KW's Mega Agent Camp 2024 opens its doors on Monday, August 12th, welcoming real estate agents from across the country and abroad. The industry's leading agent education and training event, MAC brings together over 120 top agents from across KW with a focus on mainstage conversations sharing their secrets to success. With so many panelists in attendance, you'll learn a lot in just a few days. And since MAC isn't scheduled to return to Austin next year, this summer is the perfect opportunity to explore the heart of the capital city. Follow our guide to learn how to make the most of MAC24.
Take (and share) notes
Information saturation is a reality. It can be especially difficult to manage the pace at conventions and conferences, where there is so much action-oriented information being shared by speakers and panelists. Jay Papasan, VP of Strategic Content at KW and co-author of The ONE Thing, suggests using the TIPSS framework to avoid “disappointment” at conventions.
Jay says that while taking notes by hand is the best method, no matter how you record the information, writing it down helps you consolidate what you hear and improves retention without having to refer to your notes again.
Since you can't be everywhere at once, it's also helpful to collaborate and share notes with your team and market center reps. Choose a different panel for everyone to work on and post notes in a shared drive so no one misses anything. Sharing notes allows you to share tactics and strategies, which helps build trust with other agents and also leads to discoveries you might have missed.
Jay recommends taking time after a big event to summarize your key takeaways and turn your long list of actionable items into a list of shorter action items that will have the biggest impact on your business. When you get home from the MAC, allocate time for your top priorities and get started as soon as possible. Acting quickly will help you overcome procrastination and give you a sense of progress and the satisfaction of knowing your time and money are well spent.
Nourish your body and mind
Running out of energy at a big event is never a good idea, so it's wise to plan ahead when it comes to food. This year's CEO Summit will be hosted by Gary Keller and will open MAC24 on Monday, August 12th from 12pm to 5pm. Pack your energy and bring some snacks, because there's five hours of can't-miss conversation between Gary and special guests Jason Dorsey, Brittany Hodak, Shawn Stevenson, and Kindra Hall.
Main stage sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays start early, at 8am, so get there early or pre-order your morning coffee at or near your hotel. Long lunch breaks (Tuesdays, 11am-1pm; Wednesdays, noon-2:30pm) mean you'll have time to eat on-site, explore the exhibit halls, or plan a lunch date outside. On-site food trucks include local favourites Chi'Lantro (Korean barbecue-inspired fare), Shawarma Point (modern, healthy Mediterranean fare), and I Juan Tacos (not to mention).
The Austin Convention Center is located in the heart of downtown, so there are plenty of dining options nearby. Foodies can check out Eater Austin's recommendations for restaurants within walking distance or a short shared ride, including Downtown, Central East, and Rainey Street. Restaurants in the city's downtown are popular, so make reservations if you can.
Outings and walk-and-talk meetings are a great way to get to know your colleagues. Downtown Austin has plenty of places worth exploring. If you don't mind the heat, you can follow the hiking and biking trails along the shores of Lady Bird Lake or explore the boutiques in the city's Second Street district. While you're there, take a selfie with the iconic Willie Nelson statue outside Austin City Limits Live music venue. You can also stop by the world-class Lake Flat-designed Austin Central Library and enjoy the view from the rooftop butterfly garden.
Bat watching is popular in Austin. Once the MAC main stage session is over, find a spot along the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk and wait for North America's largest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats to take to the skies for dinner. You can also take in the views on a riverboat tour or plan an evening kayak tour. You're sure to find some good company. Bat watching is Austin's most popular tourist attraction.
KW's Culture Summit on Wednesday will culminate Mega Agent Camp. Founded and led by Moe Anderson, former president and CEO of Keller Williams, Culture Summit celebrates the mission, vision and values that drive and guide our company. Moe will join KWRI's Wendy Harrelson and John Kridi onstage to spotlight individuals who have made a difference by recognizing the personal side of business and exemplifying culture in action. Come prepared to hear inspiring stories of struggle and challenges, and the power of compassion and support to deepen connections and change lives.
Plan ahead and pace yourself
When it comes to multi-day events, it's easy to get overscheduled. Study the MAC calendar before your trip to decide what you don't want to miss, both at and outside of the MAC. Make sure to also allow time for rest and networking, and take advice from luxury agent Martha Small of Austin Portfolio Real Estate. Martha recommends reaching out in advance to agents working in locations that interest you and scheduling get-togethers during the MAC to build your brain trust and referral network.
Of course, don't forget the basics: business cards (yes, we still use them!), chargers for portable devices, a bag or backpack to carry around all day, a water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes are absolute musts. The convention center spans six city blocks, so consider where you'll compromise style in favor of practicality and comfort. Be prepared for the temperature difference between an air-conditioned space and the heat of a Texas summer; a light jacket or sweater that you can easily slip off can be a lifesaver when indoors with the air conditioning on.
Dive into learning
Gary Keller says, “Education never ends for a professional,” and the way he sees it, MAC is the single most important event you can attend to find out how to perform your best in a tough market. Learning from top pros and networking with other agents at MAC can reignite your love for real estate and get you recommitted to your goals.
Mega Agent Camp 2024 will take place in Austin, Texas from August 12th to 15th and is open to all KW agents and associates, as well as their invited guests.