Curriculum

		2007 AE INSTITUTE February 17 - 21 San Diego, CA

The goal of the 2007 AE Institute is to ensure that you leave San Diego better educated and informed about REALTOR® association management than when you arrived. Refer to the explanations on the following pages to ensure you understand the context of each class. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the class rating guide below so you design a curriculum that’s right for you and you maximize your Institute attendance.

CLASS RATING GUIDE The following key serves as a guideline for you to follow when plotting an AE Institute curriculum that’s right for you. Institute education sessions are open to all attendees.   B = Beginner. For those AEs who are new to the profession (less than 2 years experience) and/or those struggling to do more with less. These classes will cover some of the basics in REALTOR® association management along with some areas you and your association may want to explore in the future.   I = Intermediate. For those AEs who have 5+ years experience and are looking to take their REALTOR® association management skills and knowledge base to the next level.   A = Advanced. For those AEs with 10+ years experience. Advanced sessions are designed to draw AEs together who have common experiences in the REALTOR® family and approximately the same number of years of service in the REALTOR® association management profession.   E = Everyone. Classes are designed with all experience levels in mind.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 -- PRE-INSTITUTE EVENTS
Certified Professional Standards Administration Program
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Richard Haggerty, Deputy CEO, Westchester County Association of REALTORS®, NY; Cliff Niersbach, RCE, Vice President, Board Policy and Programs, NAR; Patrick Reilly, Vice President, Member Services, New York State Association of REALTORS®
Attend the Professional Standards Administrator training and learn how to handle the complexities of professional standards administration, such as processing appeals and conducting hearings. You’ll also learn about enforcement procedures and their legal ramifications. If you attend all of the classes listed below and complete and pass the
professional standards exam, you will be certified as a Professional Standards Administrator.

RCE Exams
RCE Exam - 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
RCE CAE+5 Exam - 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Candidates for the REALTOR® association Certified Executive (RCE) designation can take the exam while attending the 2007 AE Institute. Information about exam registrations will be sent to qualified designation candidates.

University of Chicago Strategies -- Tackling the Strategic Plan (University of Chicgo core course)
Saturday, February 17, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Note: The U of C courses carry an additional $350 for certificate program enrollees; $250 for non-certificate enrollees. Each course is limited to 35 students.

University of Chicago Strategies -- Developing Effective Programs (University of Chicgo optional course)
Saturday, February 17, 2007, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Note: The U of C courses carry an additional $350 for certificate program enrollees; $250 for non-certificate enrollees. Each course is limited to 35 students.

CIPS Administration Course: Developing an International Member Services Program Locally ($165 – includes lunch)
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Belton Jennings, III, CIPS, RCE, CAE, CEO, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, FL
Just revised! This day-long program will provide in-depth education on developing and growing an international member services program that will prepare REALTORS® to succeed in a global marketplace. Discover how to sell the tangible benefits of an international program, launch a program with little or no funds, and identify resources to support a program and open new markets for your members. All course registrants will receive a reference guide.
For more information about this course, e-mail hhenning@realtors.org.

Set Your Compass for Successful Education Programming
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Moderator: Audrey Smilgys, Education Services Manager, NAR
Back by popular demand, this session offers roundtables on topics to help you develop, market, and provide quality (and profitable) education programming to your members. Roundtables will be led by seasoned education directors and industry specialists.

Major Internet Sites and Their Plans for Real Estate
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Mark Lesswing, Senior Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer, NAR
Panelists: Justin D. McCarthy, Strategic Partner Development Manager, Real Estate, Google Inc., New York, NY; Kristen Veraldi, Founder, Real Estate Blogsites, LLC., Vail, CO
How will the business plans of the Internet players affect your association, your MLS, and your members? What changes can you take advantage of, and which ones may pose some threats? Because the landscape in this area changes quickly and often, the members ofthis panel will be announced later to ensure that you hear, first-hand, from key representatives in these areas.

AE Institute Welcome Lounge
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Stop by for some refreshments and information about San Diego, and meet the 2007 AE Institute Advisory Board. You can pick-up your pre-ordered commemorative AEI windshirt in the Welcome Lounge too.
Sponsored by: Thomson CompuTaught

Information Security – What Responsibilities Do I Have?
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Keith Garner, Managing Director, Center for REALTOR® Technology; Mac McMillan, CEO, CynergisTek, Inc., Austin, TX
Information security is becoming more and more important in today’s world. What does the average agent need to know and do? We’ll explore the steps that practitioners should take, and how local associations can communicate that information to their members.

RCE ADF Workshop
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Attend this workshop and take the first step toward earning your RCE designation.


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 -- AE INSTITUTE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
AE Institute Orientation
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Learn how to select the right Institute sessions for you so you make the most out of your Institute experience. Orientation is a great opportunity to meet your peers.

University of Chicago Strategies -- Strategy to Accountability: Performance Management and Outcome Measures in Nonprofit Organizations (University of Chicago core course)
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Note: The U of C courses carry an additional $350 for certificate program enrollees; $250 for non-certificate enrollees. Each course is limited to 35 students.

Celestial Navigations: Managing Your Stakeholders (L) (I)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Facilitator: Mark Allen, RCE, CIPS, CRS, GRI, CEO, Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®,MN; Panelists: Karen Gehle, RCE, CAE, CEO, Kansas Association of REALTORS®; Ann Guiberson, CAE, CEO, Pinellas Suncoast Association of REALTORS®, FL; Matt Maire, CAE, EVP, Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS®, MI; Dale Stinton, RCE, CAE, EVP/CEO, NAR
Who are the key member brokers in your association? Do you consider them the "stakeholders” in your association? If you don’t, you probably should. Learn from AEs at all three levels of the REALTOR® organization how to keep your association stakeholders active so that their voice is heard and accounted for when association decisions are made. You’ll also learn how your stakeholder’s long-range business plans can have a positive impact on your association.

Avoid Running Aground: Disaster Planning and Recovery (R) (E)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Facilitator: Christine Todd, RCE, CAE, CEO, Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®,VA; Panelists: Doug Hinderer, SPHR, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, NAR; Sue Simpson, CBCP, Certified Business Continuity Professional, Charlotte, NC;Jacquelyn Stanly, RCE, CAE, COO, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, FL
Are you prepared if disaster strikes your association or its surrounding community? How will you handle day-today association operations if roads are impassable and electricity is out for more than just a day? Disaster planning means more than just determining the best evacuation spot. Learn from a panel of AEs who have lived it so that you know what every good disaster plan needs to be successful.

Steer Clear of the Bermuda Triangle: Strategic Planning (N) (B)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Gar Anderson, Vice President, AE and Leadership Development, NAR; Moe Veissi, Broker/Owner, Veissi & Associates, South Miami, FL
Contrary to popular belief, strategic plans were not created to collect dust. They were created to keep businesses and associations growing and thriving for years to come. Join Gar and Moe as they teach you how to develop an association strategic plan that becomes a living document that guides your association to success.

Dropping Anchor in a Sea of Government Affairs (O) (E)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Mary Morrissey, President, Morrissey Public Affairs, Inc., Chicago, IL
Through anecdotes and audience interaction, the session will provide participants with an understanding of how legislators think, a framework for strategically building relationships with legislators, and ideas for creating win-win partnerships with legislators and their staff.

Creating a Chain of Ownership: Managing Listing Content Workshop ($25)
11:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Laurie Janik, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, NAR; Michael Thiel,
Associate Counsel, NAR
This interactive workshop will provide valuable insight and guidance on how to safeguard brokers’ listing content. All aspects of listing content protection will be discussed, including the following: content ownership, copyright protection, securing and transferring rights through contract law, and the use and validity of click-through agreements on any MLS public web site. You will apply these principles as you are guided through sample agreements, enabling you to tailor them to meet your specific goals and needs.
Note: Registration for this course is a part of the on-line AE Institute registration process that opens December 1. The target audience for this session is AEs who operate MLSs, MLS staff specialists, and in-house counsel. This session is not for anyone who does not run an MLS.

RPAC Administrative Training Conference
11:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Knowing all of the “do’s, don’ts, why’s and why not’s” of legally accepting and transmitting RPAC contributions is by no means an easy feat. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of administering PAC collections, you’ll walk away from this session with useful tools, tips, and materials to help manage these tasks, meet compliance requirements, and achieve annual fundraising goals with increased efficiencies. Conducted in an informal workshop format, this in-depth session will allow participants to interact directly with the NAR staff experts who manage PAC administration functions on a daily basis.
Note: While this conference is open to all Institute attendees, it is specifically geared toward those individuals who manage the collection and transmittal of PAC contributions at the local and state levels. Individuals handling these duties are strongly encouraged to attend.

Networking Box Lunch
11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Grab some lunch and meet your friends for some informal conversation and networking. Box lunches will be provided for all Institute attendees.

State AE Meeting
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
An opportunity for state association executives to discuss issues and share insights. Attendance is limited to state executive officers only.

From Ensign to Captain: Becoming a Leader (L) (I)
2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Adorna Carroll, ABR, ABRM, GRI, SRS, SRES, e-PRO, Owner/Broker, Realty3 Carroll & Agostini/Valley Properties, Berlin, CT
The desired skills, attributes, and knowledge base of a successful AE leader vary widely. How do you identify and build on the ones that will take your career to the next level? Attend this class and be wowed at all the potential inside of you.

Be on the Lookout for Fraud (R) (E)
2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Ed McMillan, CAE, CPA, Fraud Examiner, Forest Hill, MD
It’s a fact: You only think your fellow employees are honest. You may already be the victim of embezzlement and not know it! In this class, you’ll learn about embezzlement from the inside out. You’ll complete a simple evaluation to assess your association’s vulnerability. Then you’ll learn how to implement an action plan if your association is victimized.

All Hands on Deck: Intergenerational Leadership (N) (B)
2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Richard Mendenhall, CCIM, CIPS, CRB, GRI, ePRO, RE/MAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO; Elizabeth Jane Mendenhall, GRI, ABR, ABRM, CIPS, CRB, PMN, RE/MAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO
You’ve heard it many times! The AE and current association leadership need to identify and groom future leadership. But how do you do that? How do you recognize leaders and start involving them in the association? How effective are leadership academies at the local and state level? The real bottom line is how do you attract younger real estate agents into the leadership fold, and still continue to find a home for those who have made volunteering at the association a “second career.”

Converting Stow-Aways to Crew: Apathy Prevention (O) (A)
2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
John Ansbach, Esq., Vice President, RECON Intelligence
Every association would love to have a thriving REALTOR® membership with a sense of community. AEs who are striving to improve, strengthen, and nurture the professional environment in which their members live, work, and pursue their goals should attend this session. John will take participants through the concept of community building and why it is becoming critical to REALTOR® associations.

Opening Session
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The next 16.572 seconds could change your life! Renowned business strategist Vince Poscente is a master communicator. He knows how to get an audience’s attention and maintain electrifying energy while providing hands-on tools that you can use immediately; edge-of-yourseat stories; take-action-today inspiration; and flat-out fun with his signature wit and wisdom. Using concepts from his book, The Ant & the Elephant – Leadership for the Self, Vince shares his Olympic experience and an overview of the 5C Process to Peak Performance model, which took him from a recreational skier to vying for Gold in speed skiing in four short years. By the end of this keynote you and your team will be aligned behind one common assignment: Do what the competition is not willing to do!
Sponsored by: Broker Agent Speakers Bureau, Inc.

Icebreaker Reception
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Join your friends and colleagues for this special reception that promises to be one of the highlights of the Institute. There will be a generous array of good food, good music, and good company at this official Institute welcome gala.
Sponsored by: GE Security

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 -- AE INSTITUTE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
NAR AE Forum
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Join your peers for this open forum and participate in discussions about the issues impacting your associations and your members.

Mapping the Commercial Culture (L) (I)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Mike Lipsey, President, The Lipsey Company, Longwood, FL
Gain a clear vision of what a commercial broker values in a local association. Learn how to identify and provide a full range of services for commercial brokers, and how to involve them in your association structure.

Don’t Walk the Plank: Risk Management for the 21st Century (R) (E)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Matt Farmer, Attorney, Salem, OR
Helping REALTORS® reduce business risk is, or ought to be, a major function of REALTOR® associations. Are industry risk management strategies working? Has the industry adjusted to buyer agency, large offices, reduced broker supervision, and litigious clients? Do our current forms and risk management strategies still work? What will the future of risk management bring? Hear Matt Farmer, former general counsel for the Oregon Association of REALTORS®,
address these questions so that your association can develop new risk management tools for the 21st century.

The Conspiracy to Put You Out of Business (N) (E)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Blanche Evans, Editor, Realty Times, Dallas, TX
Take an intriguing look at the efforts of the financial press, the government, banks, and third-party service providers to dismantle real estate brokerage, state oversight, and the MLS for their own purposes. The media is being used to demonize brokers’ and agents' commissions. This talk concentrates on fighting back, with a strong defense of commissions in a world where every newspaper from the Wall Street Journal on down is calling for lower commissions.

Catch the Pirates: The Many Faces of Fraud (O) (A)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ed McMillan, CAE, CPA, Fraud Examiner, Forest Hill, MD
You know what fraud is and how to spot it at your association. Now hear examples of other AEs that weren’t so lucky. Listen to Ed’s real life stories of associations that are still struggling to gain what they lost at the hands of staff embezzlers.

Legislative Advocacy Lunch
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Sponsored by: RPAC

Stop Me Before I’m Keel-Hauled: Getting It All Done in 24 Hours (L) (E)
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Meagan Johnson, Partner, Johnson Training Group, Longmont, CO
Are you overworked, under-motivated, completely stressed out, a chronic procrastinator, a change phobic, a control freak, or just flat-out tired of dealing with the challenges of life? Then this program is for you! You’ll learn that although you may wish there were 34 hours in a day, you can get it done in much less than 24, and achieve the balance in your life that you have been looking for.

Full Speed Ahead: Generating Spirit in the Workplace (R) (I)
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Gail Alofsin, President, Authentic Measurable Performance, Newport, RI
Spirit begins with one person bringing a sense of meaning and purpose to work and a connection between the company and its most valuable assets, the employees. This presentation will show you how to awaken the spirit in your employees, and inspire in
them increased productivity via a sense of connection, respect, and caring.

The Ocean Wave: Overcoming Obstacles (N) (E)
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Reggie Rivers, Former Denver Broncos Player, Television Sports Anchor and Author, Denver, CO
Attitude and effort can define your opportunities, your success, and your happiness. It doesn’t take any special training or ability to have a good attitude every day or to give 100 percent effort. Anyone can do it. And those who do, usually achieve their goals. Attitude and effort have helped speaker Reggie Rivers achieve many of his goals in life, and he believes they can help others as well. Learn how to overcome obstacles so you can do anything that you set your mind to.

Keep Your Ship on an Even Keel: Get a Life (O) (E)
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Trevor Perry, Speaker & Author, Fort Worth, TX
Does work fill your life? Have you ever heard the term “spare time” and wondered what it meant? Are you stuck in a rut and see little hope of change in the perceivable future? This session will give you practical ways to add depth to your life outside work. As a result, your life be enriched and your work productivity will improve. While you already have a “life,” this session will add depth and balance to enhance the quality of it.

From Guppies to Old Salts: Leading Today's Age-Diverse REALTOR® Association (L) (E)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
John Ansbach, Esq., Vice President, RECON Intelligence Services, Traverse City, MI
Each generation brings something valuable to the table. Learn about generational values and preferences so that your association has something of value to offer all members, regardless of their age.

Man Overboard SOS: Antitrust (R) (E)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Matt Farmer, Attorney, Salem, OR
Why are REALTORS® under scrutiny? What can REALTOR® organizations do to stay out of the line of fire? These are but two of the questions answered in this fast-paced presentation. Matt Farmer, former associate general counsel of the Oregon Association of REALTORS®, will take you through the history of antitrust actions against REALTORS® and REALTOR® organizations so that you not only understand this arcane legal subject, but can actually do something about it. Learn from the mistakes of other organizations. Find out how you can reduce your organization’s risk and help members reduce theirs. This is not a legal seminar. It is a plain language exploration of a dangerous legal territory that must be crossed, and some real world tips on how to do that.

Scuffle on the Deck: Bullies at Work (N) (E)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Deborah Dubree, Owner, Dynamic Wisdom, LLC., Scottsdale, AZ
Stop unethical, uncooperative, or unpleasant people from running and ruining your life. The nicer we are to bullies, the meaner they are to us. Deborah’s practical techniques teach you how to stand up to bullies without jeopardizing your relationship, integrity, health, or sanity. Walk away with constructive alternatives you can immediately put into practice.

Straight Talk: Getting off the Curb! (O) (A)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Karel Murray, ABR, CRB, CRS, DREI, e-PRO, GRI Owner, Our Branch, Inc., Waterloo, IA Based on her book Straight Talk: Getting Off the Curb (co-authored with K.C. Lundberg, Arnica Publishing), Karel delivers witty, straight-forward advice to help you navigate your fast-lane world of obstacles. Rediscover the intrinsic value of you: your beliefs, your talents, your desires. Find out how a keen sense of self-perception can rekindle enthusiasm, commitment, personal accountability, and a dedication to excellence. With humor and insight, Karel takes you through the stories of trials and tribulations that make up life. Let some “straight talk” from Karel help you get off the negative curb and find the positives in your path!
 
Sponsor Night Happy Hour
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand. The AE Institute’s sponsoring vendors will host hospitality rooms for Institute participants.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20-- AE INSTITUTE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
What Color Are Your Sails? Diversity in the Workplace, Part I (L) (E)
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Lee Mun Wah, Executive Director, Stir-Fry Seminars & Consulting, Berkeley, CA
A major cause of conflict in the workplace is miscommunication. It is also a major reason why our workplace environments have changed dramatically in the past fifty years. Diversity has come to encompass a broad spectrum of issues such as gender, ethnicity, ableism, age, sexism, heterosexism, classism, and many others. One of the constants that binds these diverse issues and populations is the need to develop adaptive and relevant communication skills. Through the use of training films, experiential practice exercises, and cross-cultural teaching aids, you’ll learn a variety of techniques to meet the needs of diverse populations. You will walk away with an opportunity to assess your personal communication style and your impact on diverse populations; develop meaningful and authentic ways of responding to diversity issues; learn advanced listening and mediation techniques used by master facilitators; create work environments that are proactive to diversity issues rather than reactive; and learn the art of creating dynamic working environments where everyone is valued, acknowledged, and fully participating.

Eat a Frog for Breakfast! Methods to Balance Home and Work (R) (E)
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Gail Alofsin, President, Authentic Measurable Performance, Newport, RI
Yes, you can do it all – and then some! Roll up your sleeves and strap on your roller-skates as you learn eight proven methods that help you live in the present and relish “the moments” that truly matter!

Raiders of the Lost Spark: Personal or Personality? (N) (E)
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Connie Merritt, RN, PHN, Laguna Beach, CA
Do you know someone who could win the “Curmudgeon of the Year” award, or are there too many “Whine & Jeez” parties at your association? These and other difficult people increase your stress, decrease your productivity, and generally upset your satisfaction in life. Identify the one powerful skill you have to resolve conflict, learn your options for handling hostility, and master how to reduce frustration, intimidation, and manipulation. This high content, high-energy session gives step-by-step tools and approaches to use when faced with difficult people.

Smooth Sailing: Destress! (O) (E)
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Steph DeWaegeneer, Director of Creative Sales, ComedySports of Chicago, Inc., Chicago, IL
Participate in a series of energetic exercises designed to show you how to respond in a healthy and productive way to daily stress-inducing stimuli. This program reveals the nature of genuine communication and how to inject playful mental associations into situations. Participants will learn to overcome the fear of foolishness, create a positive work environment, and set the pace for fun at work.

What Color Are Your Sails? Diversity in the Work Place, Part II (L) (E)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Lee Mun Wah, Executive Director, Stir-Fry Seminars & Consulting, Berkeley, CA
If you attended part I, you won’t want to miss part II of this informative session.

Traversing the Bermuda Triangle: A Risk Reduction Primer (R) (E)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Laurie Janik, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, NAR
There are many facets to REALTOR® association management, each with its own potential set of obstacles. How do you avoid the obstacles and stay on the right side of the law? Attend this session and hear NAR’s General Counsel give you some no-nonsense advice with regard to
ethics, privacy policies, document retention, and more, to help keep your association and your members risk-free.

Plot Your Course: Planning Successful Meetings (N) (E)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Colette Trohan, CPP-T, PRP, President, A Great Meeting, Inc., Silver Spring, MD
When was the last time you heard someone say, “I just came from a great meeting!” After you attend this presentation you’ll hear it more and more. Learn the three basic skills that can make or break a great meeting: handling motions, rules of debate, and voting. Your meetings will become a place for members to come together to share opinions, make decisions, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and vision.

Weathering the Storm: Working With the Media (O) (A)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Peter L. Mosca, President, BAK Communications, Howell, NJ
After 20 years in media relations, Peter L. Mosca has a thing or two to say about “Weathering the Storm” of negative media coverage, and the challenges faced by AEs working with volunteer leaders. Are you prepared? Do you know how the media operate? Can you frame your messages? Peter’s workshop will offer you the techniques, skills, and general working knowledge necessary to communicate your association’s vision to the real estate consumer. This interactive session will be fun, informative, and give you proven steps to take home and put into action.

NAR Update Lunch
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Join NAR EVP/CEO Dale Stinton, RCE, CAE, for an update on NAR issues. Ask the questions you need answers to in this open forum with your peers and your national counterpart.

Public or Private Websites? Sold or Active Data? These are the Questions (L) (I)
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Bob Hale, CEO, Houston Association of REALTORS®, TX; Charles Melidosian, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Baird and Warner, Chicago, IL
Join Bob and Charles as they discuss the pros and cons of MLS public versus private websites, and showing active or sold listing data on the association or brokers’ websites. You may have an idea of where you stand on these issues, and you may do a complete 180 after hearing these two opposing, yet convincing, viewpoints.

Navigating the Abyss: Complying with CAN-SPAM (R) (E)
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Myron Adams, Vice President, Information Technology Services, NAR; Gregg Knopp, Managing Director, Political Programs, NAR; Mary Stark Hood, J.D., CFP, Vice President, Strategic Alliances, Member Benefits & Marketing Research, NAR
There is more to CAN SPAM than just the legal ramifications. Learn how to implement the necessary steps to ensure compliance and improve your association’s technology offerings.

Don’t Bury Your Head in the Sand: Tap into NAR Research (N) (E)
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Zan Monroe, ABR, EO, Fayetteville Association of REALTORS®,NC
Wal-Mart, Harley-Davidson, Procter & Gamble, and other leading organizations have long known the value research brings to their everyday business operations. As AEs operating with tight budgets and limited resources, NAR’s Research division can be vital to your association’s success. Why contract with costly outside research suppliers unfamiliar with the real estate industry, when you can capitalize on the knowledge, expertise, and services provided by NAR Research. Come and learn how!

A Ship's Log: Knowledge Management (O) (E)
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cindy Farris, COO, Pinellas Suncoast Association of REALTORS®, FL
Looking for new and innovative ways to provide valuable information to your members that is easy to find and relevant to their business? Do you want to capture information about proven best practices, tips, and techniques? How would you like to make that information available to your members 24/7? Learn through practical examples how you can support your members with learning tools that deliver just the right amount of information, at just the right time.

Over the Border: To Tijuana and Back (L) (I)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mark Allen, RCE, CIPS, CRS, GRI, CEO, Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®, MN; Janet Ruddick, RCE, CIPS, Deputy EVP, Washington Association of REALTORS®; Debbie Thomas, CIPS, Education Specialist, REALTORS® Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale,FL
Did you know that 60% of all real estate buyers in the next 10 years will be immigrants, first generation children of immigrants, or foreigners? Discover from experienced AEs which international programs work for members, who to partner with in your local area to build an international presence, and why international programming is important to your association.

Castoff: When It's Time to Let Go of an Employee (R) (I)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Doug Hinderer, SPHR, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, NAR; Jonathan A. Siegel, Partner, Jackson Lewis, LLC, Los Angeles, CA
We know that our associations can’t succeed unless we employ top-notch talent. How do you attract and keep the best employees on a limited payroll budget? Learn the top things that motivate and stimulate employees, and why money isn’t one of them. Having a stable, high performing staff isn’t difficult when you apply the ideas you will learn in this session.

Channel Markers of MLS: Interpreting MLS Data (N) (E)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ken Fears, Manager, Regional Economics, Real Estate Research, NAR; Lawrence Yun, Managing Director and Senior Economist, NAR
Interpreting MLS data can sound like a daunting task. Let NAR Research staff take the mystery out of it so that you can start using MLS data to help your members’ business. This data can help your association’s publicity efforts, as well as help with market trend predictions.

What Is on the Horizon? Technology Trends (O) (E)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saul Klein, President, Internet Crusade, San Diego, CA
Join Saul for a fast-paced look at the latest technology trends and the policies governing some of the newest technologies. Hear the latest on blogs, online communities, online voting, association technology policies, and more.

Institute Happy Hour!
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Join your Institute friends for refreshments, entertainment, and networking.
Sponsored by ZipForm®/RELAY^TM


WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 -- AE INSTITUTE COURSE SCHEDULE
Legal Update with Laurie Janik
8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Join NAR General Counsel Laurie Janik as she updates Institute attendees on the latest legal cases facing REALTOR® associations, and other legal issues that could have an impact on your members and your associations.

AE Institute Wrap-Up
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
You won’t want to miss the close to the 2007 AE Institute that will end your entire Institute experience on a high note. Through humor and reality-tested techniques, Steve Gilliland, CSP, will share how to face conflicting demands in an unforgiving business environment that keeps getting tougher. From the beginning when he shows people how to re-ignite their passion, to the end with his compelling challenge to never lose your focus, he releases an “explosion of enthusiasm” that is absolutely contagious. This insightful keynote is simple, clear, and easy to grasp – yet profound! Fasten your seat belt and hold on as one of America’s premier keynote speaker’s shows you how to “enjoy the ride!”