As you know, this is the first time we’ve helped organize a Real Estate BarCamp, and it has definately been a learning experience!

We are blessed to have a great facility - with six Break Out Rooms. Dakno will be live streaming, and we’ve check (and re-checked) that we have plenty of Bandwidth! (since the event is at our TMLS office and Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors Offices… we figured doing something that brought TMLS “down” would be a legacy we didn’t need!  ROFL!!)  In addition, we have 2 other video crews / cameras that will tape sessions, and put them on the web after the event!

Several Thought Leaders requested that we have White Boards in their room. We realize this is the GREENEST way to do a presentation – however we will be using large “recycled paper” on Easles.  We also have overhead projectors, with Screens and a laptop that we will test with it it prior to that morning.  If you want to hook yours up – cool, if you want to use a thumb drive – that’s cool too. If there’s something else you need, please raise your hand so we can have it available!  (in the larger rooms we have microphones)

We have a fairly large group of Attendees (we registered/have on the list close to 350)!  The largest room holds 300.  We’ve been told that “they don’t all come,” by other organizers… we’ve also been told by our Board that they generally have a 90% attendance for this type of event… So we are expecting more than 250 people and LESS than 300!

If you are driving in the morning of the event, please read this regarding parking. We are asking Thought Leaders to get there around 8:30.  We want to recheck microphones, check and be sure your overhead presentation works, answer any questions you have… and we are setting up what we are referring to as the “Green Room” for you guys.  The “Welcome” starts at 9:30, and the first session starts at 10:15.

We have a fairly large number of Thought Leaders! This is GREAT since the goal is to break this large group down to small groups!  At times we could be running 5 Sessions!  We’ve continued to “poll” the Attendees, and we expecting to have “Beginner 101,” Intermediate Sessions for folks who are currently Blogging, using FaceBook, maybe on Twitter – but need some tips so they will see more closed deals from their activity, and some “Advanced Sessions,” that we hope some of you guys will enjoy!

Prior to Lynchburg, Nannette Saunders told me, “It’s our job to get the people here, have a space and the equipment they need – the rest will work out!” We especially agree that this is true!  We are hoping that some of you will decide to work as a panel, one attendee suggested that there could be a panel of “Success Stories We R Closing Deals from Online Marketing” suggesting that folks really want to hear from Agents who are really using these tools and closing deals!

Again, THANK YOU for coming and sharing what you’ve learned!  Remember to bring your camera, and your spirit of flexibility and willingness to work with us to make this a GREAT event for everyone!

PPTk at Beer for Bloggers

We are going to participate in the Power Point Karaoke Challenge  Prize is $5000! 

We are going to play during Beer For Bloggers on Thursday, November 5th at RallyPoint Sports Bar, beginning at 7:00.  (We’ve assured Meredith that singing is not required! )  This is very much a form of Comedy Improv, and should be GREAT FUN!

“In PowerPoint Karaoke, contestants deliver PowerPoint presentations in a karaoke-styled venue. But there’s a twist: Presenters see the randomly chosen slides for the first time when they’re presenting. Presentations are on the clock and off the cuff.”

“PowerPoint Karaoke was invented in 2005 when a group of German artists combined Schadenfreude with Stagenfrighte to create an underground sensation that has since swept the world.”

Here’s a clip  of a session held in October about Grandmother on Twitter!  If you would like to be a judge, please let us know!

There are businesses on Realtor’s Way that “object” to us blocking driveways and taking parking spots from them – and apparently they TOW YOUR CAR!

Overflow parking for this Event is at Embassy Suites.  (The Event is the little purple mark, and overflow parking is the Green one!)

Here’s a map showing how close those spending the night are to the Event site – you can probably walk! (Don’t know what the weather will be like on Friday – but today and tomorrow it’s in the mid 70’s here!)

Amy Shair is a residential real estate broker associated with RE/MAX United. Amy serves the Triangle area including Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Mebane. She works mostly with referrals from other real estate agents and repeat clients. Amy effectively incorporates the latest technology to help buyers and sellers. Over 18 years experience in real estate and a tell-it-like-it-is style make Amy a popular agent in the Raleigh-Durham area for buyers and sellers. “Call Amy for your Shair of the Market.”

April Roberts is a true North Carolina native, I have lived and worked in the Triangle Area for all of my life.  I’m deeply imbedded in the local community and I’ve found that this translates to huge benefits for my clients, extending well beyond the transaction itself. 

Mortgage lending is my craft and caring about my clients and finding the best possible solutions for each and every one is my passion.

Bobby McDonald is new media specialist at MMI Public Relations, where he enjoys scouring the Internet looking for the best online and social media applications for our clients.

With a background in SEO and SEM, Bobby is well equipped to find the best ways to promote MMI’s clients online.

Eleanor Thorne is the leader of ReBarCampRDU. A True GRIT (Girl Raised in the South), Eleanor is a life long North Carolina native.  “I married my Cary High School Sweetheart, and  love working with him in the Mortgage Industry!”

USDA and FHA specialist, internet marketer trying to keep up with 2.0!  Mother of a beautiful 15 year old daughter and a son who is graduating from college in December… we are NCSU WOLFPACK FANS!

Hal Goodtree is a writer, producer and digital entrepreneur. Mr. Goodtree has worked for The New York Times, General Motors, Burger King and helped launch NFL.com. His company has produced some of the area’s leading websites including North Hills and CaryCitizen.

Mr. Goodtree has a 1996 Emmy for Sportschannel and a 2002 Cannes Lion for an anti-smoking campaign. In his spare time, he plays the bass guitar in A Fifth of Blues.

Mary Boener has been a broker with Prudential york Simpson and Underwood for 4 years.  She grew up in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania in a large family of six siblings.

Formerly National Sales Vice-President with Pitney Bowes for 30 years before retiring in 2005!

Melissa Moore – Passionate Realtor committed to providing outstanding service to my clients and the community. Sports fanatic, dog lover, fun specialist, eternal optimist. Let’s make it happen.

http://twitter.com/melissarmoore

Meredith Morgan is the Vice President and Director of Marketing at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston , where she has been working magic since July of 2006!

Meredith is Mom to 2 great blue tick hound dogs. Coffee addict. Love to learn and share new marketing and Social Media ideas!

“Passionate about Professional Home Staging & Design techniques to market and sell properties for Real Estate Professionals, Builders, Commercial Clients and Homeowners in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and all the small towns in between.”

To learn more about Michele, click here!

Mike Jaquish describes himself as “enthusiastic, inquisitive, client-oriented, hands-on house guy who loves Web 2.0, and expects to help create Web 3.0. Enamored of highly-applicable technical simplicity and functional labor-saving innovation.

Worshipful of ethical behavior. Married about forever, and always looking forward to evening at home with the bride.”

Pamela St. Peter says “I’m in my dream job… I’ve been helping people buy and sell homes in the Triangle along with Lee, my husband partner, for 9 years now.  You can read more on the St. Peter HomeSelling Team.  Lee & I have been partners in life for over 36 years now and had moved often with our family throughout the US and Canada.  We understand the challenges of relocating to a new area hence why we like to think of ourselves as your Real Estate connection to the Triangle. Through the social media avenues you can find me on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and read more on my ActiveRain blog.”

Penny Hull is the VP Marketing and Business Development for Stanton Homes in the Triangle. Stanton Homes takes pride in our commitment to building top quality homes with the kind of custom amenities you’d expect to pay a whole lot more for.  With decades of combined homebuilding experience behind us and an eye to the latest homebuilding trends and options, we understand comfort, value, and excellence.  Stanton Homes proudly features the Energy Wise guaranteed energy savings program and extensive Green Building options, as well as one of the nation’s largest military/veteran programs, Stanton Homes for Heroes.

Priscilla Erwin works for the Raleigh Regional Association as REALTORS®  as a Meeting and Event Planner.  In addition to her position at the Association, she is the owner of a local wedding and event planning business, Orangerie Events.  With extensive planning experience in weddings, special events and corporate functions, Priscilla creatively exceeds your expectations without breaking your budget.

We realize that some folks may have registered earlier, and now find that their schedules simply won’t allow for them to join us on November 6th – so if you’re one of those people – PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND!  We believe we are going to have a GREAT Crowd!  We have room for 300 people!

Our venue has 6 rooms for us to use during the day, and we have a WONDERFUL list of Thought Leaders who will be on hand to share their unique experience!  You will be able to attend 5 sessions – PLUS a great session at the end of the day!

So if you end up on the “Wait List” don’t be bashful, let us know you want to come, and we will work hard to find room for you!

It Feels like Christmas!

We are getting so excited about REBarCamp RDU.  We have a ton of AMAZING Thought Leaders coming and we are almost SOLD OUT of seats.  It feels like we are counting down for Christmas morning and we are….just ReBarCamp RDU Christmas morning.

For alot of you attending, this will be your first BarCamp.  So for everyone new to BarCamp, we wanted to share with you one of our favorite elements of this event.  Now, as folks who are in marketing, we are  usually all about ‘the logo.’

Yet, one of the coolest things about BarCamp is that it is a day to actually physically and emotionally ‘take off your logo’ and be a part of industry, not a company. To share ideas, best practices and learn from experts and other real estate associates in the industry for the betterment of your business and most importantly your clients.

At ReBarCamp RDU,  we are hoping that no physical company logos will come in the door. No logos on shirts, hats, name badges, etc.  We have Specially designed Name Tags for everybody (remember to write down your Twitter Account Name, you’ll need it!).

So on November 6th, show up early, bring your laptop, bring your charger, come ready to learn and share!  And on this day, leave your logo at home! We are so excited to have you and look forward to meeting you in person!

“You must have me confused with someone else, ” he said, “I’m NO expert at that Computer Stuff!”

Those of us who have been working for four months to bring this event to the Triangle don’t expect you to be an expert!

In fact, we’ve said all along that if 300 come, we EXPECT 200+ of them to be “first time users.” (Take a minute to read what one Thought Leader wrote a YEAR ago!)

Yes, this is an attendee lead event, however – that doesn’t mean that we are going to put you on the spot either! It means we are creating a forum so that if you have a question, it can be answered, and discussed…

This is a new language we are speaking when we talk about Photo Blogging and Webinars, and Twitter. (Here’s a Cheat Sheet!)

Think of it like talking to First Time HomeBuyers… they don’t know what they don’t know!  You ask one question – and that leads to more questions.  That’s how we learn!

Maybe you could look at it this way… if you’re going on a Trip to a place you’ve never been, it’s usually pretty exciting!  Most people do some research, find out more about what there is to do, what the temperature is like and make travel plans.

When you are coming to REBarCampRDU, you should make some plans too! It’s an adventure into a new environment!  Leave us comments, and let us know what YOU want to talk about.  Consider how you might use these new strategies in Marketing your business!

So, do a little research before you begin this adventure – but mostly, just come ready to have fun and LEARN!

This post has GROWN as we recognize the Thought Leaders, and so we are only highlighting a FEW of the OUT of TOWN folks who will be Thought Leaders in this post – please check back, as we add more folks from the Triangle and Beyond!

Diane Tuman, the Content Manager of Zillow will be coming from Seattle, Washington to be part of the Conversation at REBCRDU!   Do you ever wonder what to say when you are writing for your website?  Do you want to know how to determine what the “hot topics” are so you can get more Google Juice?  Let’s ask Diane while she’s here!  Connect to Diane on Linked in, and follow her @Diane Tuman

Susie Blackmon is a REALTOR in Waynesville, NC who is coming down the mountain to share her wisdom with us.   You can follow her on Twitter @SusieBlackmon and read her Blog Posts at Bucking the Real Estate Trend.  She’s one of the first folks we noticed who really embraced Posterous, she’s a wonderful photographer,  and has some of the funniest headlines around!

Andy Atkinson with HGTV’s FrontDoor will be joining us for REBarCampRDU!  Andy has been involved in Sales and Marketing at Scripps (which owns FrontDoor) since may of 2000.  Andy, and the people at FrontDoor watch Agents everyday who are trying to connect with Buyers – he’s going to share tips that WORK!  Connect with Andy on LinkedIn!

Nannette Saunders is bringing her Pickle Pens and “Lynchburg Squares” to REBCRDU from Lynchburg, Virginia!  Nannette just hosted the REBarCamp in Lynchburg, and is an Associate Broker, GRI, E-Pro with REMAX 1st Olympic. You can read her blog posts at LiveinLynchburg, and you can follow her @BrokerSaunders on Twitter.  Are you connected to her on LinkedIn?  You should be!

Brad Hanks, ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI, QSC, e-Pro with REMAX Alliance, Denver Colorado is coming to REBarCampRDU as a Thought Leader!  Besides operating a successful Real Estate business, he is also a Speaker, and a Trainer.  You can follow him on Twitter @BradHanks, and you can learn more about his Social Media business at Brad Hanks Seminars!  We are thrilled that he’s coming to be part of REBarCampRDU!

Lane Bailey, Garage with a Detached Home , is coming from Decula, Georgia to share his niche approach to Real Estate!  You can also follow Lane on Twitter @LaneBailey.  Lane is an ActiveRain Ambassador, and was one of the first Blogs I subscribed to!  He recently joined Diamond Dwellings Realty a new concept in Real Estate and Social Media Marketing.

Debe Maxwell is another avid Blogger, in fact she is the number one ActiveRain Blogger in the state!  You can follow Debe on Twitter @DebeinCharlotte and you can read and learn from her at her blog posts Charlotte NC Real Estate and Charlotte Luxury Homes.  She is a top agent at Helen Adams Realty in Charlotte, NC.

Thom Abbott, GRI Associate Broker with Morris & Raper Intown Real Estate Consultants in Atlanta will be at REBarCampRDU! You can read more about Thom at his blog about Midtown Atlanta Real Estate. (Honestly had not seen someone use these active frames in AR – that’s COOL!) You should also check out the Thom and Ray Team Fan Page on Facebook!

David Patterson, CRS is coming to Raleigh!  David is a Realtor with Keller Williams in Columbia, SC.  You can follow David on Twitter @DavidPatterson3 , and you can read more about him on his Fan Page!   David has been highlighted in National Publications, he is an active Agent, and a Trainer.  David will be helping us communicate the Direction of the Day, and the Spirit of REBarCamp during our Welcome!

Sarah Stelmok. ABR, GRI with Century 21 New Melinnium in Fredricksburg, VA will be in Raleigh on November 6 for REBarCampRDU!  A PROUD Graduate of NCSU (GO PACK!), you can read her blog posts at SarahilariouslySpeaking and follow her on Twitter @SarahStlmok YOU will also find out more about her on TwitterQueens!

Carolyn Tann-Starr is joining us from Flushing, New York!  C. Tann-Starr is an agent with REMAX People Realty, and has grown a huge following with  Club Chaos and the Localism / Minion Report!  This lady knows a TON about building online communities and followers!

Jim Crawford, ABR E-Pro, will join us for REBCRDU!  Jim is a Broker Associate with REMAX Greater Atlanta in Roswell, Georgia.  You can read his blog posts at Atlanta Homes for Sale, and follow him on Twitter@AtlantaRealty.  Jim is the Number One Blogger for the State of Georgia on Activerain!  He’s been a featured Speaker for NAR, and has been interviewed by CNN, LA TImes, Realty Times, RE/MAX Times and is a Real Estate Tech Coach.

Ty Downing is the VP of Client Development with Say It Social will also be joining us from Wilmington!  He has an interesting perspective for those new to using Social Media in your Real Estate business.  Read this:  CASE STUDY I sold my home in 50 Hours using Social Media! You can follow Ty on Twitter @TyDowning.

Daniel Rothamel, The Real Estate Zebra, is The Inman Community Manager.  He and his wife, Kari, will be joining us for #REBCRDU, and of course, they are bringing the Little Zebra! You can find him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter @REalEstateZebra. You can learn more about their Real Estate Business, at The Strong Team Realtors site.  They join us from Palmyra, Virginia!

I’m exhausted just looking up links for all these guys… and this is only a PARTIAL LIST!  WOW!  REBarCampRDU is going to be PACKED with great information!

For those folks coming to REBCRDU from out of town… We’ve blocked off rooms at StudioPLUS Deluxe Studios off of Harrison Avenue in Cary, NC at a rate of $69.99 for Deluxe with sleeper sofa and $64.99 for a Queen standard room.  Each room has a full kitchen!

If you are coming out of town, please leave us a comment so we can have some goodies ready for you!  We are really looking forward to having everyone visit our “neck of the woods,” and want to make certain we show our Southern Hospitality!  8o))

We are happy to announce that Homes4NC, a North Carolina-based charity which focuses on putting low-income families into safe and affordable housing, will be receiving all of the remaining proceeds from RE BarCamp RDU. Homes4NC is an especially effective charity since every dollar donated is matched by local Boards of REALTORS® and put back into the housing industry.

Here’s how it works.  RE BarCampRDU has been asking companies and individuals to sponsor REBCRDU.  The sponsorship dollars go toward funding the BarCamp and paying for any hard costs.  After the hard costs have been covered all additional proceeds from the event will go to Homes4NC.  Aafter providing a matching donation, Homes4NC gives grants to non-profits that specifically support those who help our communities including teachers, firefighters, nurses and many others.

If Homes4NC sounds like the sort of charity you would like to support  please see their contributions page.  You can also support Homes4NC by sponsoring RE BarCamp RDU.