REBarcamp Phoenix III has come and gone. The mission statement for the organizers this year was to put the RE back in REBarcamp. In my opinion, mission accomplished. There was very little “pitching” (even though we were at Scottsdale Stadium, spring training home of the San Francisco Giants) and the sessions were actual discussion groups instead of presentations. In fact, attendees were seen flipping chairs around to face each other so the conversations could flow naturally. That is what REBarcamps are all about. Sharing, discussing and helping others in the industry.
Attendance was down from 2010, but that helped make 2011 more successful. Some of the sessions last year were overcrowded, as a few of the rooms were on the small side. This year, the addition of the home and visitor clubhouses gave the event three large spaces instead of one. There were also more RE Barcamp veterans this year, and they knew what to expect and how to participate. Also, as I walked around during the day, I passed numerous impromptu breakout groups, and as conference veterans know, these small break-outs can provide the biggest benefit.
The session board did have plenty of technology, but there were also sessions on topics like “Statewide MLS”, “Property Management”, “Alternative Financing”, and “MARS”. These sessions allowed for conversation and discussion on non-tech yet relevant topics in today’s market.
Props to the sponsors for supporting the event. It is through these sponsorships that RE Barcamp Phoenix can put on the event, including the great lunch for the second year in a row from Joe’s Real BBQ. As an affiliate myself, I know this is one of very few events that asks for sponsorship dollars yet offers no option to display signage, set up a booth, or speak for a few minutes to plug our service. As the official website for REBarcamp Phoenix states, sponsors receive:
A boat load of good karma.
Exposure to real estate professionals.
Link love from this site and bloggers who promote the event.
The opportunity to put your company’s info and swag in the attendee handout bag and on the “swag table” (we like swag!)
Organizers and participants undying gratitude.
Thanks to Solutions Real Estate for their sponsorship of the REBarcamp after party at Salty Senorita’s. I know the event volunteers appreciated the opportunity to have a couple cold ones at the end of a very long day.
Finally, a big thank you to the industry associations that contribute in a large way. Arizona Association of Realtors, Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors, Southeast Valley Regional Association of Realtors, Phoenix Association of Realtors, West Maricopa Association of Realtors and Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service all support REBarcamp Phoenix. Their continued support of this “non-traditional” educational event insures we will see an REBarcamp Phoenix IV in 2012…
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Well said, Bill!
This may have been the best one yet. The first two were GREAT events but there was an awesome combination of the two this year.
As you said, the sponsors are to be commended for helping to make everything happen. I have also heard that the planning team for REBCPHX is the best in the world. I hope they continue to share their amazing skills for next year.
#4 will be here before we know it. I’m already looking forward to it.
Excellent list of benefits for sponsors. The “Karma” aspect is something that goes so far with this group of BarCamp attendees.
I had a great time, and definitely looking forward to next year. I loved the location, and we had a ton of fun.
Great job guys!
The recent Barcamp in Phoenix had some excellent opportunities for sharing. I have to wonder about the bang for the buck, though. There is a pretty long list of sponsors. What was the total amount of money spent by sponsors? Attendance appeared to hover in the 150 neighborhood. What is the total cost per attendee?