The 2014 REALTORS® Conference & Expo is headed to the Louisiana Bayou! A city known for its food, festivals and music, New Orleans is hosting one of the biggest events of the year for real estate professionals. To help you make the most of your time there, we’ve created a list of the top 10 things to do during your visit to the REALTORS® Conference & Expo.
1. Your Morning Java Before heading to the expo, start your morning with coffee and a beignet from Café du Monde, a time-honored coffee stand established in 1862. Known as the official state doughnut of Louisiana, beignets are deep-fried fritters covered in powdered sugar, and have been a traditional New Orleans breakfast staple since the 18th century. Café du Monde specializes in creating these pastry perfections, and offers them in servings of three.
2. Get Your Orange On! Once you’ve reached the Morial Convention Center, visit Homes.com in Booth #439 to “Get Your Orange On”! Meet with industry experts and learn ways to support your clients and grow your business. With tools like customizable websites and social media management plans, Homes.com can help you and your business strengthen your online marketing presence. While you’re there, enjoy a Homes.com signature “Orange Hurricane” at the open bar from 4:00 to 6:00 on Friday and from 1:00 to 4:00 on Saturday. Plus, every day of the show we will be giving away $500 in cash!
3. Top-Notch Industry Speakers During the expo, the Homes.com Booth has an exciting speaker line-up, featuring top-notch industry professionals who will discuss the latest trends in real estate technology. Featured speakers include Joe Sesso, Homes.com National Speaker; Jimmy Mackin, co-founder of Curaytor; Bob Corcoran, Owner and Founder at Corcoran Consulting & Coaching; and Jay Baer, NY Times bestselling author, marketing consultant, and keynote speaker. Be sure to stop by to stay up to date on the popular technology trends; they can be an asset to your business!
4. Century 21 Tailgate Party On Sunday, November 9th, visit the Century 21 Tailgate Party in Booth #761. Enjoy traditional New Orleans style cuisine from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and catch the day’s football games. Pick up your ticket in the Century 21 Booth (#325) anytime during the Expo. But remember, tickets are limited, so get yours early!
5. Celebrity Concert – Jennifer Hudson Watch an unforgettable performance starring Academy Award-winning actress and Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Jennifer Hudson. Known for her role in Dreamgirls and hits such as “This Isn’t Love,” Hudson recently performed at the Presidential Inauguration, Super Bowl XLVII, American Idol and the Grammy Awards. Located in the convention center, the concert will take place on Sunday, November 9th from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Just before the show, watch REALTOR® agents from around the country battle in the REALTORS® Got Talent show, where you get to pick the winner.
6. Legendary Dining Just a few steps from the Morial Convention Center, the French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. The French Quarter is a one-stop center to experience the classic food of New Orleans. For dinner, visit the famous Antoine’s Restaurant, a 174 year old establishment known for its deep-seeded New Orleans culture. Try one of their renowned original dishes, such as Oysters Rockefeller, Pompano en Papillote, or Eggs Sardou. Doors open for dinner at 5:30 PM. While there, check out their legendary wine cellar, which holds 25,000 bottles of vino! Even if you’re not dining, this spectacular cellar can be seen from a small window on Royal Street.
7. Jump and Jive After dinner, why not soak up an evening of traditional New Orleans jazz? Take in a show at the Preservation Hall, known by the locals as “The Place for New Orleans Jazz.” This sixty-four year old theater opens every night at 8:00, and music starts half an hour later. Preservation Hall is committed to preserving and promoting the musical culture of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. As one of the most renowned sites for the jazz and blues movement, you won’t want to miss hearing the songs that shaped the American musical tradition.
8. “Swing for Ka-ching” Stop by the ERA™ Real Estate Booth (#2239) to show-off your skills on the golf course simulator. Daily cash prizes of $125 will be given to winners of both the men’s and ladies’ groups for long-drive and closest-to-the-pin. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome to compete!
9. International Masquerade Ball Known for the sense of mystery, masquerade balls have been a thrilling event since the 15th century. Join the CPIS Network for a masked evening of dinner, dancing and live music at their International Night Out and Awards Ceremony. The ceremony will honor the achievements of the members of the CPIS Network. The affair is black tie optional, and masks will be provided. Don’t miss out on this exciting event; get your tickets early!
10. Bourbon Street Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is known for its extravagant nightlife. While there, visit one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. With a history steeped in legend, Lafitte’s is said to have once been a hub for pirate smuggling. Another historic option is the Old Absinthe House. The Absinthe House once catered to celebrities like Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, General Robert E. Lee, and Frank Sinatra. Open into the early hours of the morning, both Lafitte and the Old Absinthe House are heavily frequented by both New Orleans natives and tourists alike.
