Commercial Investment Real Estate is the magazine of the CCIM Institute, the leading provider of commercial real estate education. CIRE covers market trends, current developments, and business strategies within the commercial real estate field.
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DEALERS AND DEAL MAKERS Though many CCIM Live! attendees could be found among the gamblers and show-goers, networking was the clear draw. "I went to learn about the ways that I can make money with my CCIM peers," said Eddie Blanton, CCIM, vice president/senior adviser with Re/Max Executive Realty in Charlotte, N.C. "I networked with existing friends, made new ones, and learned about the market and ways to make money." This was a common sentiment. And it wasn't just attendees networking with attendees. "I sought out education session panelists, along with CCIMs from all over the world, to discuss various topics," said Chad Gleason, CCIM, principal with Gleason & Co. in Kent, Wash. "It was a very productive meeting for our firm." James P. Robertson Jr., CCIM, senior commercial associate broker with Realty Executives International in Tucson, Ariz., went to Las Vegas to meet fellow CCIMs from outside the U.S., including a large delegation from the CCIM Taiwan Chapter. "I've been stepping into the international sales arena and the CCIM community has helped," he said. In addition to the time between education sessions and in the evenings, the official conference networking events offered opportunities for attendees to meet other deal makers. "I attended the wine event on Saturday and had a great time," said Bobbie Mastracci, CCIM, designated broker/principal with Phoenix West Commercial in Litchfield Park, Ariz., referring to the Southern Nevada CCIM Chapter's 16th Annual Wine Soiree and Auction, which was held in conjunction with CCIM Live! This event gave conference attendees another reason to arrive early and network with top professionals in the Las Vegas market. Day two at CCIM Live! began bright and early with a networking breakfast hosted by conference co-chairs Bobbi Miracle, CCIM, salesperson with Commercial Executives in Las Vegas, and Katya Naman, CCIM, senior vice president of Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Group in Washington, D.C. And at Celebrate Live! attendees recognized new designees and Wayne D'Amico, CCIM, who was inaugurated as CCIM Institute's 2013 president. "This is always an important event," said attendee Nicholas L. Miner, CCIM, vice president with Orion Investment Real Estate in Tempe, Ariz. "It's great to get the new designees and new leadership in the same room so you know who you can contact with issues and recommendations." The theme of the event was "Your Opportunity to Excel." It was also an opportunity for CCIMs to network — and shake it — on the dance floor. 38 January | February | 2013 Looking Ahead While CCIM Live! attendees were winding down another successful conference, anticipation for the next one was already building. Signs beckoning CCIM members to "Reach for new heights" at October's CCIM Live! conference in Denver were prominently displayed in the halls of the Paris Hotel. And, with that trip to Denver in mind, attendees were happy to ofer advice for those who want to make the most of their next CCIM Live! experience. "Get out there and introduce yourself," Gleason said. "And put some time in at the CCIM business meetings to fnd out what is going on with the national group. You never know what you might learn or whom you may meet." Salmonsen points to the luncheon session as a great place to sit and chat with other attendees. But remember: "Networking is what you make it," Anderson said. "It takes place in the foyers, restaurants, and bars around the event." Need some pointers on making the frst move? Gleason recommended Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi with Tahl Raz. Te book provides guidelines for genuine relationship-building, as opposed to the inauthentic glad-handing sometimes associated with networking. And though the two-day conference is the main attraction, it's not the only reason to attend. "Research the local CCIM chapter and know what events are being planned," said Bobbie Mastracci, CCIM, designated broker/principal with Phoenix West Commercial in Litchfeld Park, Ariz. Chapter events ofer an opportunity for conference attendees to network with the hosts, who know the intricacies of the local market as well as all of the entertainment their city has to ofer. But face-to-face networking and a keen memory can only get you so far. "Have a backup battery for your phone and bring a notepad — or in today's technological world, your iPad or tablet," said Nicholas L. Miner, CCIM, vice president with Orion Investment Real Estate in Tempe, Ariz. And, fnally, don't forget to sign up and arrive early. "You want others out there to see that you are attending," said Eddie Blanton, CCIM, vice president/senior adviser with Re/Max Executive Realty in Charlotte, N.C. "In order to be on the attendee list and communication forums prior to the event, you need to be signed up. Also, arrive the night before the conference starts and don't rush in and rush out. Share a room if you need to keep expenses down. But the longer you are in Denver, the more opportunities you will have to connect and do business." Rich Rosfelder is associate editor of Commercial Investment Real Estate. RELIVE CCIM LIVE! Watch videos and view slides from select education sessions at live2012.ccim.com. Commercial Investment Real Estate