National Conference
November 4, 2026 – November 8, 2026
New Orleans, LA
Description
Join the Women’s Council of REALTORS® for an unforgettable conference experience focused on connection, growth, and inspiration. Held in conjunction with 2026 NAR NXT: The REALTOR® Experience.
November 4-8, 2026
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
New Orleans, LA
Conference Schedule as of 9.30.26
REGISTRATION
To attend the Women’s Council Conference, you may register under one of two options:
- Women’s Council Only — Includes access to Women’s Council conference programming (excludes ticketed events) as well as the Trade Expo.
- NAR Premier Pass — Includes access to both Women’s Council and NAR conference programming (excludes ticketed events) as well as the Trade Expo.
When Registering:
✔️ Select “WCR” as your primary affiliation
This ensures you receive Women’s Council conference updates and daily event emails throughout the conference. It also helps support Women’s Council, as a portion of your registration fee goes toward conference costs.
✔️ Choose “Women’s Council Only” Registration Type if you:
- Do not plan to attend NAR programming
- Want to support Women’s Council
- Want to save on registration costs
REGISTER NOW
Click “Register Now” to register for the Conference, PMN course, PMN Reception and Inaugural!
HEADQUARTERS
Sheraton New Orleans
500 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA
All Women’s Council meetings will be held at this location.
CONFERENCE CANCELLATION POLICY & QUESTIONS:
To cancel your registration, you must submit your request in writing to NARNXT@maritz.com. If you cancel before 10/14/26, you’ll receive a refund minus a $35 processing fee (applies to all paid registrations). Unfortunately, no refunds will be given after this date.
All registrations, ticket orders and hotel reservations are made through Maritz, NAR’s registration partner, and confirmations will be emailed within 24 hours of making your registration. If you have any questions about your registration or housing, please email NARNXT@maritz.com or call Maritz at 864-208-2643.
Ticketed Events
HOW TO PURCHASE EVENTS TICKETS:
New registrants: Select "Register Now" to register for the conference & event tickets.
Already Registered: There are three options for adding tickets to your conference registration:
1. Go to your conference registration confirmation email. Within the email, you will see the option to "Click here to access your registration." After you click the link, you will see the option to "Add/Update Ticketed Events."
2. Click "Register Now" to access the registration site. Under "Edit Existing Registration," add your email address and registrant ID to find your registration. You will then see an option to "Add/Update Ticketed Events."
3. Call Maritz at 864-208-2643
PMN Course: Effective Negotiating: From Offer to Outcome (Newly Revised)
Wednesday, November 4
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Master the essential skills needed to navigate real estate negotiations with confidence in any market. Learn to set clear expectations, craft strong offers, and effectively manage common negotiation challenges such as pricing, inspections, contingencies, and financing. Strengthen your ability to advocate for your clients, communicate value, and influence outcomes in both buyer and seller scenarios. Walk away with practical tools to consistently achieve successful results and build lasting client trust. This course counts as credit towards the PMN designation.
Instructor: Carrie Little, PMN
Early Bird Rate Through 9/30: $149
Regular Rate 10/1 – onsite: $169 (Onsite registration will be based on availability.)
Refund policy: Submit a written request for a refund no later than October 14th. No refund will be given after this date.
PMN Reception & Marketplace
Wednesday, November 4
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Open to all with a ticket.
- Free event access is available to members who pay PMN designee and candidate annual fees & are registered for the conference as either WCR Only or Premier Access. Be sure to stop by the WCR registration desk to pick up your free ticket.
- Guest tickets are available for purchase for non-PMN designees and candidates.
- Awards presented to new PMN designees who earned their designation between June-November 2026!
- If you are not yet a PMN Candidate and are interested in learning more about the designation, now is the perfect time. By becoming a PMN candidate, you can save on your ticket fee for this event and gain access to our exclusive PMN network. Learn more her
Early Bird Rate Through 9/30: $25
Regular Rate 10/1 – onsite: $30
Refund policy: Submit a written request for a refund no later than October 17. No refund will be given after this date.
Inaugural Gala
Friday, November 6, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Join Women’s Council for the installation of 2027 National President, Carolyn Altman, PMN and the national leadership team: President-Elect, Kim Sitton, PMN; First Vice President, Charmaine Hickey, PMN; and Treasurer, Eileen Oldroyd, PMN and National Liaisons. This will be an elegant evening of celebration. Attire: Formal wear is recommended.
Carolyn Altman, PMN
2027 National President
Ticket Pricing:
Early Bird Rate Through 9/30
Tables of 10 – $1,450
Individual Tickets – $150
Regular Rate 10/1-10/22
Individual Tickets – $160
- Schedule: 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. Reception, 7:00 – 9:15 p.m. Dinner/Program & Afterparty immediately following.
- Ticket sales close at midnight on October 22. No tickets will be sold after this date.
- Seating is assigned on a best-available basis. To sit with specific people, all tickets must be purchased in one order. Individual seating requests cannot be accommodated.
- Tickets may be picked up at the WCR registration desk or at Will Call on the night of the event. Tickets will be issued under the purchaser’s name. For group orders, the purchaser is responsible for picking up and distributing all tickets.
- For special dietary needs, contact events@wcr.org by October 22. Vegetarian meals will be available upon request at the event.
- Refund Policy: Written requests for refunds must be submitted by October 14. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Thank you to our Inaugural Strategic Partners
ROYAL KREWE VISIONARY – Arizona REALTORS®
CARNIVAL KREWE CAPTAIN – Women’s Council Arizona State
MARDI GRAS TRAILBLAZER – Realty One Group & Roomvu
SILVER FLEUR CHAMPION – Lake Havasu Association of REALTORS®
Learn More About Becoming an Inaugural Strategic Partner → Click here
Become a “Friends of the Leadership Team” Partner → Click here
Expo Booth Volunteers Needed in New Orleans
Women’s Council Booth – # 1846
Expo Dates & Times
Friday, November 6
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 7
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 8
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every November, dozens of volunteers help welcome visitors to our Expo Booth at the National Conference. It’s a great way to connect with your Women’s Council community and make an impact!
Joining us in New Orleans? Choose a time slot and sign up to volunteer. We’ll be in touch soon with on-site details.
Location:
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Halls B-D
900 Convention Center Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70130
Schedule
Your first stop should be the Women’s Council registration desk at the Sheraton New Orleans.
Pick up your badge, advance-purchased Inaugural tickets, and PMN Candidate/Designee tickets for the Wednesday evening reception.
Hours
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Closed meeting
Closed meeting
Open to all with a ticket.
Master the essential skills needed to navigate real estate negotiations with confidence in any market. Learn to set clear expectations, craft strong offers, and effectively manage common negotiation challenges such as pricing, inspections, contingencies, and financing. Strengthen your ability to advocate for your clients, communicate value, and influence outcomes in both buyer and seller scenarios. Walk away with practical tools to consistently achieve successful results and build lasting client trust. This course counts as credit towards the PMN designation.
Instructor: Carrie Little, PMN
Early Bird Rate Through 9/30: $149
Regular Rate 10/1 – onsite: $169
Refund policy: Submit a written request for a refund no later than October 14th. No refund will be given after this date.
Closed meeting
Is this your first time attending a national conference? Join this orientation session to get acquainted with the venue, learn about the schedule, and meet other newcomers. Our Women’s Council community is excited to welcome you!
Open to all with a ticket.
- Free event access is available to members who pay PMN designee and candidate annual fees & are registered for the conference as either WCR Only or Premier Access. Be sure to stop by the WCR registration desk to pick up your free ticket.
- Guest tickets are available for purchase for non-PMN designees and candidates.
- Awards are presented to new PMN designees who earned their designation between June and November 2026!
- If you are not yet a PMN Candidate and want to learn more about the designation, now is the perfect time. By becoming a PMN candidate, you can save on your ticket fee for this event and gain access to our exclusive PMN network. Learn more here!
Early Bird Rate Through 9/30: $25
Regular Rate 10/1 – onsite: $30
Refund policy: Submit a written refund request no later than October 17. No refund will be given after this date.
Your first stop should be the Women’s Council registration desk at the Sheraton New Orleans.
Pick up your badge, advance-purchased Inaugural tickets, and PMN Candidate/Designee tickets for the Wednesday evening reception.
Hours
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This high-energy format provides education, business exchange, and networking for our conference attendees and National Strategic Partners. Stop by to visit with our National Partners and learn more about the services they offer.
Note: Marketplace will be closed between 12:30 and 3:15 p.m.
Coffee and tea will be available from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.; the program starts at 8:00 a.m.
Grab a coffee and then get ready to start your day with our Conference Welcome and keynote speaker, Colleen Hauk!
The 2-Minute Test: Speak with Impact, Own Every Moment
Can you lead the room in under two minutes? In this bold, interactive session, speaker and presence expert, Colleen Hauk, challenges attendees to command attention, deliver with authority, and turn their voice into impact. Witness the “2-Minute Test,” a live coaching experience where selected participants deliver brief talks and receive on-the-spot coaching that sparks real transformation. Whether you’re facilitating a meeting, advocating for your association, or delivering a presentation, you’ll walk away with practical tools that separate the forgettable from the unforgettable.
Key Outcomes
– Increase your influence by making intentional shifts in how you show up when it matters most.
– Earn trust and credibility faster in high-stakes conversations, meetings, and presentations.
– Communicate with clarity and confidence so your message moves people to action.
Colleen Hauk Bio
Colleen Hauk is a powerhouse keynote speaker, executive coach, bestselling author, and communication expert who transforms the way leaders show up—with presence, clarity, and influence. With 25 years of leadership experience, including 15 as a corporate executive, Colleen blends real-world credibility with an energetic, inspiring style that moves audiences from insight to immediate action.
We are unpacking the latest market trends, economic indicators, and forecasts shaping real estate. This deep-dive delivers the insights you need to navigate what’s next.
Designed for proactive professionals, this session goes beyond the headlines and equips you with actionable takeaways to stay competitive, strategic, and resilient in any market cycle.
Speaker: Lawrence Yun
Moderated by: Cheryl Keller, 2026 National President
Kaila Bailey
Didi Snyder
Angie Thiel, NE
Savannah Hurst, CA
BIO: Jonathan Peterson is a sales executive, entrepreneur, and Managing Partner of Ember Advisory Group, with more than 25 years of experience building revenue, developing sales organizations, and creating strategic partnerships.
Throughout his career, Jonathan has worked at the intersection of sales, technology, and real estate. He has held senior sales and strategic development roles with companies including DocuSign, Lone Wolf Technologies, and T3 Sixty, where he worked with some of the largest brokerages, franchises, technology companies, and industry leaders in North America.
His career has taken him from carrying a quota and closing complex enterprise deals to building sales strategies, developing high-performing teams, creating new revenue channels, and advising executives on how to turn great products and ideas into sustainable growth.
Today, Jonathan is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Ember Advisory Group, where he helps real estate and technology companies bring greater clarity and discipline to sales, go-to-market strategy, partnerships, and revenue growth.
Three Concurrent Sessions
Brought to you by your National Liaisons, gather with your region and discuss current issues of interest that will provide you a road map of everything exciting and new at Women’s Council.
We’ll kick things off with special guest speaker Allissa Jenkins, presenting “The Humble Leader: Leading in a Loud Industry.” Then, it’s time to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Women’s Council!
Alissa Jenkins will share how, in an industry that often celebrates the loudest wins, leadership can look quieter. Visibility does not always equal leadership. Your reputation is built when no one is watching: how you treat difficult clients, frustrated colleagues, and everyday people matters more than any public recognition. In an industry that loves to recognize the loud, this room is proof that quiet, steady work adds up. You don’t have to be loud to lead, you just have to lead well.
Join us as we recognize our 2026 Certified Networks, Certified with Excellence, Leadership Institute Class, Mission: Membership Winners, and Starfish Impact Challenge honorees. Come celebrate the leaders, networks, and members who are making an impact across Women’s Council!
Guest Speaker: Allisa Jenkins
BIO:
HUSTLE HUMBLY PODCAST
Alissa Jenkins & Katy Caldwell, are two top producing Realtors in the Baton Rouge market, talking about fostering #communityovercompetition while navigating the often times cutthroat real estate industry.
With over 1,100 homes sold between them and 13 and 19 years each in the business, they have seen it first hand.
Your first stop should be the Women’s Council registration desk at the Sheraton New Orleans.
Pick up your badge, advance-purchased Inaugural tickets, and PMN Candidate/Designee tickets for the Wednesday evening reception.
Hours
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
AI doesn’t have to be complicated – used well, it’s the easiest way to save hours every week and stay top-of-mind with your clients. In this practical, beginner-friendly session, you’ll see the everyday ways agents are using AI right now: writing listing descriptions and social posts in seconds, keeping in touch with your database, creating local market updates, and turning one idea into a week of content – no tech background required. You’ll leave with a simple, ready-to-use toolkit and the confidence to put AI to work in your business on Monday morning.
Speaker: Sam Mehrbod
Ready to grow beyond traditional residential real estate? Hear from experts in luxury, commercial, and multi-state real estate about how these markets can create new opportunities and additional income streams. Learn how to get started, build strategic partnerships, and expand your network to serve more clients and grow your business beyond your local residential market.
Moderator: Tripti Kasal
Panelist: Scott Ottenheimer
Panelist: Marlene Rubenstein
Join us for a practical best practices session focused on two key areas of network success: Governance & Membership Development and Recruitment & Retention. Gain ideas and strategies you can put into action, then participate in roundtable discussions to share what’s working in your network and learn from others. Come ready to exchange ideas, ask questions, and take away practical ways to strengthen your network.
Speakers include our 2026 National Liaisons:
Shauna Huisman, PMN
Sarah Libengood, PMN
Ashley Almeida, PMN
This special session will take place off-site at the convention center. A Premier Access registration is required.
Real estate is changing. Our members are changing. And the organizations representing them have to change, too. So who is going to lead what comes next?
Hear from national leaders as they share their perspectives on the future of leadership, what the next generation of leaders will need to succeed, and how women can prepare themselves to lead in an evolving industry. This candid conversation will explore where leadership is headed, what organizations need from their future leaders, and how today’s leaders can create a stronger path for those coming next.
Moderator: Cheryl Keller, PMN, 2026 National President
Panelist: Tripti Kasal, CEO, Women’s Council
Panelist: Nykia Wright, CEO, National Association of REALTORS
Friday, November 6, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Join the Women’s Council for the installation of 2027 National President, Carolyn Altman, PMN, and the national leadership team: President-Elect, Kim Sitton, PMN; First Vice President, Charmaine Hickey, PMN; Treasurer, Eileen Oldroyd, PMN; and National Liaisons. This will be an elegant evening of celebration.
Attire: Formal wear is recommended.
Carolyn Altman, PMN
2027 National President
Ticket Pricing:
Early Bird Rate Through 9/30
Tables of 10 – $1,450
Individual Tickets – $150
Regular Rate 10/1-10/22
Individual Tickets – $160
- Schedule: 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. Reception, 7:00 – 9:15 p.m. Dinner/Program & Afterparty immediately following.
- Ticket sales close at midnight on October 22. No tickets will be sold after this date.
- Seating is assigned on a best-available basis. To sit with specific people, all tickets must be purchased in one order. Individual seating requests cannot be accommodated.
- Tickets will be issued under the purchaser’s name. For group orders, the purchaser is responsible for picking up and distributing all tickets.
- Tickets may be picked up at the WCR registration desk or at Will Call on the night of the event.
- For special dietary needs, contact events@wcr.org by October 22. Vegetarian meals will be available upon request at the event.
Refund Policy: Written requests for refunds must be submitted by October 14. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Thank you to our Inaugural Strategic Partners
ROYAL KREWE VISIONARY
Arizona REALTORS®
CARNIVAL KREWE CAPTAIN
Women’s Council Arizona State
MARDI GRAS TRAILBLAZER
Realty One Group
Roomvu
SILVER FLEUR CHAMPION
Lake Havasu Association of REALTORS®
Learn More About Becoming an Inaugural Strategic Partner → Click here
Become a “Friends of the Leadership Team” Partner → Click here
Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00 am for a brisk walk with your Women’s Council friends.
Hands-on strategies for building strong, sustainable networks in today’s changing real estate environment. This session will focus on developing future leaders, securing long-term partnerships, strengthening financial sustainability, and creating effective succession plans. Discover how emerging technologies can enhance productivity and engagement. You’ll leave with ideas you can immediately put into practice within your networks.
Speaker: Sabrina Brown, PMN
In this dynamic session, attendees will discover innovative marketing strategies to create buzz and excitement around network events. By leveraging social media, personalized invitations, and community involvement, participants will learn how to turn their events into highly sought-after experiences. This session will provide practical tips for maximizing attendance and engagement to foster lasting connections.
Learning Objectives:
- Establishing your network’s social status
- Learn how to effectively promote events using social media and other channels
- Develop strategies to enhance attendee engagement and networking opportunities
Speaker: Kelsie Stites, PMN
As both a seasoned real estate professional and accomplished marketing expert, Kelsie has successfully consulted for more than 20 diverse brands, ranging from educational institutions to multi-million dollar real estate teams. Her unique ability to blend traditional real estate expertise with innovative digital marketing strategies sets her apart as a leader in an evolving industry. With a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Miami University and a Master’s in Marketing and Communication from Franklin University, Kelsie brings over a decade of hands-on experience to her role as founder and owner of Monarch Social, a specialized marketing firm.
Kelsie’s approach focuses on building brand strength through strategic social media consulting and comprehensive brand development. Her passion for continuous learning and innovation drives her commitment to helping others navigate the ever-evolving landscape of real estate and marketing, making her a valuable voice in conversations about the future of the industry and the power of strategic brand building.
Be BRAVE: Becoming the Leader Others Feel Safe Growing Around
Overcoming Self-Doubt, Building Self-Leadership, and Elevating Others.
Mastering the ask with clients in your market and leaders across the nation. How to naturally ask for—and secure—referrals from your sphere and your WCR network.
Sarah Libengood, PMN
Your next client may already be looking for someone like you—but will they find you, trust you, and choose you?
From Google and social media to today’s AI-powered search tools, consumers have more ways than ever to discover real estate professionals. This session will show you how to build a digital presence that helps you stand out in a crowded market and turn online searches into opportunities.
Learn the building blocks of a strong digital brand, including how your domain, website, local content, search visibility, and online credibility work together to help you become the go-to expert in your market. You’ll walk away with practical, easy-to-implement strategies for strengthening your online presence and getting found by the people you want to reach.
Educational takeaway: Attendees will learn how to evaluate their current digital presence, identify gaps, and create a simple strategy for becoming more visible, credible, and discoverable online.
Speaker: Elizabeth Koneru, Director, .RealEstate
Closed Meeting
9:00 a.m. – Governing Board Sign-in
Meet the Candidates for the 2028 Leadership Team.
National Governing Board Members: 2026 National Leadership Team, Past National Presidents, 2026 National Liaisons, 2026 Executive Committee, 2026 State Presidents & State Liaisons.
Thank You Strategic Partners
