Six Rego Realtors agents joined more than 23,000 realtors from around the world who travelled to Chicago to learn about the latest industry trends, network with colleagues, and continue their professional development at the 2001 Realtors Conference & Expo last month.

Rego sales agent Rhonda Casling said: "Attending this year's NAR conference gave me a tremendous boost."

During the NAR Conference, more than 80 education sessions were held, including several on real estate business practices in different countries, including Poland, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and the US.

Experts from all these countries gave overviews of the practical side of doing business in their home markets.

"As professionals, we find in today's market it's critical to stay one step ahead in order for our company to provide top-notch service for our client's desire," said Therese Carroll.

Rego said an International Networking Center (INC) provided all conference attendees interested in global markets a place to meet and network through the four-day meeting.

More than 30 of NAR's bilateral cooperating association partners participated in hour-long networking sessions where any of the conference attendees could come to the INC to talk to delegates from that country and learn more about their markets.

The International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA) held their second plenary session in conjunction with NAR's annual conference and expo, where 21 of the 25 member national associations came together to discuss international real estate standards and the development of the organisation's Internet web site where consumers will be able to access property ads worldwide.

Sales agent Albert Moura said: "The NAR conference keeps us on the leading edge of all the new technology being developed in our industry so that we can find new ways to better serve our customers"

"2001: Profiting from Innovation" was the key theme at this year's conference, which brought together an array of nationally and internationally known real estate industry experts, top government officials and lawmakers to address a number of real estate-related issues.

Speakers on a wide range of educational topics focused on the challenges and solutions in today's real estate arena, including helping realtors find the tools and techniques to optimise growth in today's Internet-driven markets and dealing successfully with affordability, environmental and smart-growth related issues.

NAR's senior vice president of research and chief economist Dr. David Lereah also provided updates on the residential and commercial sectors of the real estate market, including his predictions for 2002.

Numerous education sessions also provided the latest insights on key issues facing contemporary real estate practitioners, including marketing to diverse client bases, as well as problems and opportunities raised by new technology, affordable housing, the management of growth-related concerns and regulatory and legislative measures.

For more information go to www.regorealtors.com.