients against circular imagery was used both digitally and physically to highlight the spectacular moment.
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"Together as One"
Technological advancements have ushered in a new age of structured data and a fully connected transaction bringing all those in the transaction closer together. This theme aligns with the industry trends and our product goals of connectivity.
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"Connectivity"
This reoccurring FORES theme highlights goals to bring efficiencies to a disjointed industry while simultaneously working to build a community that solves it’s problems together. Highlighted by the cube like designs and representative icons with a motion graphic of the pieces coming together. Visually meeting as one object
Session Highlights
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This roundtable offers a practical exploration of artificial intelligence. Guests will engage in discussions on real-world AI implementations, share success stories, and discuss challenges encountered when integrating AI into various aspects of their businesses.
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As a leading tech investor, Bill was one of the first to identify and invest in game changing innovations in many sectors, such as Zillow on the Real Estate sector and Uber on the transportation sector. This session will feature a fireside chat with Nate Baker where Bill will share what he sees happening in the Real Estate technology landscape. Bill will go over some of the biggest opportunities in the sector and where the industry is evolving over time.
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Join Matthew Luhn, Award Winning Filmmaker, Director, and Former Lead Storyteller and Animator at Pixar Studios for our Closing Innovate Session.
You may not recognize Matthew Luhn’s name, but you definitely know his work: The Simpsons, Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, Monsters Inc., Monsters University, Finding Nemo, Cars, Up, and Ratatouille. Luhn will share invaluable insights on innovation, adopting new technology, and differentiating your company in today’s competitive business landscape.
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Technology provides a powerful opportunity to drive organizational efficiency and expand teams' capabilities. In this session, members of Qualia's Professional Services Team will discuss how to effectively manage change and win staff buy-in to ensure the successful adoption of new tools and systems.
Engaging Activations
Eclipse Welcome Party
Guests were greeted at the conference with an invitation to the Eclipse "Texas Tailgate" Viewing Party. There, they could savor eclipse-themed refreshments like moon pies, engage in networking, and as a community await the rare occurrence of a full solar eclipse in a transformed parking lot ambiance complete with tents, turf, Adirondack chairs and a 1969 refurbished teal truck.
Success Bar
Similar to a Genius bar, guests have the opportunity to walk up and connect in person with customer success managers for one-on-one discussions about product queries and issues. Meeting zones were strategically arranged in a central location, with illuminated circular disks hovering above to attract attention and continuing our thematic designs of round edges.
Hackathon
Guests gain insight into the engineering process through a Live Hackathon. Before the event, guests can submit ideas for the hackathon and at the event engage directly with engineers at the Hackathon Booth to inquire about their work. During the Product Keynote, engineers showcase their creations from the day on the main stage. Always a popular session!
Charity Activation
Incorporating giving back is crucial. Each year, I refined an initiative called "Connecting Through Good Deeds," which combines fun activities, community engagement, and charitable giving. This year's event, in support of one of our primary association partner's foundations, featured Rubik's Cubes and sponsor involvement, resulting in a fundraising total of just under $2,000.
Blizzard BreaK
At the end of a lengthy day, offering a sweet treat can be the perfect pick-me-up to energize guests before the final session. As a delightful surprise and a nod to the CEO's first job, hundreds of mini Blizzards from Dairy Queen are brought in. The vibrant red spoons never fail to make mouths water.
Receptions & Entertainment
Following my analysis of previous survey data, we reevaluated our strategy for "Household Name" Keynotes and Entertainment. Budget cuts were implemented because these paid acts weren't boosting ticket sales and could create negative perceptions about fund allocation priorities in a tenuous market. The keynote speaker strategy shifted to prioritize individuals with compelling stories and recognizable brands, while for entertainment, we showcased the musical talents of our own staff!
Sponsorship Sales
While many event marketing initiatives are a team effort, I handled sponsorship sales independently, managing everything from designing packages and pricing to align with logistical and financial objectives. This involved generating leads, creating content to demonstrate value to both longstanding and new partners, and supporting sponsors through the entire process via email communication and digital tools for contracting and payments. Additionally, I served as the main point of contact during events, ensuring sponsors had a seamless experience. My strength lies in building lasting, meaningful relationships with partners.
Packages included varying amounts or options for:
Ticket(s) to the event
Turnkey Exhibit or Lounge with “take home” backdrop
Ads or branding in emails, online and/(or) onsite
Access to the attendee list
Sales Data Points
Total Number of Sponsors: 31
54% Closed Won Rate
11 First-Time Sponsors & 20 Legacy Sponsors
22% Churn Rate from the previous event
Average Deal Cycle: 50 Days
Longest Deal Cycle: 151 Days
Total Revenue: $202K
Down 20% from previous event due to market conditions variation
