(openPR) - CHICAGO (February 5, 2009) — Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® will host its 2009 annual conference March 26-28 at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, immediately preceded by the Luxury Portfolio conference March 25-26. The gathering is expected to attract members from across the country and several countries abroad.

Keynoting the opening session will be Ken Lowe, president and CEO of Scripps Network Interactive and the vision behind the founding of HGTV, one of the most successful ventures in cable television. Other featured speakers will include psychologist, author and career coach Mike Staver; technology innovator Matthew Ferrara; national trainer and industry analyst Steve Harney; LeadingRE Chairman of the Board Harold Crye of Crye-Leike, Inc. and a host of talented LeadingRE member brokers, relocation directors and technology and marketing professionals, with content ranging from lead management, the brokerage of the future, and social media, to inspirational leadership, short sales and strategic right-sizing.

“We cannot change the economy,” remarks LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor, “but we can influence the way it is perceived and the confidence of associates, managers and consumers in housing by defining the conversation in a new way. This conference is all about the ‘Power of the Bold’ to actively take control and seize advantages, when many others are waiting for the clouds to pass.”

“We attend many educational forums throughout the year,” commented Michael Saunders of Michael Saunders & Company in Sarasota, FL, “but we consider the annual LeadingRE and Luxury Portfolio conference to be the event of the year, with the very best in thought leadership in our industry. Even though we’re all cutting expenses, this invaluable investment in our team directly impacts our success every single year.”

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About Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (www.LeadingRE.com) is a global real estate network comprised of nearly 700 of the best-known local and regional real estate firms. With more than 5,500 offices and 170,000 sales associates in the United States and 38 countries abroad, LeadingRE affiliates sell nearly $370 billion in home sales representing 1.2 million transactions annually. Six of the United States’ top 10 real estate firms are LeadingRE affiliates, and our members are the Number One firms in 44% of the top 88 markets in the United States, representing a powerful force in American real estate.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
161 N Clark Street, Ste 1250
Chicago IL 60601
Contact: Robin LaSure, VP Communications, 312-424-0436, rlasure@LeadingRE.com