Yes and no...
I knew this would happen. Being in Orlando, this year, with me in Atlanta, it is only a short drive away (yes, I call 10 hours a short drive). Also, being in Orlando, I was pretty sure that "I" would not be going... it would be "we." Also, I knew that if "we" went, that "we" would be going to DisneyWorld. In the last case, "we" meant "them."
I got into real estate because I love being with my family. I was in retail previously, and worked 12 hours a day, 6 days a week... somewhere else. Now, I would 7 days a week, and maybe even more hours each day, but I take breaks to go to the park with the family or to do other things I couldn't do with a fixed retail schedule.
So, I knew that what would happen would be that the actual convention wouldn't have nearly as much interest as watching my older son (4) at the Magic Kingdom in the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, or watching my younger one (6 months) meet Mickey for the first time. And I was right.
But then I changed brokers... and Bloodhound announced an Unchained event. Of course EVERY session at the NAR that interests me, that I didn't attend in Las Vegas, is on the same day as Bloodhound Unchained.
So, here is how it is going to go down...
- On Friday, Nov. 7th, I'm planning on going to Bloodhound Unchained.
- On Saturday, Nov. 8th, I'm planning on working the Expo floor for Diamond Dwellings Realty.. and visiting the other exhibitors at the Expo.
- Whenever A|R decides on their party time and location, I plan on showing up... perhaps even with Mrs. GarageGuy in tow.
- The rest of the time, I am going to visit with friends, hang out with the family and enjoy time "not working."
If you are going to be at BU, let me know. It is ALWAYS fun to meet more Rainers.
If you can make it to the Expo on Saturday, find me. I will be pretty easy to find most of the time. Sure, we are looking for both agents and brokers that want to join the Diamond Dwellings family, but as most who know me will attest, I love meeting my A|R friends in person and hanging out. We aren't selling TimeShares... We're having fun.
If you haven't been to an A|R party, you need to. If you have, you already know that.
IF you are going to be playing in Mouseland, maybe we can meet up for lunch. There are already some A|R friends that I will be "meeting again for the first time" while down there.
BTW, my wife has turned up some killer lodging deals if you are coming with your family... Condos near WDW with 2 bedrooms for under $100/night. We're happy to pass along some sources if you need them.
Unless otherwise noted, all content of this blog is the property of Lane Bailey, ©2012 Lane Bailey.
I'd love to hear from you...
Thanks Lane, pass along the sources for the condo's. I'm planning on going, probably just for the expo and AR party. See ya again ! Oh yea, I'll try to lay in the sun too.
Yeah, I will be to work the EXPO and do some of the classes. I am going to the AR party, too.
See you there.
Missy - Remember that I grew up in Jackson, I can't imagine why you'd come all of the way to Orlando to lay out in the sun in November...
Victor - Cool. I'll be around.
Hi Lane, TLW and I will be there at least for the AR party. Actually that's probably the only thing we will be there for. It'll be good to meet some more ARers.
Lane-I'm signed up for the unchained conference as well and signed up for the Expo but that is all. I think I'll be so overwhelmed by those two events that my mind won't be able to take in anything else. See you there.
I'm going! I am excited! We are timeshare owners in Orlando, so we can stay for "free."
And I'm coming WITHOUT kids or even a husband! Don't worry, my family has already been there twice this year.
What's the A/R meet up info?
I won't be making the trip to Orlando, but will be following along virtually on AR and Twitter. Glad to hear your setting aside some quality time for the family stuff.
I'm not going, but I know someone was trying to organize a gathering.... http://activerain.com/debfisher
Bryant - Stopping by the House of Mouse?
Cindy - You'll do ok... lots of Twitter notes.
Jayne - Gail found a pretty good condo deal. 2BR, under $100/night...
John - More like setting aside a little time for work.
Ronald - I'll take a look.
I will be at the convention and would love to meet more of the active rain family count me in on any events and Ill try to look you up.
I wish I can go, it is so far from calif to there plus lodging and everything. I think I won't be there.
I'm planning to head that way for BH Unchained, the Expo, and maybe AR gathering depending on day. Looking forward to seeing you again and meeting some of these other folks!
Hey Lane,
Thanks for the heads up, I'm planning on being there myself and looking to meeting other Rainers! As for the BH event, I went to the AZ event a few months ago.
We'll be there, can't have an AR party without us! :-)) May need to take you up on the condo offer, I'm not staying with Rich this time, unless we have separate rooms!! lol~
Thanks for the condo list you sent, I'll get to it tomorrow.
I'm already booked to be there for two days...just walking the expo...no classes for me...see you there.
Not going to the NAR conference. It's close enough but we have a family vacation planned right around the same time. I bet you'll get all of the newest tech tips while you're there.
I won't be able to make it. :( I was really hoping to. Enjoy meeting every one from AR, that is always fun!
Lane, I was planning on going just for the expo. Now I am uncertain with anything in the near future. I am still in Chicago awaiting the airport to open in New Orleans. It will be fun. Have attended several over the years.
Wanted to go, but not able to go. Kids in school.
Terry - Saturday, Expo... be there. Feel free to hit me on my cell. Or text. I'm going to make you high tech, Brother!
Grace - Continental, United and American all have flights out of San Jose for $244... out 11/6, back 11/11. ;^ )
Michelle - Are you going to hit the Mouse House, too?
Lynda - How was it?
Brad - I'll give you a call. Two bedroom condos for $90...
Missy - No problem.
Neal - Looking forward to it. I hope the A|R guys get their party plans together soon.
Diane - I will try... just for you.
Jean - Fly out with the A|R guys. I think they are getting a private jet... but don't tell Rich, he's flying commercial.
Doreen - you can do it. I made it to SF for Connect.
Frank - You have bigger fish to fry at the moment, and I hope that everything is ok for you. But, if you can make it, that would be cool.
Mary - The should need a Disney break by then, right?
Nice blog post. I would love to know about the AR Party :-) Had a great time at their party in San Francisco @ the Inman Connect event. Zipvo http://www.zipvo.com/ and ZipvoPlatinum http://zipvoplatinum.com/
We will be at NAR Show, I wish we could attend the Bloodhound Event sounds like fun. Please make sure to come by our booth #2460 to win FREE FLIP Camera's and MORE :-)
Lane,
Looking forward to this major event. Dave and I will be working along with you and Matt and other Diamond Dwelling folks, but expect at least a happy hour with you.
I would also like to invite anyone interested to the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) Convention and Trade Expo. This will also be held in Orlando at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, September 24th through September 27th 2008.
Diamond Dwellings Realty is an exhibitor and sponsor of the FAR Convention & Trade Expo and will have a booth at this convention as well. I would like to invite any one attending to stop by and visit with us.
Click for Info on FAR Convention and Expo
Rick
I'm thinking I just might go since I don't want to take my kids out of school when we plan on going down for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I'm so excited!
Lane, I'll be there. I'll also be leading a conference session with Dustin Luther and Rudy Bachraty. Using Social Media To Engage Clients
I'll look for you at the expo, need to find out more about the AR party and I'll try to catch Jeff at the session. Should be a good time.
Greg - Normally i'd smack down a banner ad in my comments, but not today... I'm advertising MY brokerage, no reason you can't get in on the action. I'll be sure to swing by and say hello. Find us at DDR. If nothing else you'll want to see if Tara from ReelDwellings.tv is hanging out with us.
Rick - One of the things I am most looking forward to is meeting you and Dave. I'm sure we'll get to do some "not work".
LaNita - Do it. It's good to get away... ;^ )
Jeff - It will be good to see you again. For anyone NOT doing the Bloodhound thing, The Jeff, Rudy and Dustin show will be a MUST SEE. That was THE session that I was sad I was going to miss from the NAR on Friday. I expect that you will appear at any A|R type party?
Gene - I need to find out, too. The pressure is on the guys. Here's my prediction... They are going to rent out Artist's Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge... ok, maybe not.
Of course, Lane-
It would be great to be there. I am not sure yet-but regardless, I can save an orange Obeo frisbee for ya!
Thanks!
Steve
Obeoman
I hate conventions. Orlando would be fun though.
For those who missed the party in Las Vegas, here are some photos. (I think they have been re-sampled since they were originally posted)
I plan on doing the Expo thing, AR Party and WDW with my son and husband. Look forward to seeing you there!
Tina in Virginia
Steve - You tell Glade that I said he needs to bring you down to MCO... and the family.
DiMurias - I understand... and MCO is a good time.
Benjamin - I was in three of those...
Tina - Cool. How old is the mini-you?
Thanks for the email Lane, I forwarded it on. Looking forward to seeing ya my friend. :-)
Tami and I will be there, but Friday we'll be attending the CyberProfessionals conference, so sadly no Bloodhound Unchained for us. Let us know when Active Rain is having their party!
If you have not been Orlando is by far the best NAR Convention! (And the hurricanes should be gone by then!)
Brad - No problem... And if you guys do a golf tournament instead of a party, I might have to have a party... but, I can't afford the refreshments.
Sharon - I'll try.
John - I'll be up in the Upper Tellico OHV area mext month... Haven't done a convention in Orlando, but been to WDW a few times. It is my 2nd happy place. Moab still wins.
"Are you going to hit the Mouse House, too?" Heaven forbid! Been there, done that, won't go back until I have grandkids. I got an early start - my youngest is 20 now. I plan to leave all kids, dogs, cats, horses, AND the husband at home. That way I can "concentrate" on playing learning :)
Has anyone been to one of these NAR conferences that resulted into a positive experience for their bottom line?
Lane, don't think I'll be making this one this time around. Already attended two Inman conferences this year, and have our Virginia conference this month, Northern Virginia conference next month -- I'm getting a bit conferenced out!
Michelle - I thought you were going to say "husbands" too... Look me up. Maybe you can play with my kids...
Ron - Yes.
Brian - Going to miss you. And everyone will want to sit on the phone with your wife during the party...
;^ )
I won a trip through my company to NAR. Got a bunch of listings, etc. Pulled my name outta the hat. Would love to see everyone.
Keep me posted pleez.
Dee - Cool for you. I'll do my best... right now I'm just hoping that we don't end up with an A|R golf tourny instead of a party...
Lane - I could be the beer cart gal. Ha! Gave up golf when my back decided it needed surgical options. Swinging the clubs now makes me flinch. Of course if you just need a putter, that was my forte.
Dee - I don't look good in short shorts... I can't force that on people.
Lane... I'm lucky to live in the Orlando area! Can't wait to meet you and" the others"...
Debbie - Looking forward to it.