BiggerPockets Real Estate Conference: Is it time?

BiggerPockets Real Estate Conference: Is it time?

Joshua D.Pro Member
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes

One of my goals over the past 6 years has been to produce a real estate investing conference unlike any we've seen before. I believe that BiggerPockets is in a unique position to create a conference that changes the game . . .

While most real estate investing events, seminars, clubs, conferences, etc., revolve around the guru crowd, I think the REI world is longing for something different. Just as we changed the game by creating a community dominated by actual investors and other real estate professionals with their feet on the ground, I think we can and must do the same with a BiggerPockets conference.

With that in mind, I've been brainstorming this thing for a long time now, and have had a few false starts, but I've connected with someone that I believe can help us put on a hugely successful event. He has experience putting on various large and successful conventions, and we've begun to talk about how to proceed with one for BiggerPockets.

That said, while I'm confident in my ideas, I would love to get yours as well!

So . . . here are a few questions I've got for you....

1) If BiggerPockets put on a conference, would you want to attend?
2) Would you be willing to travel (fly) to attend such an event?
3) Do you think 2 days would be adequate for a first shot at it?
4) What kinds of ideas do you have for sessions?
5) What would a BP conference look like to you?
6) Of the real estate and other events that you've attended, what is the one thing that you've liked the most?
7) The least?

Feel free to add anything else to your post . . . I'm just looking to determine the level of enthusiasm and to get some ideas from all of you.

So . . . are you psyched?

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Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
15y

Sounds awesome Josh!

1. I would definitely attend.

2. Yup...you would have to if you wanted to attend

3. 2 days is probably fine. I would love for it to be longer, but that is probably great for a first event

4. The sessions could have people present on different topics. There are tons of investors on here and I am sure you could start a thread to solicit interest from potential presenters. You could then have people vote on who they want to see present the most or some such

5. Half presentations and half mixers/networking. Perhaps a few hours of presentation followed by structure networking followed by more presentations followed by more networking

6. I think the best events are the ones that have people hit the highlights during their presentations and encourage networking. Hours and hours of lecture doesn't make for a very appealing event IMO

7. Events where people pitch stuff in their presentation or are non-experts on subjects with an agenda

I think one of the big things missing from the experience you are looking to create are local groups too. If BP could structure leaders for local groups and coordinate times for club meetings that would make the whole experience much more powerful IMO. I have met with many BP people by phone and in person and it adds a whole new dimension to the networking. Periodic structured BP club meetings would be very powerful.

See this reply in the discussion

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  • Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    Sounds awesome Josh!

    1. I would definitely attend.

    2. Yup...you would have to if you wanted to attend

    3. 2 days is probably fine. I would love for it to be longer, but that is probably great for a first event

    4. The sessions could have people present on different topics. There are tons of investors on here and I am sure you could start a thread to solicit interest from potential presenters. You could then have people vote on who they want to see present the most or some such

    5. Half presentations and half mixers/networking. Perhaps a few hours of presentation followed by structure networking followed by more presentations followed by more networking

    6. I think the best events are the ones that have people hit the highlights during their presentations and encourage networking. Hours and hours of lecture doesn't make for a very appealing event IMO

    7. Events where people pitch stuff in their presentation or are non-experts on subjects with an agenda

    I think one of the big things missing from the experience you are looking to create are local groups too. If BP could structure leaders for local groups and coordinate times for club meetings that would make the whole experience much more powerful IMO. I have met with many BP people by phone and in person and it adds a whole new dimension to the networking. Periodic structured BP club meetings would be very powerful.

  • SFR Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y
    Originally posted by Joshua Dorkin:

    1) If BiggerPockets put on a conference, would you want to attend? Heck yeah!
    2) Would you be willing to travel (fly) to attend such an event? A short distance, yes. Not to the East Coast.
    3) Do you think 2 days would be adequate for a first shot at it? Sure
    4) What kinds of ideas do you have for sessions? The basics: Getting started/Acquisition/Exit strategies: Wholesale, buy&hold, lease-option, etc./All about lending: HM, private placement, conventional, seller-finance, etc./Regional overlook: The different US markets.
    5) What would a BP conference look like to you? Like a trade show. Vendors with products and services, e.g., lenders, title services, inspectors, appraisers, etc. and seminars.
    6) Of the real estate and other events that you've attended, what is the one thing that you've liked the most? Guest speakers.
    7) The least? The peddling of products, such as CD's, books, boot-camps, coaching, etc.

    Feel free to add anything else to your post . . . I'm just looking to determine the level of enthusiasm and to get some ideas from all of you.

    So . . . are you psyched? Yep!

  • Real Estate Broker · Fort Pierce, FL · Member since 2009 · 221 posts · 95 votes
    15y

    Josh,

    This is exactly what I was thinking for when BPO hits 100k members! I would truly like to meet many of the members and hear them speak on their expertise.

    1. Yes.
    2. Yes.
    3. Not really sure, but if organized properly, may need 3 or even 4 day weekend.
    4. Hit the basics, how to buy for the purpose of buying and holding, flipping, etc An advance session dispensing tax strategies, ideas on how to grow the monies being made…
    5. Typical hotel conference room/center with breakout stations of BP member and experts giving short courses on their expertise. Only a few sessions involving the entire group listening to one person, unless the person is speaking for an hour or less.
    6. The breakout sessions, the ability to meet and learn from many experts from diverse background.
    7. The “buy my productâ€, “Buy, buy, buy BS!

    BP has members from 1 day experience to 20+ years experience, it would be eventful and exciting!

    Stan

  • Real Estate Broker · Fort Pierce, FL · Member since 2009 · 221 posts · 95 votes
    15y

    Bryan & Mitch,

    Do you guys type that fast? I thought for sure I would be the 2nd poster.LOL

  • J ScottPro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Sarasota, FL · Member since 2008 · 18k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    15y

    1. Yup
    2. Yup
    3. Yup
    4. A mix of newbie stuff and advanced stuff
    5/6/7. Will have to think about those...

  • Developer · Garland, TX · Member since 2008 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    1) If BiggerPockets put on a conference, would you want to attend?

    Almost certainly if there is no big schedule conflict.

    2) Would you be willing to travel (fly) to attend such an event?

    Yes, just about anywhere in the US, though I'd suggest central US for convenience for most.

    3) Do you think 2 days would be adequate for a first shot at it?

    Yes, if people wanted more they could schedule there own meetings/events before or after.

    4) What kinds of ideas do you have for sessions?

    Panels on various topics. Perhaps a few tracks or breakouts for different types of REI. Relatively low key for the first event

    5) What would a BP conference look like to you?

    Equity Trust puts on a really good conference. Talk to Kevin Kaczmarek who has presented there and knows the guys who put it on.

    6) Of the real estate and other events that you've attended, what is the one thing that you've liked the most?

    In depth presentations by investors spelling out how they do their REI, with actual case studies.

    7) The least?

    Some vendor sponsorship is OK, because they pay the bills, but too much kills it.

    I've been hoping for a BP event like this and would make it a high priority to attend. If you did it in DFW, you'd get some free prep and event labor from me.

  • Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    I would be willing to help support preparation and other items in DFW if we had the event there. One of our private equity fund principals could likely get us some space for the event for free too. It would depend on how many people attended whether or not we could make that happen.

    DFW is not exactly central from a north/south perspective, but it is pretty central east/west.

  • Real Estate Investor · Alpharetta, GA · Member since 2010 · 415 posts · 484 votes
    15y

    1) If BiggerPockets put on a conference, would you want to attend?

    Probably. Depends on the location, cost, length, and material.

    2) Would you be willing to travel (fly) to attend such an event?

    Yes.

    3) Do you think 2 days would be adequate for a first shot at it?

    Perhaps a one- and two-day option? The first day maybe for the less experienced, the second day with deeper tracks.

    4) What kinds of ideas do you have for sessions?

    Would really like to share best practices and successes for marketing.

    5) What would a BP conference look like to you?

    All serious people; no posers.

    6) Of the real estate and other events that you've attended, what is the one thing that you've liked the most?

    I have never attended a real estate event except for a foreclosure training program that I took when I was 16.

    7) The least?

    I would prefer that there not be any back-of-the-room sales. It's kind of a turnoff when the content is really just a pitch for another upsell.

    Remember to think about cost of airfare and lodging options for your participants. Oh, and extra double bonus points for selecting Las Vegas.

  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    I just want to let people know that the back of the room sales thing would NEVER be a part of an event that we would put on. If we did that, we might as well shill for them here on the site . . .

  • Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    15y

    Yes, yes, yes.

    I attended several and spoke at the NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) confrences.

    Very well organized events for government officials (mostly HUD). There were different topics and speakers as well as panel discussions. Members could simply attend those presentations on their own schedule. Some presentations were offered more than once, as they new there would be some hot topics. Some people signed up ahead of time for those presentations they wanted to attend, so they could be scheduled accordingly. (Good idea)

    Lunch was adequate an hour and a half as I recall.

    There was no solicitations in connection with any presentation. Call me on that or I'll get back to you was common, but no one was drumming up business, it was educational.

    Seems not all sessions were the same time, usually one hour but some were longer, phase one, phase two. Usually there was about fifteen minutes between sessions so people could get to them. These were all held in large civic centers/ hotels.

    There were tables in all romms with coffee, tea, water, morning donuts, afternoon snacks, so we were always fed.

    Happy hour was about 5:30 to 7:00 or whenever, no booze provided, but soft drinks were (cash bar)

    Vendors were welcome and were in the lobby and designated areas. Actually I enjoyed meeting these folks. What they had to offer told you what others were doing allover the country. Everything from parking lot vacume trucks to window decals. They paid for the space and it helped offset total costs.

    Plenty of free time to sight see too.

    At the end there was a nice dinner and awards.

    Topics, legal environment, hosing programs, sales and leasing, rehab, development and redevelopment, local demands and marketing, etc. At that time my "expertise" was in the legal environment using non-profits for redevelopment activities, partnering with non-profits and for profit entities.

    Seems like they were 4 and a half days long, bugged out in the afternoon to return home.

    I would be available for presentations.......LOL!

    Really, I think some good information could be developed without gurus, even if they were not selling or pitching (not sure they could talk about much without doin that, LOL)

    If it were me, I would seek out some bigger guns, trust/RE attorney, maybe as a panel rather than one speaker, give them 10 or 15 minutes each and then questions/discussions. It may cost, but keep in mind, it is also an opportunity for them to be exposed to a national crowd.

    Bring in some asset managers, WF, BOA, etc. Bring in a Fannie mae/ mac bunch. Hud! and CFPA, I'm sure they would send someone to talk to all of us crooks, LOL.

    The panel concept works well as one speaker does not have to fill 45 minutes or an hour. And questions can be presented to any of the "experts".

    Might consider having an East Coast, West Coast, Mid West thing too, say in the same month. I'm sure you would get a larger total turn out that way as some new investors in Miami will not be trying to get in the business and fly to Vegas or San Fransisco.

  • Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    If you have something central like in Kansas City or some such that seems the most logical to me. A lot would depend on how many folks were coming and where they were coming from.

    Having multiple conferences for different areas of the country sounds like a logistics nightmare to me.

  • SFR Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    DFW would work as I have a friend there I can stay with. Otherwise, Denver and Chicago are easier flights for me.

  • Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    I'd be happy to put you up in one of our rentals Mitch ;-)

    DFW would be great if that is the place picked!

  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Lets try not to stray too far off course guys.

    I love the enthusiasm, but don't want to get bogged in details about a location until everything else comes together.

    Thanks!

  • Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    15y

    How about Brason Missouri, plenty of convention centers, like Cahteau of the Lake, LOL!

    Really it would be more work settin up say three locations, but more folks would show up.

    Actually, KC is pretty center of mass.

  • Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    Bump

    It seems like people have some great ideas about content for the conference!

  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Agreed Bryan!

    There are definitely a few things that I've read which I hadn't thought of and would definitely try to integrate.

    Anyone else interested in learning and networking at a BiggerPockets - "no shill" real estate investing conference?

  • Real Estate Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 671 votes
    15y

    Can we shoot for Fall? If we do it during rental season a lot of the professional landlords will be too busy to attend.

    1) If BiggerPockets put on a conference, would you want to attend?

    Sure
    2) Would you be willing to travel (fly) to attend such an event?

    I would think about it. A central location at a major hub like Chicago would make it easier.
    3) Do you think 2 days would be adequate for a first shot at it?

    Yes. Any more time and people can afford to be away from their company.


    4) What kinds of ideas do you have for sessions?

    Not sure. Some advanced stuff would be great.

    5) What would a BP conference look like to you?

    It would just be cool to see everyone in person.

    6) Of the real estate and other events that you've attended, what is the one thing that you've liked the most?

    The material and contact you can take home and use.

    7) The least?

    The sales pitch

  • Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    The idea of a day for newbie material and a day for advanced material is a really good one IMO. That way people can pick and choose what they want to attend.

    Chicago in the fall would be very nice! I would think we would want to do it sooner though and probably pick a less expensive locale. If BP has to pay for the event the bigger cities are quite expensive.

    Reno and Vegas are where we have had some National Association of Syndicators events and you can get hotels there at a much more reasonable price. That is not very easy for people on the east coast though.

  • Commercial Real Estate Broker · Memphis, TN · Member since 2010 · 151 posts · 82 votes
    15y

    ThIs would be a great idea. I would be willing to fly, attend, etc. I would think a thursday night opener, Friday and saturday sessions and social events and then back home on a Sunday would work. It would be great to have a big group of investors with no predetermined sales agenda leading different sessions etc. Something along the lines of experienced investors etc teaching newbies and part timers or the like.

    Anything that would allow for the spread of ideas etc. Throw in a couple of nights at a bar, et.c and your good

  • Real Estate Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 671 votes
    15y

    If we all buy as a package and stay in the same hotel it wont be bad. Bryan, you work hard and deserve a nice weekend in the city. I'll even buy your drinks at happy hour after if it makes it easier.

  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Just because everyone keeps going back to talking about locations, it would likely be either in Denver or Vegas or possibly Los Angeles.

    As for days of the week, I would be very interested in hearing feedback. While my first thoughts would be to have it over a weekend, the people who I know who put on events have all advised mid-week or end of week. I'd love to get feedback . . .

    As for social happenings around the event -- yes, we'd likely have an opening and other parties for everyone to loosen up around one another.

  • Developer · Garland, TX · Member since 2008 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    Out of those 3 locations, I like Denver.

    I prefer weekdays, Thursday/Friday being ideal.

  • Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    Denver would be fine with me too. I think Vegas is likely to be cheaper for hotels though.

    If cost is an issue I am wondering if Sunday through Tuesday or some such would be the cheapest. That option would likely minimize the cost of the hotel, but it is kind of awkward to get back mid week.

  • Lexington, KY · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    1) If BiggerPockets put on a conference, would you want to attend? Most definitely!
    2) Would you be willing to travel (fly) to attend such an event? yes
    3) Do you think 2 days would be adequate for a first shot at it? 2 days would be perfect...maybe a golf tourney on day 3!
    4) What kinds of ideas do you have for sessions? I would love to here from the experts here on BP and their contacts. Breakout sessions based on interests (investment specialties, syndication, the overall market conditions, etc)
    5) What would a BP conference look like to you? A great welcoming ceremony, a nice dinner, a golf tournament, but most importantly many informational sessions featuring knowledgeable guest speakers.
    6) Of the real estate and other events that you've attended, what is the one thing that you've liked the most?I have never attended one
    7) The least?

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