Question 1

8:30 AM to 9 AM – Check-in + Coffee Connections

Accepted Answer

Start the day with light breakfast, networking, and sponsor engagement. A chance to reconnect with peers, meet new colleagues, and set the tone for a productive conference.

Question 2

9 AM to 9:15 AM – Welcome + Opening Remarks

Accepted Answer

The C.A.R. Officers will kick off the day, highlighting the purpose of the Broker Conference and the importance of strong leadership in today’s real estate industry.

Question 3

9:15 AM to 10 AM – Keynote: The New Normal - Fintech and AI are Changing Everything

Accepted Answer

What’s next for residential real estate? Demographic shifts, compensation models, and AI are changing the game. We’ll take a candid look at what’s driving change and what it means for brokers and agents.

Speaker:

James Dwiggins
Co-CEO, NextHome, Inc & Rayse, Inc

Question 4

10 AM to 10:45 AM – Inside the Regulator’s Mind: Broker Supervision Best Practices

Accepted Answer

Hear directly from two of California’s most respected compliance leaders. Wayne Bell, former DRE Commissioner, and Summer Goralik, an expert DRE compliance consultant, will provide practical insights into broker supervision. Together, they’ll unpack the
regulator’s perspective, identify common pitfalls, and share strategies to strengthen compliance, mitigate risk, and build a culture of accountability in your brokerage.

Moderator:
Anthony Andaya

Speakers:

Wayne Bell

Summer Goralik

Question 5

10:45 AM to 11:15 AM – Leading from the Front: Why Broker Involvement Matters

Accepted Answer

Explore how engaged broker leadership directly shapes agent performance, professionalism, and community impact. Learn from real-world examples of leaders who are investing in their agents and driving industry standards forward.

Moderator:

West de Young

Speakers:

Kama Burton

Jennifer Higgins

Question 6

11:15 AM to 12 PM – Turning Chaos into Clarity: Lead with Confidence

Accepted Answer

From shifting markets to rapid-fire information, brokers face constant pressure. This panel of leaders will share practical strategies for cutting through the noise, focusing on what matters, and guiding agents with confidence.

Moderator:

Sara Sutachan
Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Speakers:

Sarah Kosasky

Jonathan Butler

Question 7

12 PM to 1:30 PM – Lunch Break

Accepted Answer

Take time to recharge, network, and connect with colleagues. (Lunch is not provided.)

Question 8

1:30 PM to 2:15 PM – Broker Roundtable: What’s Keeping You Up at Night?

Accepted Answer

An interactive discussion where brokers tackle today’s toughest challenges. Using live audience input, this session creates space for candid conversation, collective problem-solving, and shared insights.

Moderators:

Julie Bencosme

Brett Anthis

Question 9

2:15 PM to 3 PM – Technology & Trust: What Brokers Need to Know Now

Accepted Answer

AI tools are already answering "Who's the best realtor in [your city]?"—are you showing up in those recommendations? This session demystifies how AI systems work, reveals the authority signals that build both digital visibility and consumer trust, and provides immediate action steps, including expert prompts, testing tools, and budget-conscious implementation strategies.

Speakers:

Molly McKinley
Co-Owner / Managing Partner, Redtail Creative

Question 10

3 PM to 3:25 PM – CEO Spotlight Interview

Accepted Answer

A candid conversation with C.A.R.’s CEO on the future of organized real estate, the role of associations, and the opportunities ahead for California brokers.

Interviewer:

Sara Sutachan
Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Guest:

Phil Hawkins
C.A.R. CEO

Question 11

3:25 PM to 3:40 PM – Afternoon Break

Accepted Answer

Refuel with refreshments, connect with peers, and prepare for the final sessions of the day.

Question 12

3:40 PM to 4 PM – Building Resilience Through Industry & Technology Shifts

Accepted Answer

Resilience is the new leadership currency. Explore how brokers can adapt quickly to change, leverage technology, and inspire their teams to stay strong in uncertain times.

Moderator:

Jackie Soto
Owner / Broker, ehomes

Speakers:

Gavin Payne

Ria Cotton

Question 13

4 PM to 4:45 PM – Keynote: Building a Courage-Ready Mindset to Thrive Through Change

Accepted Answer

Change is inevitable—but courage is a choice. Candace will share her framework for helping leaders and their teams confront fear, embrace change, and unlock their highest potential.

Speaker:

Candace Doby
Founder, The Can-Do Company

Question 14

4:45 PM to 5 PM – Closing Reflections + Next Steps

Accepted Answer

We’ll wrap the day with key takeaways, next steps, and a call to action for brokers to continue the conversation and lead with purpose.

Speaker:

Melanie

Emcees:

Julie Bencosme

Brett Anthis

BROKER CONFERENCE: BUILD. CHANGE. GROW.

BROKER CONFERENCE:
BUILD. CHANGE. GROW.