09/04/2026
🎷 One for the books in New Orleans! ⚜️
Our Board of Directors had the opportunity to attend this year’s Georgia Association of REALTORS® Annual Conference & Expo, and what an incredible week of learning, networking, collaboration, and a little New Orleans fun!
The conference offered something for everyone, with safety classes, broker education, social media sessions, industry updates, and so much more. After a full first day of learning, we had one of the most memorable experiences of the week — being led through the streets of New Orleans by a local high school band for a true Second Line all the way to our networking event at The Fillmore! 🎺🥁 There’s definitely no better way to experience New Orleans!
The following morning, we were incredibly proud to support our very own Wendy Bledsoe Cook during the REALTOR® of the Year nominations. ❤️ We then heard an unforgettable keynote from Inky Johnson, whose powerful story of perseverance, purpose, and overcoming adversity left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Expo without the amazing vendors and industry partners! We enjoyed visiting with so many, including our partner The CE Shop and affiliate Brialle Veldman Home Warranty Inc. We also had the opportunity to hear from Lawrence Yun, who provided an insightful economic and real estate market update.
Another highlight was an evening of networking and fundraising at the stunning Sazerac House, where our Board was happy to donate an item to help support the cause.
The learning continued as Hope Brown and CEO Fallon Cole attended the President/President-Elect Forum. Hearing from other associations, collaborating with our peers, sharing ideas, and learning what is working across the state gave us so much information and inspiration that we’re excited to bring back home and put into action.
Thursday evening gave us a chance to enjoy our Board dinner together. While not everyone attending the conference was able to join us, several of our members were busy fulfilling their responsibilities on state committees — and we are incredibly thankful for the time and hard work they dedicate to serving our association and our state.
We wrapped up Friday with the GAR Board of Directors meeting, taking part in the important work of voting and helping move our great state association forward.
And then there’s New Orleans itself! 🎷⚜️ Jazz in the air, gumbo, Creole cuisine, incredible history and, of course, the beignets! There is so much culture and history in this city that you could spend far more than a week here and still have more to experience.
We’re heading home with new ideas, stronger connections, great memories, and even more excitement for what’s ahead.
Thank you, Georgia Association of REALTORS®, for everything you do for our members, for always showing up for our local associations, and for hosting such a wonderful Annual Conference & Expo. We are grateful to be a part of it! ❤️🏡
Until next time, New Orleans! ⚜️
