Stop by to check in, pick up your badge, and get ready for AEI.

Watch a mock ethics hearing while earning your certificate of completion by attending this comprehensive session covering 33 learning objectives relating to professional standards enforcement. This session is an excellent opportunity for veteran staff to refresh their knowledge and for new staff to start their journey in this important area of association management. Network with professional standards administrators and others who are cross-training and learn from the facilitators who have over 80 years combined experience.

A high impact, forward looking exploration of critical MLS issues shaping 2026 operations, strategy, and governance. The Deep Dive aims to elevate understanding of cutting edge MLS policy developments and surface broker pain points while connecting them to MLS solutions.

Learn about the resources available to your association to boost your advocacy efforts in this crucial election year. NAR staff will share how your association can leverage REALTOR® Party programs and grants to support REALTOR® Champions, advance vital real estate issues, and strengthen coalitions and communities.

Ready to start your RCE journey? Take the first step and attend this workshop that will walk you through the application process and the applicant data form (ADF). You’ve got this! 

Give your members more value with less lift. In this session, you’ll learn how Associations can use RPR’s Housing Reports, Economic Area Reports, and Market Trends to support advocacy meetings, board updates, and local market conversations with ready-to-share insights. We’ll also explore plug and play AI tools that turn trusted data into member friendly language, plus training resources and Broker Tools that help agents and brokers brand reports, scale communication, and highlight affiliated services.

Join fellow attendees at the Welcome Reception to reconnect with colleagues, meet new peers, and set the stage for a week of learning and collaboration.

Thanks to the Welcome Reception sponsor, TransUnion!

This meeting offers a supportive space for individuals who have experienced the challenges of alcoholism firsthand, either as individuals in recovery or as friends and family of those affected. Together, we follow the principles of Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, to foster understanding and healing.

In our open discussion format, attendees have the opportunity to share their experiences, strength, and hope, while also listening to the stories of others. We believe that by coming together and discussing the impact of alcoholism on our lives, we can find the support and guidance we need to cope with this disease, whether personally or as a concerned loved one.

All are welcome, and anonymity and confidentiality are respected. Join us in a non-judgmental and compassionate environment where we can learn from one another and move forward on our respective journeys of recovery and healing.

Stop by to check in, pick up your badge, and get ready for AEI.

Learn the fundamentals of the Core Standards to ensure your association meets this annual compliance requirement.

Visit the tabletop displays to meet industry partners and explore tools, programs, and resources available to support your association!

• .realtor /.realestate
• AE Mentor Table
• Agency McKenna
• FOREWARN
• GrowthZone
• InstaShow+
• Lancaster Institute
• LandGlide App / ReportALl USA
• Member Experience
• MLO Branding Academy
• NAR Advocacy
• NAR REALTOR Benefits® Partners
• NAR's Consumer Advertising Campaign
• NoteRouter
• RAMCO
• REALTOR® News
• REALTOR® Store
• REALTORS® are Good Neighbors
• REALTORS® Insurance Place
• REALTORS® M1
• Realtors Property Resource® (RPR®)
• REALTORS® Relief Foundation
• RentREDI
• SentriLock
• TransUnion
• VestaPlus

What if the real secret to sales and success wasn’t persuasion- but connection? Today’s population is more discerning than ever. An Edelman study revealed 90% of customers will walk away from a brand they don’t trust. Almost half of all employees have quit their job due to distrust in senior leadership. And yet, in our rush to “influence” or “close the deal,” we often sacrifice the very thing that fuels long-term growth: Authentic Human Connection!

In this game-changing keynote, National Geographic Explorer and Scientist of Human Connection, Chris Bashinelli, reveals the overlooked superpower in business: putting people first. Drawing on years of global research— from living with nomads on the Mongolian steppe, to connecting with financial advisors in Fort Worth – Chris shows that when we are fully present, deeply empathetic, & driven by service, we unlock the kind of trust that leads to exponential growth.

This is not about manipulating your members or employees — it’s about meeting them with genuine care, turning “them” into “us,” and building bonds that last far beyond the sale. Whether you're leading a sales team or building client relationships one conversation at a time, this keynote will transform the way you sell—and the way you connect.

Key Takeaways:
●    Bash’s patented “Discover Our In” method to build deep, lasting trust
●    How to shift from transactional selling to transformational relationships
●    The science behind empathy— how to apply it in real sales conversations
●    Practical tools to become fully present and emotionally attuned to clients
●    Strategies to create a “People-First” Sales Culture that fuels growth and loyalty

As a leader, you're barraged with problems every day, and sometimes it's easier to take the path of least resistance. You don't speak up because it might get pushback. You procrastinate on a decision or don't try that new idea because you're afraid of failure. Or you don’t hold someone accountable because they’re a “just a volunteer.”

In these moments, you're missing opportunities, you're wasting money, and you're eroding your team members' trust.

Building your reputation as a courageous leader doesn't necessarily mean making big, bold, game-changing moves. It happens every day, little by little, as you own your strengths, speak up, and build a culture of accountability.

You will leave with:

• Inspiration to own your strengths and build deeper influence and impact.
• Practical tools and techniques to set clear expectations, encourage innovation, and present ideas with confidence.
• Techniques to prepare for and hold difficult conversations up, down, and sideways, including our I.N.S.P.I.R.E. approach to performance management.
• A personal plan to be a bit more daring.

Discover how NAR leaders are shaping the future of the REALTOR® organization, and the vital role local and state associations play in their vision. Explore their strategies for collaboration and learn how they plan to strengthen broker and association engagement.

Join us for a candid conversation with three association executives who have each led disaster response efforts in their states and local communities. Together, they’ll share practical guidance on preparing your association before disaster strikes, communicating effectively in the first hours and days of a crisis, and navigating the steps needed to support members and residents in need. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how the REALTORS® Relief Foundation grant program works in partnership with state and local associations to deliver financial assistance quickly and responsibly. Given that more than 90% of counties in the United States has declared a natural disaster-related emergency over the past 10 years, it is not a matter of “if” a disaster will impact your community, but “when.” Participants will leave with actionable tools, real-world insights, and renewed confidence in their ability to lead their communities through moments that matter most.

​​​​​​REALTOR® associations play a powerful role in shaping thriving, resilient communities. This session will explore how associations can strengthen visibility, trust, and reputation by actively supporting both their members and the communities they serve. Through case studies and examples—such as charitable foundations and strategic partnerships with chambers of commerce and local organizations—we’ll highlight innovative ways associations are elevating their impact.

Member questions are nonstop, and staff capacity is limited. AI can ease that pressure by handling routine inquiries, offering consistent answers 24/7, and giving teams more time to focus on higher-value work. But using AI effectively requires thoughtful planning—there are real considerations around accuracy, governance, and member experience.

This session highlights how MLS and Association leaders are using AI to enhance support, what benefits they’ve seen, and where the challenges lie. You’ll gain practical insights to help determine when AI adds value and how to integrate it responsibly within your organization.

Want to know what brokers really want from their associations? Don’t miss this opportunity to hear straight from brokerage leaders as they share honest feedback on the programs, services, advocacy efforts, and support that matter most to them, their agents, and their business. Learn what resonates most with brokerage leadership—and just as importantly, where associations may be missing the mark. This is a unique opportunity to sit in the room and hear brokers articulate their expectations, frustrations, and big-picture ideas.

The benefit of advocacy efforts, and how they are communicated to members has grown increasingly challenging with the current political climate. This session will set the stage for how best to communicate legislative wins with your membership in a way that will resonate with red and blue members alike.

This session will explore organizational models for AEs to understand when evaluating the ways to structure an MLS, whether forming a separate corporation with its own board of directors, operating with dedicated staff and resources, or integrating within the association’s existing framework. We’ll examine how each option affects governance, risk management, and adaptability, along with the practical realities of managing these structures. The focus is on equipping association executives with the knowledge to evaluate which model best supports operational efficiency and strategic alignment.

New REALTORS® are often eager to learn and grow, but they can quickly become distracted and overwhelmed by the flood of information they receive early in their careers. This session explores strategies associations can use to transform early-career members into long-term, loyal participants by keeping them engaged beyond those initial stages. Structured onboarding pathways help set expectations and build confidence, while monthly learning objectives provide a clear and manageable focus for ongoing growth. Recognition programs—such as personalized membership anniversary acknowledgments—also reengage established members and reinforce the value of belonging. By attending this session participants will learn how to implement practical strategies that guide members through their critical early years, strengthen retention, and build long-term loyalty within their association.

The way REALTORS® learn is evolving—and so should the way we deliver education. This dynamic session explores how association executives can elevate both continuing education (CE) and non-CE programs using modern learning strategies tailored to today's busy professionals. We'll dive into innovative formats such as microlearning, gamification, and hybrid delivery, while showcasing the tech tools that make it all possible. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, you'll walk away with fresh ideas to engage members, boost retention, and future-proof your educational offerings.

Affiliates are more than sponsors, they are value multipliers. Learn how to level-up your Affiliate benefits with welcome spotlights, newsletter/podcast interviews, and member-first educational content that positions Affiliates as trusted resources. Identify and implement member-centric benefits that highlight Affiliates as trusted resources, while ensuring alignment with the Association’s mission and professionalism standards.  Learn practical tools—such as social-media spotlights, newsletter/podcast interviews, and event integrations—to provide Affiliates with meaningful exposure that resonates with REALTOR® members and their clients.

Looking for a mentor or mentee? Connect with fellow AEs and learn more about NAR’s AExcellence Exchange Mentor Program!

Join us at The Local - Minneapolis (931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis) to network with your peers.

Thank you to our sponsors: .realtor/.realsestate, LandGlide App / ReportAll USA, RentRedi, REsimplify, Solid Earth, Supra and Zillow

This meeting offers a supportive space for individuals who have experienced the challenges of alcoholism firsthand, either as individuals in recovery or as friends and family of those affected. Together, we follow the principles of Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, to foster understanding and healing.

In our open discussion format, attendees have the opportunity to share their experiences, strength, and hope, while also listening to the stories of others. We believe that by coming together and discussing the impact of alcoholism on our lives, we can find the support and guidance we need to cope with this disease, whether personally or as a concerned loved one.

All are welcome, and anonymity and confidentiality are respected. Join us in a non-judgmental and compassionate environment where we can learn from one another and move forward on our respective journeys of recovery and healing.

AEI Registration Open

Visit the tabletop displays to meet industry partners and explore tools, programs, and resources available to support your association!

• .realtor /.realestate
• AE Mentor Table
• Agency McKenna
• FOREWARN
• GrowthZone
• InstaShow+
• Lancaster Institute
• LandGlide App / ReportALl USA
• Member Experience
• MLO Branding Academy
• NAR Advocacy
• NAR REALTOR Benefits® Partners
• NAR's Consumer Advertising Campaign
• NoteRouter
• RAMCO
• REALTOR® News
• REALTOR® Store
• REALTORS® are Good Neighbors
• REALTORS® Insurance Place
• REALTORS® M1
• Realtors Property Resource® (RPR®)
• REALTORS® Relief Foundation
• RentREDI
• SentriLock
• TransUnion
• VestaPlus

Attend this session and get the answers to your questions about the NAR dues remittance and collection process. Some of the specific topics covered include dues definitions in NAR’s Bylaws, local association staff responsibilities with respect to NAR’s dues reconciliation and remittance process, Consumer Advertising Campaign assessments and the NAR delinquency/collection process.

Low energy, quiet quitting, burnout... It seems everyone is struggling these days. How can we regain our enthusiasm, recapture our joy, and get the pep back in our step at work and at home? Many people assume mental health is a topic of interest only for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, or mental illness. But your energy levels, your mood, your ability to think clearly and pursue goals — these are all a reflection of your mental health.

In this upbeat and inspiring presentation, Anthony McLean offers actionable tools to optimize energy levels, stimulate creative thinking, and approach every day with enthusiasm and joy.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the difference between everyday ups and downs, temporary mental health problems, and mental illnesses.
• Learn healthy coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety.
• See the role exercise, sleep, hydration, and nutrition play in overall wellness.
• Adopt a supportive mental health routine

Join the NAR Legal Affairs Team for the Legal Seminar for AEs, featuring essential information on trending industry issues and the importance of fiduciary duties and governing policies to ensuring a successful association. The program features an industry litigation update and copyright training to protect your organization from claims. The program will also feature a “Board Training” session which will provide an overview of governance best practices and serve as a template for the new 2025 Core Standards leadership training requirement. Board Training will include an overview of Member Codes of Conduct, Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation policies for members and staff; Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest policies; and Antitrust policies.

While most organizations are still experimenting with basic chatbots, industry leaders across various industries are using AI to revolutionize customer experiences, predict failures before they happen, and uncover million-dollar insights hidden in their data. In this eye-opening session, you'll discover how to bridge the gap between ambitious AI promises and today's practical reality for transformative business results.

You'll see exactly how AI created measurable impact through real case studies across various industries - a cruise line operator saving $171M through predictive maintenance, an auto manufacturer increasing conversion by 25%, and an insurance company reducing risk assessment time by 50%. This isn't theoretical—it's a proven framework for moving past chatbots to advanced analytics, customer intelligence, and operational optimization.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to separate AI hype from practical applications that drive real ROI across any industry
• Learn a proven 3-step methodology for identifying, implementing, and scaling AI initiatives
• Discover how patterns from healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality apply to your specific business challenges
• Understand how Responsible AI practices don’t just keep you compliant, but increase your valuation and trust levels

Your competitors are already using these technologies. The question isn't whether you'll eventually adopt AI—it's whether you'll lead or follow.

The 2026 political landscape will have major implications for housing, real estate, and REALTOR® advocacy. As Congress shifts and policy debates intensify, associations must be ready to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities.

Join national advocacy leaders for a forward-looking discussion on the housing issues most likely to dominate Congress over the next 12–24 months, where bipartisan momentum exists versus emerging flashpoints, and which federal actions are likely to spill into state and local policy battles. The panel will also examine how redistricting, retirements, and changes in congressional makeup may shape legislative strategy and advocacy priorities.

Attendees will gain practical insight into what to watch, how to prepare, and how to position their associations for effective advocacy in a rapidly evolving environment.

Communications Directors play a critical role in shaping how associations connect with members and the public. In this session, we’ll dive into the evolving responsibilities of Communications Directors—strategic messaging, promoting member value, boosting engagement through social media, and launching consumer awareness campaigns that resonate. Learn best practices for crafting content that captures attention, strengthens relationships, and elevates the REALTOR® brand. Whether you’re a staff of one, brand new to the AE role, or a seasoned pro, this session will provide practical takeaways and fresh inspiration. Walk away with ideas you can put into action immediately, no matter what your level of experience. 

Strong REALTOR® associations don’t operate in isolation; they build strategic partnerships that expand their influence and impact. In this session, CEOs from within and outside the industry share how they’ve developed successful coalitions with business and civic leaders to advance advocacy, strengthen communities, and enhance member value.

You’ll learn how these partnerships align priorities, fuel growth, and open doors to new opportunities. We’ll also highlight emerging collaborations around shared services and staffing models that reduce costs, generate non-dues revenue, and increase organizational capacity.

What does the member experience really look like—from the moment someone joins to the day they renew (or don’t)? This interactive workshop will help you map your full member lifecycle, identify gaps, and improve communication and service touchpoints. You’ll walk away with a real action plan for boosting retention and satisfaction.

This session will address consolidations and the utilization of Chapters as defined by NAR. Chapter Formation is the result of a consolidation where the association retains its presence in the community but is not chartered by NAR. The formation can occur during a consolidation or after.  This session will address member concerns and member dynamics before, during and after the process.

This session explores how REALTOR Associations can utilize Young Professionals Networks (YPNs) to serve as powerful connection points for members at every career stage. Learn how intentional YPN programming can drive engagement, strengthen overall association value, and create a pipeline for future volunteer and leadership involvement. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for leveraging YPNs as a strategic asset—not just a niche group.

We live in litigious times and manage organizations that put volunteers and staff together sometimes in off-site, casual environments. This session will look at best practices to mitigate risk in an unusual workplace.

Traditional committee structures can lead to stagnant participation, repetitive agendas, and limited results. This session explores fresh approaches to governance, including replacing standing committees with flexible, purpose-driven task forces, appointing only the groups needed to address current priorities, or even operating without committees unless a specific need arises. By streamlining governance, associations can cut down on unnecessary meetings, free staff and volunteer time, and create more meaningful opportunities for member engagement. The goal: a leaner, more strategic model that delivers stronger outcomes for the association and its members.

This session will explore why a clear, well-structured employment contract is essential for Association Executives—and what every contract should include to protect both the CEO and the association. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how to introduce and secure leadership buy-in, particularly in organizations where contracts have not been used before.

The session will also address best practices for conducting required CEO performance reviews, including the role of a small board or leadership team committee, review timelines, and the importance of using consistent, up-to-date evaluation tools in alignment with NAR Core Standards.

Participants will leave with sample CEO contract language, review committee considerations, and example forms that can be used to support a clear, consistent, and effective contract and evaluation process.

Help us stock "Welcome Home" baskets for people moving into their first apartment after experiencing homelessness. Each basket is filled with household essentials, offering dignity and immediate support to ensure their journey to a stable, thriving life begins right at their new front door.

Each year, AEs value the opportunity to give back to the AEI host community through a chosen charity activity at AEI. For 2026, the AEI Advisory Board has selected Agate Housing + Services.

Agate Housing + Services specializes in providing a full continuum of housing solutions to address and end homelessness in Minneapolis and Hennepin County. They utilize proven models like Permanent Supportive Housing (long-term housing with intensive services) and Rapid Re-Housing (swiftly moving clients into independent housing with temporary rental aid). Additionally, they offer critical prevention services, including rent assistance and mediation, to stabilize households at risk of eviction. Agate's work ensures clients not only exit homelessness but also receive the sustained support necessary to maintain stable, independent living.

Learn what you need to do to maintain members’ M1 data, and learn the importance of how M1 data interacts with the local, state, and national associations, as well as with regional MLSs as well as features for Events, Online New Member Application, and Realtor Ecommerce. Bring your questions and Chris will supply the answers.

AEI Information Desk Open

Leadership in today’s complex and ever-changing world demands more than strategy and execution - it requires connection, influence, and the ability to ignite the best in others. But what if the secret to transformative leadership lies not in doing more, but in aligning with the natural energy dynamics that drive you and your team?

In this groundbreaking keynote, Erin King, acclaimed researcher and creator of The Energy Exam®, introduces leaders to a revolutionary approach to energy management that goes beyond self-care—it’s about harnessing their radically unique “energy instinct”. Backed by insights from a study of over 10,000 professionals, Erin reveals the five distinct energy types—Kinetic, Generative, Rigorous, Responsive, and Synergistic—and how leaders can use this framework to inspire action, create buy-in, and empower thriving teams.

This isn’t just about personal energy; it’s about energetic compatibility. By understanding what charges and drains you and your team, you can create a leadership culture that is productive, deeply harmonious, and resilient. Whether leading through high-stakes challenges, driving innovation, or managing a multi-generational workforce, The Energy Instinct offers a fresh, actionable roadmap to elevate your leadership impact.

Key Learnings:

• Unlock Energetic Compatibility: Gain insights into the five energy types to better understand your team’s natural rhythms and leverage these dynamics for greater harmony, collaboration, and morale.
• Lead with Alignment, Not Effort: Learn how aligning with your natural “energy instinct” creates a ripple effect of authenticity, focus, and inspiration that energizes your team.
• Build High-Impact Teams: Identify what energizes and depletes each team member so you can engineer a culture of positivity, productivity, and peak performance.
• Drive Transformative Results: Discover how aligning your leadership energy with your team’s needs drives deeper engagement, buy-in, and profitability.
• Actionable Energy Strategies: Leave with science-backed tools to pre-charge your leadership energy, manage energetic drainers, and show up fully for the moments that matter most.
  This keynote equips leaders with a transformational toolkit for unlocking their energy while empowering their teams to thrive. By understanding and activating your “energy instinct”, you’ll inspire greater impact, foster meaningful connections, and lead with the power and presence that drives lasting success.