Why is the Virginia Association of REALTORS meeting in Maryland?
June 19, 2008
In a comment to a previous post, Phyllis Papkin asks why VAR is meeting in Maryland. That’s a very good question…
VAR’s Convention & Expo 2008 marks the final year of a policy adopted by our policy board several years ago that says VAR’s Convention & Expo will be in-state two years and out-of-state (within reasonable driving distance) the next. The purpose of that policy when it was adopted reflected the will of those members who actually attended Convention; surveys showed they preferred the occasional out-of-state location. It was also a strategic move that acknowledged that if we wanted other states to site their convention in Virginia, we should occasionally site ours in theirs (in recent years, North Carolina, NAR and Tennessee have hosted events in our state).
Our record since adopting the policy shows that our conventions are not as well attended when we’re out-of-state, although we’re actually 13 percent ahead of our registration pace compared to last year, as of July 30. However, as you’d expect, the hotel contracts for events the size of ours are signed well in advance of the actual year of the event, and we committed to Baltimore awhile back.
That’s why a working group was empanelled last year to evaluate and recommend changes to our convention siting method and schedule in hopes of attracting significantly larger numbers of our members to the event — by making it more convenient, attractive and affordable. That group continues its work, and we expect to have their final recommendations this September. Their interim reports, which have been accepted by our policy board, show that states that hold their convention in the same in-state location at the same general time each year tend to have a larger percentage of our membership attend; their final recommendations may include adopting such a plan. At a minimum, it’s unlikely that we’ll continue to have VAR conventions out-of-state on any regular basis after this year.
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11 Responses to “Why is the Virginia Association of REALTORS meeting in Maryland?”
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VAR's Convention & Expo Experience
Thanks for the thorough explanation. At least I know there was reason behind going to Baltimore.
If our office is any indication, this was a huge faux pas.
We will not be attending.
Jay…..
faux pas = “a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion.” (dictionary.com)
My understanding is that Baltimore was selected several years ago as the site for the 2008 convention by a diverse group of Realtor leaders from across the state. Given the fact that it was planned so intentionally, by a group of people from across the state, it wouldn’t seem like a “slip” or “blunder” to me.
Regardless, I’m sorry to hear that you won’t be attending the VAR convention — and I hope it isn’t just because you perceive the location to be inappropriate. I have always found the annual convention to be a great opportunity for education and networking!
A convention for a state organization out of state is definitely NOT smart. That’s a long trip for those in the southern portion of the state and now the tourism dollars that would otherwise support VA will go towards MD. Brilliant. And Baltimore? At least do it in a city that is a nice change of pace for people and fun like Miami or Vegas.
Jamie — will you be able to make it to the conference this year?
Take it from a past Chair of the Maryland’s convention, you have a dynamite program! For those saying it’s too far, etc..make it your business. This IS your business. Treat it like one. You have some terrific programs this year.Wow! And your price for ALL these events, hey, you can’t beat it. Enjoy!
Vivian, thanks for the words of support. I hope you’ll stop by if you can! We’ll make you an honorary Virginian for the day!
I hope I can make it this time around. I have always wanted to join the others to meet other Realtors in my field but never had the chance to go. The Market is not to good so money is tight right now with the price of Gas but I will try and see if I can make it. I will keep my fingers crossed.
I AM GLAD SOMEBODY WAS CARING AND SMART ENOUGH TO INQUIRE AS TO HOW WE FELT!
THIS IS A DEPARTURE FROM THE USUAL ATTITUDE (AND SEEN AT RAR) AND IS A GREAT STEP FORWARD!
I WILL NOT BE GOING, ALTHOUGH SOME OF THE PRESENTATIONS SOUND VERY INTERESTING. I ALWAYS TRY TO CATCH LEM MARSHALL WHEN HE IS APPEARING LOCALLY, AS HE MAKES SENSE AND KNOWS HIS FIELD.
I am delighted that VAR is having the convention in Baltimore. After attending the MAR convention this week in Ocean City, I am looking forward to comparing the two.. Please let me know if I can help you while in Baltimore. Being born in Virginia, does that qualify me for special treatment?
I’m excited about attending the convention in Baltimore. Rumor has it that the convention may be moved to a permanent location for future years. I hope this isn’t the case! I like the diverse locations!