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Young Professionals Network

Mission Statement
YPN Las Vegas is a growing group of local young, career-minded real estate professionals who want to stay abreast of the latest tools, resources, and networking opportunities. YPN Las Vegas is tasked with the responsibility of creating programs to encourage, foster and promote young GLVAR members to excel in their careers and encourage the pursuit of leadership roles in the local, state and national levels within real estate industry. YPN Las Vegas also fosters opportunities for young members to become active in public policy discussions, encouraging them to become advocates for the real estate industry and their local community.

Energize the Future of the Real Estate Industry
Young professionals are the future of the real estate business. But in a field where the average age is 52, younger real estate practitioners often strive for a way to connect with each other and tap into valuable resources that will help them succeed in business.

REALTOR® Magazine launched the Young Professionals Network in 2006 as a way to help the younger generation of REALTORS® build a stronger link with the magazine and the real estate industry, in general.

Through national networking events, a lively blog, and an information-packed Web site, REALTOR® Magazine's Young Professionals Network gives its members the tools they need to advance their careers - and have fun in the process!

YPN is a member-driven organization that helps young real estate professionals excel in their careers by giving them the tools and encouragement to become involved in four core areas:

• REALTOR® associations. Attend REALTOR® conferences and pursue leadership roles with their local, state, and national associations.
• Real estate industry. Take an active role in policy discussions and advocacy issues; be informed about the latest industry news and trends.
• Peers. Network and learn from one another by attending events, participating in online communication, and seeking out mentoring opportunities.
• Community. Become exceptional members of their community by setting a high level of REALTOR® professionalism and volunteering for causes they feel passionate about.

History of YPN: Important Milestones

How and why did REALTOR® Magazine create YPN, and how has it evolved to where it is today? By taking a quick look at the history of YPN, it can help you identify important steps for your chapter.

• An idea is born. In 2006, REALTOR® Magazine sought to build off of the momentum of its popular "30 Under 30" feature (www.realtor.org/30under30), which recognizes rising stars in real estate. With so many young people joining the real estate business, the magazine wanted to help members of the new generation feel a closer tie to the magazine, to each other, and to the greater REALTOR® community.
• Our first event. During the 2006 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in New Orleans, REALTOR® Magazine invited "30 Under 30" honorees and other registered attendees to a networking reception for a fast-paced game of speed networking. The overwhelming response: Attendees wanted more of YPNI We have since held a networking party at every REALTORS® Conference & Expo.
• Online home created. In October 2007, REALTOR® Magazine created the YPN Web site (www.realtor.org/YPN) as a way to share articles, resources, and links geared to the younger audience. We asked our readers to officially become members. Membership is free; REALTORS® simply have to submit an online form. In less than a year, YPN had nearly 1,500 members and counting!
• Let the blogging begin. The "YPN Lounge" blog (http://ypnlounge.blogs.realtor.org/) began in January 2008 as the "online meeting place" for young real estate professionals. About 20 YPN members regularly contribute, ensuring the blog is lively and well read.
• Events take off. YPN events, funded entirely by sponsors, consistently draw hundreds of REALTORS® and are booked to capacity-often requiring a waiting list for those who didn't RSVP fast enough. Needless to say, the events now have a reputation as the hottest party at REALTOR® conferences. NAR's 2008 President Dick Gaylord, while speaking at a Board of Directors meeting, referred to YPN as one of the most exciting events at the conference!
• YPN advisory board assembled. A team of 7 successful YPN members comprise the first YPN advisory board (http://www.realtor.org/ypn/board/ypn advisoryboard2010), formed in January 2008. The board meets semiannually, and also communicates via email and conference call. The board recommends YPN educational sessions for conferences, provides insights to NAR leadership when requested, and offers overall direction for YPN activities.
• Educational sessions at convention. YPN sponsored its first education session at the 2008 REALTOR® Midyear Legislative Meetings: "Marketing Strategies That Work," featuring a panel of Gen Y and Gen X YPN members. The standing-room-only crowd was proof that we should offer sessions at every conference. A YPN-track of suggested sessions for young professionals was offered for the first time at the 2008 REALTOR®Conference & Expo.
• Awards & recognition. In 2008, YPN won a Folio Fame Award for its events and won two awards (Society of National Association Publications, and the American Society of Business Publication Editors) for its online community.
• Chapters are formed. In 2009, YPN began to expand its network with local and state REALTOR® associations who expressed using the YPN model to start their own young professionals group in their area. Local and state REALTOR® associations across the country have started to create their own group.

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