by Chris Barranco

Thank you to NVAR members, speakers and partners for making the 2021 NVAR Centennial Convention and Trade Show an event to remember. With 40+ online  sessions, 50+ speakers and nearly 1,000 virtual attendees (not to mention in-person watch parties and events!), NVAR maximized outreach to “Meet Members Where They R” (#MMWTR).

All session recordings are now available for on-demand viewing via nvar.com/convention.

On Thursday (10/7), NVAR Global hosted Eugene Caras, Moldova Ambassador to the United States, for an International Luncheon. During this session, attendees sampled Moldovan wine and learned about the vast opportunities this new relationship opens. Other popular events included Politics and Pancakes with political analyst Amy Walter, opening keynote sessions with Rachel Brenke and Justin Graves, and sessions featuring NAR leaders - President Charlie Oppler, CEO Bob Goldberg and Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

NVAR also announced TWO brand new member benefits, including the safety application FOREWARN and an innovative work-space program: R-WORK.

In addition to these informative, educational and inspiring sessions and events, NVAR hosted three in-person Centennial celebrations outside of the NVAR Fairfax HQ building.

NVAR Homecoming

Following the first day’s sessions, NVAR welcomed members to Fairfax headquarters for the first-ever NVAR Homecoming celebration, honoring 100 years of NVAR. Members and partners gathered for food, drinks and a nostalgic high school and college-themed pep rally. Attendees enjoyed a live performance by the Fairfax High School marching band, and several lucky individuals took home raffle prizes. Through the Dunk Tank challenge, members had the opportunity to “dunk” NVAR CEO Ryan McLaughlin and several other brave volunteers. 

The association crowned dual 2021 "chair-leader" Homecoming Queens - Convention Committee Chair Marriah Unruh and chair of the NVAR Centennial Celebration Committee, Christine Richardson. Immediate past president, Nicholas Lagos, was crowned as the 2021 Homecoming King.

NVAR President Derrick Swaak presented Fairfax High School Marching Band with a $1,000 donation from NVAR.

NVAR Torch Games

After the second day of sessions, Realtors® gathered outside NVAR Fairfax to compete in the NVAR Torch Games. As part of the opening ceremony, NVAR recognized Board of Directors leaders and past presidents through the years with a Gold Medal presentation. Realtor® Emeritus members and individuals who have been NVAR members for 25+ years received a special medal and hand-written thank-you note.

The competitions included Kan-Jam, Corn-Hole, a Frisbee Golf Putt Challenge, Ladder Golf, a Shop Realtor® Relay, Ping Pong and more. All Attendees received a raffle ticket for a chance to win a car detailing, Apple Airpods or a gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods. 

Perhaps the highlight of the event was the presence of our Day 2 Keynote Speaker, Justin Graves!

NVAR announced that the association will donate $1,000 to the Team USA Olympic and Paralympic team.

Toasting to the Future

NVAR hosted a Toasting to the Future cocktail party as the third and final in-person celebration of the 2021 Convention and Trade Show. Attendees dressed to the nines and posed on the red carpet, enjoying a chocolate and wine tasting, courtesy of Paradise Springs Winery and Schakolad Chocolate. Sponsored by MBH Settlement Group, members participated in a raffle with a chance to win a Spa Visit, a Wine Basket or a Ruth Chris Gift Card. Bright MLS leaders surprised attendees with three additional prize drawings for $250 restaurant gift cards.  

Thank you again everyone who made this year's 2021 Centennial Convention and Trade Show so special. Visit nvar.com/convention to view all on-demand session recordings.