VAR 80th Annual Meeting
The Shape of Change – Building a Bold Future for Real Estate
Get ready to be inspired, invigorated, and immersed in the beauty of Vermont! Join us for the 2025 VAR Annual Meeting at the stunning Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, where history meets luxury and opportunity awaits around every corner. Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, this year’s gathering promises not only thought-provoking sessions and powerful networking, but also a chance to unwind, recharge, and embrace the change shaping our industry. This is more than a meeting, it’s a must-attend experience you won’t want to miss!
Meet Our Speakers
Kevin Sears
President
National Association of Realtors®
Dr. Jessica Lautz
Deputy Chief Economist
National Association of Realtors®
Get Your Ticket!
November 4-5, 2025
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
3567 Main St., Manchester Village, VT
Early-Bird Registration – $160
(through Oct. 1)
Full Registration – $200
(after Oct. 1)
One-Day Registration – $130
(Includes all meals, CE classes, and networking events except where indicated by invitation only)
SPONSORS
We’ve got some great sponsorship opportunities for you! Contact Kathy Sweeten at (802) 229-0513 or by email at kathy@vermontrealtors.com for details.
Lodging
Experience the luxury of the Equinox Resort! VAR has secured special discount overnight accommodations for $129 per night (plus resort fees, state and local tax). Cut-off-date to lock in this exclusive rate is Monday, October 6, 2025.
Thanks to our Sponsors
Agenda – Nov. 4
Registration Opens – 12pm
Kick off your annual meeting experience with fresh coffee and great conversation. Network, connect, and start the day energized.
Concurrent Classes – 1-4pm
Using AI to Improve Your Business and Life – Alex Camelio
(3 CE approved)
Discover how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionize your business and personal life while also considering the ethical implications! Join internationally renowned speakerAlex Camelio as we explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence by diving into real-world examples and case studies. You will gain valuable insights on how businesses are leveraging AI technologies to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and continue to grow, all while upholding ethical standards. Additionally, uncover practical ways in which AI can help you optimize your daily routines, make informed decisions, and improve overall productivity. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI!
Mastering the Art of Negotiations – Brian Armstrong
(3 CE approved)
Want to level up your negotiation game and help your clients win more often? This course is for you.
In Mastering the Art of Real Estate Negotiation, we’ll break down the psychology behind how and why people make decisions—and how you can use that to your advantage at the negotiation table. From building trust and asking the right questions, to handling objections and knowing when to walk away, this course is packed with practical strategies that actually work in the real world.
We’ll cover everything from buyer vs. seller tactics, to creative deal-making, to navigating tricky situations like bidding wars or contract roadblocks. You’ll learn how to prep like a pro, anchor your offers, use silence as a tool (yep, it works!), and uncover those hidden “black swan” facts that can completely shift a negotiation in your favor.
Expect a mix of insight, strategy, and hands-on practice through role-playing and real-life case studies—so you leave not just knowing what to do, but how to do it with confidence.
This course is all about real strategies for real people. No fluff—just tools that help you win more often, build stronger client trust, and close better deals.
Realtor® Speed Dating (1 CE pending): 4-5pm
Want to get some quick-hit information about a variety of tools to help in your business? Move around the room to get fifteen-minute tips and tricks on tools such as the Realtors Property Resource (RPR), Domus Analytics, and Canva.
Evening Networking: 5-7pm
Who’s Line is it Anyway – Realtor® Edition
Get ready for laughs during our Realtor® twist on Who’s Line Is It Anyway? Agents improvise wild scenarios like “Open House Gone Wrong” and “Negotiating with a Pirate.” This guarantees to provide a hilarious angle on our real estate lives. Don’t miss the show where laughter is the best commission
Agenda – Nov. 5
Registration Open – 8-9am
Kick off your annual meeting experience with fresh coffee and great conversation. Network, connect, and start the day energized.
Major Investor Breakfast (invitation only) – 8-9am
Opening General Session – 9-10am
Keynote
Kevin Sears
NAR President
Economic Update
Jessica Lautz
NAR Deputy Chief Economist & VP of Research
Get the latest housing statistics, forecasts and trends from one of NAR’s top economists.
Concurrent Classes – 10:15am-12:15pm
Gaming the System (Part one of class) – Alex Camelio
(1 CE approved)
Industry expert Alex Camelio is back for day two, as he shows you how to “game the system” that is social media. Between Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, social media can seem overwhelming. However, focusing your efforts in the right areas, and knowing the secret “ins and outs” can make social media work in your favor without having to invest a lot of time.
Learn the best strategies and hidden gems for all of the major social media platforms. Don’t miss this chance to implement time-saving techniques now (because, let’s be honest, you know you need to)!
Building Relationships in an Online World (Part two of class) – Alex Camelio
(1 CE approved)
Building relationships is still the best way REALTORS® can generate repeat and referral business. This revolutionary course will teach you 4 strategies to build lasting relationships with every person in your Sphere of Influence and uncover the 2 biggest mistakes even the most savvy agents make. There’s more! We’ll also share with you the secret to using “Personal Looking” automation to save time while continuing to reinforce the bonds you’ve built. Don’t miss this career-changing course that will place you on the fast track to more sales, and closer to the dream of working by referral only!
5 Things to Know Before Listing Commercial Real Estate for Sale – Jeremy Cyrier
(2 CE pending)
If you’re planning to list commercial real estate for sale, make sure you know these 5 key things first! Dealing with the wrong buyer leads to frustration, wasted time and damage to profits and reputation. That’s why we developed a 38-point exposure process that secures the right buyer so you can:
- Get your full profit after having grown your property to its full potential.
- Stop worrying about the about the real estate now that your business is sold.
- Sell privately so that your tenants don’t find out and leave.
- Sell for the right price so that you can provide your investors with their returns.
- Stop funding negative cash flows.
- Put an end to property management headaches.
Annual Meeting & Awards Presentations: 12:15-2pm
2025 Realtor® of the Year and Good Neighbor
Presenter
Bill Weidacher
2025 NAR Regional Vice President, Region 1
Concurrent Classes – 2-4pm
Debunking Commercial Real Estate Market Doom and Gloom – Jeremy Cyrier
(2 CE pending)
There are problems in the market and the perception of value has changed. Know your asset. Know the market cycle. Know your opportunities.
Mediation for Realtors® – Adam Powers, Esq.
(2 CE pending)
This course equips real estate professionals with practical mediation skills to better serve clients and manage complex transactions. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what mediation is, when and how to apply it, how it functions in the real estate context, and why it is an essential tool for resolving disputes effectively.