To ensure that we structure training and events that are of most value to you, we have prepared this short, quick-question survey that you can complete in 2-3 minutes. And enter to win the $100 Card, right there and then.

Your feedback will shape the types of events to come, so be numerous. The survey closes February 10, 2012.

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Anyone planning to attend a trade show knows the feeling of exhaustion that often comes right after. Rightfully, the ROI question also races through our minds. We find ourselves trying to justify the days spent attending sessions and wandering the maze of the expo floor, swag bag in hand.

Aside from the one or two useful giveaways we might land, we all know that the rest of our swag just ends up in the garage. So how about we collectively start saving huge amounts of time, effort, and ozone, by being very, very selective in the junk we pick up at the next event?

Advance preparation and careful thought are really all it takes to walk away from a trade show with your bottom line improved (yes, more dollars for you at the end of the year), relevant new ideas you can actually use, and maybe, just maybe, more energy.

Select information sessions carefully. Before you travel, take time to think of the key issues your business faces and the biggest opportunities you want to tackle. Writing these down will almost automatically lead you to pre-select fewer sessions. Those that are the most relevant to your business and can help you to address real business pain are the ones you’ll want to spend your valuable time at. Decide where you are most likely to obtain information you can actually apply to your business upon your return.

This type of thought also clears your mind from the noise and distraction of information overload and keeps you focused on your goal. Of course, information on topics of general interest can then be added to your calendar, if you have additional free time.

You’ve likely come across a group that decides to attend a session just because someone in their party wanted to. Then they all turn around and head over there like a herd. We’d all agree that is likely not the best way to spend one’s time. If we did have that much free time, maybe the entire trip wasn’t really worthwhile. “Was it worth it?”– a genuine question you need ask yourself after the next show is over. That question alone could put back (or keep) a lot more money in your pocket the following year.

In choosing your sessions, examine the speakers’ backgrounds carefully. Ask around if you need to. Who you listen to largely determines your level of success. Always listen to people who have what you want, have done what you are doing if their subject is specific to your industry, successfully, and the clincher is, can show it. There are many charismatic speakers who have never been as successful as they proclaim they can help you become and make their money selling to people books and consulting. Choose well.

Then there is the chaos of the expo floor. Before you board that plane, write down the services you subscribe to and purchase on a regular basis, and other services that you have been interested in. Then hit those vendor booth displays dead on, one after the other. Your mission is to i) identify deals that will save you money, and, ii) get tips on how you can better use your existing products, tools or technologies to become more efficient and profitable.

Zero in on vendors who have staying power and respectable brands. Those that care about customers and will likely be there for you when you need support. Not those driven by hidden corporate agendas, scandal or question marks popping up every now and then. These exist in virtually every industry.

The players you decide on will most likely have trade show specials that can save you good money. That’s one of the key objectives trade show kings and queens must set for themselves. Switch services if you must, sign up to new, better and cheaper ones, or simply unsubscribe from others you figure won’t need anymore. It’s all for the taking on the show floor when you focus your time on the right things for your business, talking to the right suppliers. The rest is a waste of time. Stuffed toys can be had anywhere for a few dollars, without having to stand up waiting for an hour, feet aching and all. In advance of your venture, take a look at the trade show floor plan, which most conventions today make available, and mark your destinations.

If you are in the real estate business, we hope to see you at the EXIT Realty convention in Nashville (Point2 booth #14), or at NAR in Anaheim (booth #255)

Here’s a peek at just a few of the items we were able to bring along:

Each year the workshop for MLS executives explores new technologies, services, marketing and business practices relevant to the industry and takes a look at how companies around the world are exploding with innovation in today’s industry.  This year’s event covered everything from mobile strategies to syndication, with the topic of the conference being ‘Innovation’.

Prior to the workshop getting under way, there was even a day at the race track – there’s Linda, Point’s Director of MLS & Association Services gearing up for the speedway:

It was great time indeed, and a huge thanks to Clareity Consulting and everyone else who made it one heck of an event!

Point2 will be at NARdiGras 2010 on November 5th-8th.  We are looking forward to seeing many of our long-time friends, clients, and contacts – and hope to make some new friends too.

This event is a great time to sit down for a few minutes with Point2 and see what we can do for you and your organization.

If you belong to your MLS or Association Board of Directors, you’ll want to set up a time for you and your executives to meet with us.  We’ll provide you with information about our syndication services at the MLS level.  Just contact us to set up a brief meeting time which is convenient for your group.

We look forward to sharing some fun times with you all at NARdi Gras in New Orleans!

Okay, maybe not…but I sure did.  That’s right, Inman Connect SF 2010 is fast approaching.  July 13-15th to be exact.  If you’re looking to keep up with what’s happening in the industry today and get connected with some of the top movers & shakers in real estate, THIS is the place to be.

Not sure if you can attend quite yet?  That’s okay – as a sponsor, Point2 is offering 25% off your registration fee right up until the day of the event.  Perfect for the last minute planners – just like me!

All you have to do when you sign up right here, is use the promo code “Point2″.  That’s it!

See you there!

Enter Real Estate Connect; a transformative 3-day conference featuring the boldest and brightest in real estate, focused on helping you understand the latest trends in technology and real estate to help you look beyond what you already think you know.

Featuring some of today’s most exciting speakers and hottest startups, you will walk away knowing how to market like a rock star, how to out-maneuver your competition, and which hot new companies you should keep your eye on.

Think of this conference as an investment – the knowledge you gain and people you meet will undoubtedly provide you will more value down the road than the price of admission.

Connect with over 2,000 real estate luminaries (not to mention a contingent of folks from Point2) this summer in San Francisco from July 13th – 15th.

But wait, we’ll sweeten the deal.  Sign up now with the promo code “Point2” and save 25% off the conference price – a savings of over $200!

What are you waiting for - sign up now and get connected.