Staying curious, adopting change and adapting as innovation takes hold in a rapidly changing world, were the driving themes of the multi-day RE/MAX RMX24 conference held last week on July 24 and 25, RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
The value of the client experience was celebrated throughout the event, which brought together the network of real estate professionals, industry partners and keynote speakers providing valuable insight.
Welcoming more than 160 members from across the country, RE/MAX Australia Managing Director, Joel Davoren, encouraged members to ‘stay curious’ in a changing industry.
“As we come together as a network, I encourage you to think about whether you’re watching the tide or the waves when it comes to our industry,” Mr Davoren said, encouraging members to consider taking the road less travelled, and over the course of the event slow down and take in the information shared and how it may influence the future of their business.
“Stay curious, get used to change.
“Consider, if not you then who? If not now then when?”
And consider the network did.
Through expert speakers and thoughtful conversations with leaders within the network, the overarching importance of focussing on the client experience, while embracing the digital experience and rapid growth of AI, were hot topics.
Trust versus transaction and focussing on actions not outcomes was the message from opening keynote speaker Justin Nickerson.
His advice was well received as he stressed the importance of listening to understand and not just to respond, in order to build trust quickly.
Energy in the room was high as he left guests to ponder, “People won’t remember what you say or do, but they will remember how you made them feel”.
Offering their unique experiences as agents, both from an organisational perspective and through personal connection, Kathy Sweeney, Stuart Legg and Fraser Evans each took to the stage respectfully during the morning’s Sales Max Talks.
Donna Starkins, Karissa Tigges and Jackie Hardstaff highlighted the Property Management Max Talks.
Day one’s afternoon sessions included commentary with Sales Breakouts from Camden Gale, Chris Wease, and Leanne Bojarski; Property Management breakout was held by business coach Vasili Hadzellis, from Core Property Management Consulting Australia.
Bursting on to the stage for the final session of the day, keynote speaker, Gus Balbontin, had members considering the future, with insightful reflection and forecast into the world of AI, encouraging exposure to the discomfort of innovation to help prepare for the future and not get left behind.
“When was the last time you used courage, you did something you’ve never done before?” Mr Balbontin asked.
“Sometimes we can be stuck in the momentum of doing things over and over, make sure it is in the right direction.
“Businesses behave as a result of the behaviour of the people; be autonomous and encourage change and opportunities to explore.”
RE/MAX Australia Operations Director, Josh Davoren, welcomed members to day two, sharing the network is in an exciting place in terms of growth, driven by those within.
“Our values and beliefs drive our business,” he said.
Joel Davoren took to the stage to share insight into industry voice REIP, welcoming Andrew Freibe, REIP Nexus, who reiterated that real estate is about people and the human interaction, with technology allowing the opportunity and processes to enable a better experience.
The thought-provoking, Simon Pressley, delved into the data behind the facts, imploring members to be mindful of questions posed and look to evidence-based information.
“There is a big difference between an opinion and a fact,” he said.
“We can all have an opinion, it does not mean it is right.”
Josh Cobb provided an engaging look into the world of AI, considering it the ultimate speed advantage and viewing it as an advantage to allow more time for human interaction.
Mr Cobb encouraged members to experiment with eyes open, and be prepared for discomfort to avoid being left behind.
“AI won’t replace agents, but agents using AI will,” he concluded.
Completing the speaker program and delving into the neuroscience of resilience and performance was Kristen Hansen, providing practical advice and consideration to best capitalise on the brain’s functioning, by being present and mindful.
With final words to round out RMX24, Joel Davoren reflected on the many experiences, insights and perspectives, encouraging RE/MAX members to continue to prove “There’s no one way to success in our industry”.
RE/MAX Australia also chose the event to announce its six-monthly awards, recognising the performance of the network’s members in the period January-June 2024.
The top business performance in commission and transactions for the first six months of 2024 was RE/MAX Bayside-Results, the multi-office business headed by Hayley Van de Ven.
Morningside’s Kylee Harnisch, from RE/MAX Bayside-Result,s was named the number one individual for commissions and transactions.
The Jacqui Walker Team, from RE/MAX Success in Toowoomba, was named the network’s top team for transactions and commission.
Wagga’s RE/MAX Elite, owned by Nicole Kemp, Rod Whealing and Jenna Pollard, was named the top office for property management net growth.
Toukley’s RE/MAX Pamilya Properties, owned by Corrinne Intia, was named the top office for property management percentage growth.
Celebrating another milestone achievement, RE/MAX Australia welcomed the network’s charity partner Make-A-Wish Australia to RMX24, with a special acknowledgement of their 10-year partnership, which has helped raise much needed funds toward helping Wish Kids across the country.
