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Published by the CIPS Network of the National Association of REALTORS®
Fourth Quarter 2001
Brazil Summit: The Foundation for a Latin American Network
Bem Vindo ("welcome" in Portuguese) is what the nearly 100 participants at the Brazil Workshop and NAR Education Summit felt throughout three days of events in August. From the welcome reception, where guests were treated to a Brazilian barbeque, to the closing luncheon featuring the traditional Brazilian feijoada meal of meat and beans and an exhibition of indigenous dancing, attendees enjoyed an information-packed program punctuated by plenty of delicious food, caipirinhas (a Brazilian mixed drink), and networking opportunities.
Representatives from ten Latin countries and Portugal were in attendance. On the first day, SECOVI's annual workshop focused on the Brazilian real estate market. The program was expanded to include a panel of representatives from the other Latin markets, who each provided an overview of their real estate markets and associations, as well as general comments about their economies. Jorge Cantero, CIPS, served as moderator. The program included organizational updates on NAR from NAR First Vice President Cathy Whatley and ICREA (International Consortium of Real Estate Associations) presented by Cesar Parades (AMPI-Mexico).
The daylong NAR Education Summit followed, featuring five mini-courses developed from a single aspect of a designation program offered by NAR or one of its Institutes, Societies and Councils, including the CCIM Institute, NAR's Certified International Specialist (CIPS) program, the Council of Residential Specialists (CRS), the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC). Additionally, the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) provided a brief overview of its activities. Opportunities to network and discuss business opportunities were available to attendees in breaks between programs and a cocktail party following the presentations. The jam-packed day concluded with the annual FIABCI Brazil Master Real Estate Awards, a gala event where all Summit attendees enjoyed VIP treatment. Cathy Whatley was given the honor of making the first presentation. Between awards, a female choral group and an all-woman orchestra provided musical entertainment.
SECOVI proved to be an outstanding co-host for the program, providing the full use of their state-of-the-art conference center, simultaneous translation services, plus numerous amenities and other special touches that made the event a great success. During the closing luncheon, following SECOVI President Romeu Chap Chap's concluding comments, several attendees made spontaneous short "speeches" expressing their appreciation for the program, expressing the hope that it was only the first of many future joint education programs. Fo more photos and a list of attendees, click here. |
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