iOi Summit to Collective: The New Era for Real Estate Innovation

NAR is evolving its Innovation, Opportunity & Investment (iOi) initiative from an annual summit into a year-round, always-on iOi collective.
February 10, 2025
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Alex Lange onstage at an iOi Summit Event, new era of real estate
The real estate landscape is constantly shifting, driven by fluctuating market conditions, climate change, technological advancements and so much more. Recognizing these dynamics, the National Association of REALTORS® is evolving its Innovation, Opportunity & Investment (iOi) initiative from an annual summit into a year-round, always-on iOi collective.

“This evolution is about creating a continuous flow of information, resources and connections, ensuring our members and the broader industry have access to the latest innovations and opportunities year-round,” says Dan Weisman, NAR’s director of Innovation Strategy. “It’s about empowering the real estate ecosystem to not just adapt to change—but to drive it.”

Launched in 2018, the iOi Summit became a nexus for tech innovators, investors, and real estate professionals. It created a unique space to ignite innovation, spark new opportunities, and unite like-minded individuals. Over the years, the summit hosted visionaries, change-makers and innovators, such as Dave Garland, REACH; Ines Hegedus-Garcia, Avanti Way Realty; James Dwiggins, NextHome; Marki Lemons Ryhal, ReMarkiTable/REALTOR®; Wendy Forsythe, eXp Realty; Noelle Russell, AI Leadership Institute; Pritesh Damani, The Real Brokerage; Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso; and so many more—keeping NAR members at the forefront of the future.

Once a Year Isn’t Enough Anymore

The pace of technological advancement demands more than an annual gathering. Recognizing this, NAR is reimagining iOi as a dynamic, always-on collective designed to continuously bridge the gap between technology and the real estate industry. This evolution signifies a shift from a singular event to a constantly updated, always accessible resource for all stakeholders.

This new iteration of iOi offers several benefits for both real estate professionals and the broader technology and investment community, including access to cutting-edge tech and expanded networking opportunities.

  • For real estate professionals, iOi provides real-time updates and continuous access to educational resources. This includes dedicated programming at NAR conferences, a new tech blog and webinars. This constant flow of information empowers professionals to stay ahead of the curve, understand emerging technologies, and learn how to effectively integrate them into their businesses.
  • For the growing proptech community, iOi offers connection to a network of real estate professionals. Through in-person PropTech meetups, an online community, and enhanced communication channels, iOi facilitates meaningful connections between investors, founders, brokers, MLS leaders and tech companies. This continuous interaction fosters collaboration, drives investment, and accelerates the development and adoption of innovative solutions.

Save the Date: iOi’s First in-Person Event of the Year

Want to know which technologies will shape the real estate landscape in 2025? Join us for our kick-off PropTech Meetup of the year at NAR’s headquarters in Chicago:

  • Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
  • Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m. CT
  • Location: NAR Headquarters, 430 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago IL
  • Registration: Save your spot

Sharon Love Bates, NAR’s director of Emerging Tech, will present key insights into the tech trends you need to know. Plus, we’re excited to welcome state association IT execs/directors, creating an opportunity for networking and valuable conversations.

This is an in-person event hosted by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Embracing a New Vision for Shaping the Industry’s Future

The evolution of iOi into an always-on collective represents a strategic move by NAR to empower the industry to embrace technology and drive meaningful change. By fostering continuous connectivity and providing accessible resources, iOi is creating a dynamic environment where innovation can thrive. This transformation is not just about keeping up with an evolving landscape; it’s about shaping the future of real estate. The iOi collective is poised to become the central hub for real estate innovation, paving the way for a more technologically advanced and efficient industry.

Stay connected with the real estate industry’s collective for technology connections, content and collaboration.

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