Question 1

7:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Registration Desk Open

Accepted Answer

Location: Breakwater Hallway

Question 2

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM: Breakfast Buffet

Accepted Answer

Location: The Courtyard

Question 3

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM: Opening Remarks: Representing California at NAR

Accepted Answer

Speaker: Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R. 
 
Serving as a California NAR Director is an opportunity to elevate the state’s influence and help shape the future of real estate at the national level. These opening remarks set the stage for an interactive and collaborative morning — one designed to spark dialogue, share perspectives, and explore how California’s powerful delegation can lead with purpose and clarity in the year ahead.

Question 4

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM:  Leading the Way: NAR Strategic Priorities for 2026

Accepted Answer

Speaker: Kevin Brown, 2026 President, NAR 
 
NAR President Kevin Brown looks ahead to the future of the REALTOR® organization — outlining the strategic priorities, transformation, and opportunities that will shape its next chapter. With a focus on strengthening member value, advancing key policy goals, and deepening public trust, his remarks will help every Director to lead with clarity and help drive meaningful progress across the real estate industry.

Question 5

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM: Inside the New NAR: Structure, Strategy & Influence

Accepted Answer

Moderated by Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.; Panelists: Jennifer Branchini, 2025 VP of Association Affairs, NAR; Jarrod Grasso, SVP of Industry Relations, NAR 
 
Take a behind-the-scenes look at NAR’s ongoing transformation in this candid conversation with national leadership. Hear how the organization’s evolving structure is reshaping decision-making, collaboration, and communication across committees and leadership teams. Gain insight into what’s changing inside the “new NAR” — and how California Directors can use their influence to help drive strategy, strengthen alignment, and shape outcomes that matter most. The conversation will include audience Q&A, offering Directors the opportunity to engage directly with national leadership.

Question 6

10:00 AM – 10:25: AM Navigating Your Role: Foundations for Director Success

Accepted Answer

Speakers: Melanie Barker, 2026 NAR Regional Vice President, Region 13; Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.

This session offers a practical orientation to the year ahead, outlining NAR’s governance structure, key meetings, and the expectations that define the Director’s role. From fiduciary duties and committee service requirements to preparation and professional conduct, Directors will gain clarity on how to meet and exceed expectations. You’ll also learn where to find essential resources to stay informed, engaged, and ready to lead confidently in 2026.

Question 7

10:25 AM – 10:40 AM: Morning Break

Question 8

10:40 AM – 11:00 AM: Expanding Your Network: Building Connections Beyond California

Accepted Answer

Vince Malta, NAR Leadership Team Member
NAR meetings bring together REALTOR® leaders from across the country – and your influence grows when your network does. This session encourages California Directors to step beyond familiar circles and forge new connections with peers from other states. Learn how relationship-building across state lines strengthens our collective voice, sparks fresh ideas, and brings valuable insights back home. Hear practical strategies for initiating conversations, exchanging best practices, and building lasting professional relationships that expand your impact at the national level.

Question 9

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM: Housing, Policy & Politics in 2026

Accepted Answer

Moderated by Phil Hawkins, CEO, C.A.R.; Erin Stackley, Director of Federal Policy & Industry Relations, NAR; Nicole Lindler, Director of Government Advocacy, NAR
 
Take a step back for a big-picture look at the political and policy landscape shaping housing in 2026. NAR’s policy and industry experts unpack the federal priorities and power dynamics influencing housing, finance, and real estate, and discuss how decisions made in Washington impact California’s markets. Gain insight into what’s ahead, what’s driving national debates, and how advocacy at every level advances the REALTOR® mission and strengthens outcomes for consumers. Audience Q&A will follow, giving Directors the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists.

Question 10

11:50 AM – 12:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Resource Round-Up

Accepted Answer

Speaker: Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R. 
 
Wrap up the morning with key takeaways and a review of essential resources for NAR Directors, including the NAR Director Qualifications and Performance Expectations. Directors will leave with practical tools, clear direction, and a shared commitment to representing California effectively at the national level.

Question 11

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: NAR Director Lunch & Networking

Accepted Answer

Location TBA

Question 12

7:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Registration Desk Open

Accepted Answer

Location: Breakwater Hallway

Question 13

1:00 – 1:15 PM: Turn It Up! REALTOR® Party of California Kickoff

Accepted Answer

Eric Schwartz, Emcee; Tamara Suminski, 2026 President; Mark Peterson, 2026 President-Elect; Nikki Coppa, 2026-2027 Treasurer, C.A.R.; Phil Hawkins, CEO, C.A.R. 
 
Turn up the volume on advocacy as we launch our annual REALTOR® Party of California Training. Together with Emcee Eric Schwartz and the 2026 Officers, we’ll set the tempo for an afternoon centered on leadership, impact, and the power of collective action. This kickoff will highlight why the REALTOR® Party matters, the role every leader plays, and the strength we bring when we show up with one voice.

Question 14

1:15 – 2:05 PM: Opening Keynote: Leading Through Change

Accepted Answer

Speaker: Juan Bendaña, Leadership Expert & Bestselling Author 
 
What if the very challenges that make leadership feel uncertain are actually your greatest opportunities to lead with impact? In this high-energy kickoff, Juan Bendaña will show how confidence, trust, and resilience can transform disruption into momentum – for REALTORS®, for homeowners, and for the REALTOR® Party. With practical strategies and a bold mindset shift, you’ll leave not only inspired but equipped to advocate, influence, and lead with clarity and courage in the year ahead.

Question 15

2:05 – 2:40 PM: Making Advocacy Your Jam

Accepted Answer

Speaker: James Baiseri, 2026 FAMM Advisory Committee Chair; Elizabeth Campbell Chase, 2026 REALTOR® Party of CA Director; David Stark, Chief Public Affairs & Communications Officer, Bay East AOR 
 
Advocacy isn’t just politics – it’s the rhythm that drives the REALTOR® Party. This interactive session breaks down how government shapes every part of a REALTOR®’s work, from transactions and housing to clients and communities. Speakers will demystify how issues, candidates, fundraising, and grassroots action connect under the REALTOR® Party of California – showing how Vote, Act, and Invest work together as one powerful system. With audience participation and practical takeaways, leaders will leave with the tools and language to champion advocacy back home and engage members with confidence.

Question 16

2:40 – 3:00 PM: C.A.R. Lobbyist Fireside Chat

Accepted Answer

Jennifer Svec, VP of Public Policy, C.A.R.; Sanjay Wagle, SVP & Chief Lobbyist, C.A.R. 
 
C.A.R.’s lobbyists pull back the curtain on how Board of Directors actions become lobbying strategy, how issues are prioritized, and why member voices are essential to moving policy forward. Learn how staff and REALTORS® team up to influence lawmakers, connect local relationships to state priorities, and keep the REALTOR® Party agenda strong in California.

Question 17

3:00 – 3:15 PM: AFTERNOON BREAK

Question 18

3:15 – 4:00 PM: Legislative Perspectives Panel

Accepted Answer

Moderator: Phil Hawkins, CEO, C.A.R.; Panelists: Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (AD26); Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (SD23)
 
What do lawmakers really think about REALTOR® advocacy? In this bipartisan panel, legislators will share perspectives on how advocacy influences decision-making, what builds trust and credibility, and the role of member engagement in moving policy forward. Panelists will reflect on their own leadership journeys, highlight lessons learned from other advocacy groups, and discuss what truly moves the needle when REALTORS® show up.

Question 19

4:00 – 4:45 PM: Building Your Band of Advocates at Home

Accepted Answer

James Baiseri, 2026 FAMM Advisory Committee Chair; Elizabeth Campbell Chase, 2026 REALTOR® Party of CA Director; David Stark, Chief Public Affairs & Communications Officer, Bay East AOR 
 
Effective advocacy starts with helping others take their first or next step. This session will show leaders how to leverage their REALTOR® skills to become an advocate and how to build advocates by meeting members where they are – from those just beginning to get involved to those ready to lead others. Through understanding your connection to advocacy and real-world practice, participants will learn how to respond to common questions, address objections, and translate advocacy jargon into compelling messages that resonate with fellow REALTORS® back home.

Question 20

4:45 – 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks: Your Role in the Movement

Accepted Answer

Eric Schwartz, Emcee; Tamara Suminski, 2026 President
 
The day wraps with a call to action from C.A.R.’s 2026 Officers. They’ll recap the key takeaways, highlight three things every leader can do right away, and connect the themes of clarity, connection, and action. Attendees will leave energized and ready to play their part in advancing the REALTOR® Party of California.

Question 21

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Disco After Dark: A REALTOR® Party Celebration

Accepted Answer

Dinner, cocktails & entertainment

The beat goes on! Close out REALTOR® Party Day with a poolside evening of dinner, signature cocktails, and lively conversation. Enjoy music, dancing, and a few fun surprises as we come together to celebrate the REALTOR® Party of California. 
 
For registered attendees only. Non-registered guests will not be permitted. Badge required for entry.

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRACK

October 27 & 28, 2025

2026 CA NAR Directors

Click to download the full conference schedule

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRACK

October 27 & 28, 2025 2026 CA NAR Directors Click to download the full conference schedule

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US

October 27 & 28, 2025

2026 CA NAR Directors

Click to download the full conference schedule