#nar nxt

Dear Gus & Magnus,

Highlights from the conference today included watching an interview with Olympic gymnast Gabrielle Douglas, who didn't have anything especially profound to say, but she was likeable and sincere. I spent some time at the tradeshow, got a free 15-minute massage, a complimentary latte from the Zillow booth that had their logo in the froth, and I talked to lots of exhibitors about how they could help me in my role as education director at the ARA. Turns out, I don't think anyone can help me and I just need to trust my gut. I joined some of my northwest Arkansas peeps for lunch in Bank of America's tailgate booth (pictured), and I spent some significant time at a booth/historical exhibit about redlining in the United States. I was shocked that the exhibit didn't have anything about the Central High Crisis, so I told the staff about it. They were fascinated by the story and gave me a laptop so I could write it all out. They're going to add it down the road, which was satisfying to hear.

Dad.

Dear Gus & Magnus,

A long day at the conference that started with a 7.30am ticketed breakfast for the REALTORS Relief Foundation, four hours of meetings for education directors, some general sessions, and then finally dinner with a significant chunk of the conference's Arkansas delegation before making the half-mile walk back to my hotel room. (I like the walk.) Back at it again tomorrow.

Dad.

Dear Gus & Magnus,

I drove to Houston today for the National Association of REALTORS annual conference. My first event was a dinner tonight hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Board of REALTORS. I spent most of my time talking to a couple of government relations consultants from New Orleans and Tucson. My goal for this conference is to absorb the day-to-day knowledge I need if I'm going to be successful at this job.

I will say that my not drinking alcohol is giving me a leg-up when it comes to networking -- everyone knows I basically have two unused drink tickets burning a hole in my pocket and I'm glad to give them to people I like.

Dad.