Juan Bendana is a keynote speaker and leadership strategist who speaks to over 100,000 audience members annually. But that hasn’t always been the case. For years, he struggled with social anxiety and low self-confidence. After spending 10 years researching the art & science of building confidence, he has dedicated his career to helping people turn their own doubt into self-confidence, just like he did.

Confidence Coach to top CEOs, Fortune 100 Leaders, Olympians, Actors and Peak Performers across every industry, Juan Bendana is an internationally recognized keynote speaker that helps leaders navigate uncertainty and exponential change by developing the unwavering confidence to thrive in any environment. One of the most engaging and high energy keynote speakers in North America, Juan brings a decade of experience on stage presenting to category leading companies such as Disney, American Express and Sony Pictures. He is the author of The Confidence Cycle (Penguin Random House, Spring 2025). His Science-backed Framework has helped over 250,000 leaders thrive both personally & professionally. 

Making Confidence Your Competitive Advantage (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
The once effective sales tactics that got you here are now a thing of the past.  There is an X-factor that enables those who break records to break away from those who just get by.  The X-factor is confidence and confidence of your consumer.  Confidence unlocks the next level of performance and takes your relationship with your clients and consumers to the next level. 

Josh Cadillac is a real estate coach, national speaker, and author who trains real estate professionals how to Close for Life by building lasting success through extensive knowledge. His unique method combines the education real estate professionals need to survive in this industry, with the tools to convert that knowledge into rapport, credibility, and trust. Josh has been a top producer since going full time in 2008, while also quickly earning many of the most prestigious certifications and designations in the industry.

He has earned multiple accolades as a national speaker, most recently having won Speaker of the Year from the Miami REALTORS®. He has written numerous courses on various facets of real estate in his A.C.E. family of classes, including the first crypto and real estate course approved for continuing education credit in Florida — and only the third one approved anywhere in the country. He is the author of The Roadmap of the American Dream, a simple guide to investing; and Close for Life, the story of how he learned to stop just earning commissions and started winning customers for life.

Josh focuses on the real-world skills agents need to be true advocates and trusted resources for their customers. His goals are to make the most of agents’ educational time, and for agents to take their business personally while also growing it to the next level. He believes in counting success not in paychecks received but in satisfied customers who won’t ever do business with anyone else.

Josh remains a top producer in the residential market and leads the commercial and crypto division of Real Estate Empire Group, a real estate investment fund, construction company, and property management company.  

Professional Certifications & Designations:  ACE, CCIM, CDPE, MCNE, CRS, CRB, ABR, GRI, RENE, SRES, MRP, GREEN, RSPS, CSSA, CCFA, CIAS, MRETE, e-Pro, SFR, BPO-R, C-RETS, CFA Master, TRC, LMB, AHWD, C-Rep, M-rep, CPMS, CIPS, DPP, PSA, ASP, SRS  Additional Licenses Held:  LGC, CAM, LHI, Leed AP, RRP, LMA, LMR 

Distressed Properties:  Foreclosures, Estates, Divorces, Short Sales & Pre-Estate Sales (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)

A part of any real estate market will be distressed sales. Actually, you can expect an abundance of distressed sales to occur in any buyer’s market. The reason for this is financial hardships tends to be more prevalent in a down market and this couples with poor demand to make for more distressed situations. Distressed sales can be found in any market though and they can occur for many reasons. Some of the most common are divorce, death, employment issues, loss of a job, or downturn of the market.  Even though they are technically categorized as distressed sales does not mean they all can be handled in the same way. 

Using Your Sphere of Influence (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)

Sean Carpenter is the former Director of Training and Development for NRT Ohio who has been a licensed Realtor® with Coldwell Banker King Thompson since 1998. Sean led a successful career in real estate prior to becoming a branch manager in 2003. He loved the training and coaching part of the job and was elevated to the Agent Development role in 2005. During the 11 years in that role, he was the co-creator of the company’s highly regarded Pro Start Academy, and also developed programs such as the Elevation Workshops, Boost Your Business sessions, B.A.S.I.C Training workshops and co-created the Success Track Coaching Program.

Sean has been recognized as one of Inman News 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate (2013), he’s been one of the Swanepoel’s Top 20 Most Influential Social Media Voices in Real Estate since 2016 and was recently added to Homespotter’s Top 100 List and Contactually’s 10 Influencers to Have on Your Radar.

In the summer of 2016, Sean made the decision to retire as the Director of Agent Development and return to his roots in sales in Central Ohio while seeking to expand his public speaking opportunities on a national and global level. Sean’s hope is to educate, motivate and inspire new agents to achieve the levels of success they desire as they enter the real estate business and continue to encourage and challenge experienced agents to reach their goals and exceed their wildest expectations in the real estate business and life.

Those who bring Sean in to speak will quickly realize he is simply “one of them.” A fellow Realtor®, a husband, a father, a golfer, a music-loving, beer-drinking sports fan who is passionate about sharing with others.

You can usually find Sean on Twitter, Facebook, a golf course or just hanging out with people because he truly lives his motto of “build relationships, solve problems and have fun.

Catch Em If You Can; What Realtors Can Learn from Bus Drivers, Barber Shops, and Looking for the Best in People (Keynote Session) (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)

This keynote presentation is designed to inspire attendees to deliver memorable experiences for their customers, clients, and communities and seek to put the client at the center of their business. Examples from real estate and outside of the real estate industry will be shared to show how customer service, consistent follow up, and market knowledge will help serve current and future customers. 

Start Like a Champion (Breakout Session) (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
Everyone has heard the phrase “finish like a Champion” but what if you could put yourself in a good spot before the end of the game, or year, drew near? Success in real estate doesn’t happen overnight but it does leave clues. See how the best Realtors progress from rookies to starters to veterans to champions and then build the right ‘ships to sail to success.  

The Fortune Is In the Follow Up (Breakout Session) (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)

The landscape has changed and in today’s fast-paced, relationship-driven world, the key to being successful in sales is no longer “Find me, sell me”, it’s now “Know me, Help me.” Building a database is the first step but having systems and processes in place to touch the people you know is the way to start turning contacts into closings.  

Meet Natalie Davis, a dedicated Colorado REALTOR, National Speaker, and Business Coach committed to inspiring professionals, associations and organizations to become intentional industry thought leaders. With her passion for leadership and service, Natalie has worked with Associations and Brokerages to facilitate strategic and business planning, while also teaching various business, professional, and personal development courses, including the NAR At Homewith Diversity and Implicit Bias Override Courses. She is a Ninja Coach and Mastery for Associates Guide for Ninja Selling, helping agents across the country build an evergreen business. In 2023, Natalie served as the President of the Colorado Association of REALTORS ® (CAR), following her previous roles as the National Association of REALTORS ® Member Services Liaison in 2022, 2016 Chair for the Fort Collins Board of REALTORS®, and Board of Director for the local, state, and National Association of REALTORS®. Natalie's dedication to the industry has been recognized through numerous awards, including the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association 2023 REALTOR® of the Year Award, Colorado Young Professional of the Year Award (2016), Colorado Association of REALTORS® Distinguished Service Award (2016 & 2021), Fort Collins Board of REALTORS® Rookie of the Year Finalist (2012), and Young Professional of the Year (2014).

Communication Skills that Pay the Bills (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
This course is designed for real estate professionals who are looking for innovative ways to elevate their communication abilities to create deeper connections with your clients and sphere of influence.  Through a hands-on interactive session, we will explore how to communicate in a way that builds long-lasting, meaningful relationships – the foundation of an evergreen business that can sustain you for a lifetime.  By taking your communication skills to new levels, you are sure to position yourself as a trusted advisor who can truly make a difference in the lives of your clients. 

Agent DEI Blueprint:  Best Practices to Give You the Results You Desire (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
By developing a business practice rooted in inclusion and equality, you can help all types of consumers:  buyers, sellers, investors and renters of all cultural backgrounds navigate the world of real estate while feeling a sense of belonging and empowerment.  It is important for real estate practitioners to develop an inclusive business model that goes beyond simply checking a diversity box and understanding it is more than doing the right thing, but a key competitive advantage in our ever-evolving industry and communities.   

Monica Neubauer is an international speaker, award-winning real estate agent, and lifelong entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. She hosts two podcasts, including NAR’s Center for REALTOR Development podcast and has been featured in national media outlets. She is a Certified Speaking Professional™ with the National Speaker Association. Monica is the author of "Straight Talk for Real Estate Success" and a contributor to "Own the Microphone." As a Franklin, TN native, she has extensive knowledge of the area and has sold hundreds of houses in Middle Tennessee. Monica can connect agents and clients with excellent agents nationwide and globally. She is also an expert in Everything DiSC, transforming relationships through targeted communication. Additionally, Monica loves adventure!  As the Maverick Motivator, she is dedicated to helping people grow in positive directions in their personal and professional lives.

Enjoy Real Estate Again! 8 Tips to Overcome Burnout  (Breakout Session) (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)

Lots of change and hectic markets have worn us out! While congratulations are due for persevering for your family and clients, continuing to exist in an exhausted, spent state just isn’t sustainable! Monica will give you 8 or more real tips for dealing with the brain fog, stress and exhaustion trying to take you under. She is always considering and implementing practical tools in her life that she wants to share with you.   

5 Ways to Communicate Your Business Model (Breakout Session) (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
When hiring a service-based business, a client needs to know exactly what services they are paying for. Agents need to clarify what they do and explain it clearly to the public and then have a system for doing it. This class helps agents express their business model to the public generally and specifically. Agents will be able to clearly explain their business to the prospects in the marketplace – setting clear expectations for everyone.

Be the BOSS of Your Budget (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
Is money always going out faster than it’s coming in? You know budgeting can help - but did you know that using a budget doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you enjoy! Become the BOSS of your budget (and your business) and help your clients bet the BOSS of their budgets.  You and your clients can finally decide where the money to go, instead of wondering where it went. 

How to Spend Money to Make Money (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
Has following the old advice, “You’ve got to spend money to make money” left you with a small bank account and a big headache? If you’re ready to start spending smart so you can finally keep more of your money, you’re not alone! There is a step-by-step process for smart spending to help both you and your clients, and it’s simpler than you think. 

James Dwiggins is the chief executive officer of NextHome, Inc. He’s third-generation in real estate—his grandmother and grandfather, father and mother all in the business. James brings to the table a sharp, innovative, and forward-focused vision. He’s been in the real estate franchise business since 2006, originally joining Realty World Northern California & Nevada as director of technology and strategy, where he was promoted to vice president five years later. In May 2014, he cofounded NextHome (with Tei Baishiki) and ran both brands until 2020, when Realty World International acquired the region back. In January 2015, James (and Tei) launched NextHome as an independent national real estate franchise.

Prior to joining Realty World, James cofounded—also with Tei, a decades-proven partnership—VREO, Inc. developer of groundbreaking enterprise-level internet applications for agents and brokers. VREO pioneered biometric signature software for paperless transactions and garnered numerous industry accolades, including the coveted Inman Innovator Award for its breakthrough technologies. Previously, James cofounded USA Virtual Tours, which he helped to grow nationally until its acquisition in 2001.

James speaks regularly and is a frequent media expert on real estate and other cross-industry franchise and technology advancements. He has been featured as a RISMedia Newsmaker and on the Swanepoel Power 200 list. Franchise Business Review recognized him as the leader of the number-one real estate franchise (and number-one across industries) in owner satisfaction for three years in a row. James is host of the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast.

Originally from San Luis Obispo, James grew up playing soccer and went on to join the California state championship team. He studied business and criminal law at Cuesta College. Today, he loves riding horses and racing cars—he met Tei, who he went on to work with for over 20 years, drag racing on a Friday night when they were both teenagers. NextHome is their third company together.

Real Estate Today & Tomorrow (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
This course will attempt to be the crystal ball for the next 10 years. We will explore current and future legislation, legal battles, forms issues and fiduciary, as well as AI and augmented reality and how the industry will look in the future.

Future-Proofing Your Brokerage (2.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
This Broker-exclusive session will cover important topics such as Cooperative Compensation, different compensation models being offered by agents and how to work them in your brokerage.  James will also cover how to reduce your liability and lead in a changing business environment.

Dr. David Horsager, MA, CSP, CPAE, is the CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, Trust Expert in Residence at High Point University, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Trust Edge. David has advised leaders and delivered life-changing presentations on six continents, with audiences ranging from everywhere from FedEx, Toyota, MIT, and global governments to the New York Yankees and the Department of Homeland Security.

The Trust Edge ®: How Top Leaders and Organizations Drive Business Results through Trust (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
Trust is a fundamental, bottom-line issue with consumers. Without it, leaders lose teams, salespeople lose sales, and organizations lose reputation, retention of good people, relationships, and revenue. But with trust, individuals and organizations enjoy greater creativity, productivity, freedom, and results. Through David’s industry leading research, The Trust Outlook®, and firsthand experience working with the world’s highest performing organizations, David reveals how top leaders and organizations drive business results to become the most trusted in their industry with their consumers. 

One of 100 speakers selected out of over 1,300 to speak at the REALTOR® Conference & Expo ten times (face-to-face and virtually) with high program evaluations and an INMAN Closing Keynote Speaker. Marki Lemons Ryhal is a licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR®, avid volunteer, Major Investor, President's Circle, Federal Political Coordinator, Podcast Host of Drive with NAR & Social Selling Made Simple, 30 times published author, and 6X International Best-Selling Author. Marki Lemons-Ryhal is dedicated to all things real estate. With 30+ years of marketing and education experience, Marki has taught over 1,000,000 people (face-to-face and virtually) since 1993.  Marki holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Chicago State University, a Master's in Business Administration from Saint Xavier University, and sixty-four real estate-related licenses, certifications, and designations. 

It’s Not You, It’s New! (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
Are you frustrated by technology and social media? You are not alone! Agents and consumers alike often want to throw their phone, tablet, and computer out the window.  How does one remain sane when every day there is an update to their device or an app? You will stop beating yourself up once you realize, It’s Not You, It’s New!

Leveraging AI to Improve Your Customer Experience in Real Estate: Opportunities & Challenges for Realtors®  (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
As real estate professionals, our primary goal is to provide the best possible experience for our clients and help them achieve their real estate goals. With the latest advances in artificial intelligence, we now have more tools and resources to help us exceed our customers' expectations. This class will teach you how to use AI to better serve your clients.

AI Productivity Boost: 13 Ways to Use AI and ChatGPT in Real Estate (Broker-Only Breakout Session) (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)
Are you a real estate professional looking to save time and increase efficiency? How can you help your clients with better use of your time? In this program, you will learn 13 tools for using artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. We will start with the personality of your consumers to close more deals, automate repetitive tasks with ChatGPT, and integrate AI into your marketing and communication strategies.  Then, we will cover the latest tools and resources available for leveraging AI in your social media and how to effectively incorporate them into your day-to-day work. You will gain a solid understanding of using AI and ChatGPT to boost productivity and drive real estate career success. 

Arbor is a program coordinator at Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). Since joining CEE in 2020, Arbor has focused on implementing residential time-of-sale energy disclosure in the cities of Minneapolis and Bloomington. Arbor’s work supports additional CEE programs, including the Minnesota Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative and Electrify Everything, through content development, stakeholder engagement, and presentation delivery. Arbor previously worked in training and education in affordable housing and social service organizations. He earned a BA in psychology and religious studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Retrofit Your Way to Comfort and Savings: An Energy Retrofit Guide (Sustainability Breakout Session) (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)

This course explores retrofitting, the process of modifying existing properties to enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Participants will gain insights into the challenges and benefits of retrofitting and learn how to effectively communicate this information to clients and consumers. The course will also cover the various programs and incentives available to support energy-efficient improvements. 

Aaron Smith is the CEO of the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) which represents a community of over 50,000 builders and their stakeholders across North America that are truly the early adopters and innovators in driving sustainable transformation of the homebuilding industry.

Aaron has over 25 years of experience in home construction, building products, sustainability and non-profit board leadership. He has worked for companies including Kohler, Uponor and ASSA ABLOY as well as startups in Silicon Valley and his own building and remodeling company. Aaron previously served on non-profit Boards for Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Health Product Declaration Collaborative (HPDC), CT Sustainable Business Council, and co-founded the CT Collaborative - Living Building Challenge.

Aaron completed his undergraduate studies at West Point and St. Cloud State University and is a 2016 graduate of the Yale University MBA program with a focus on Sustainability. He loves green building and sustainability as well as hockey, hiking, skiing, gardening and spending time with his wife, Jennifer, 3 boys and 4 cats and chickens at their home in Minneapolis.

How to Sell High Performance Homes (Sustainability Breakout Session)

(1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)

In this session, attendees will learn why there is a need for change in how homes are built and how to communicate this when selling to the consumer.  We will cover basic building science and learn about technical features. Programs such as ENERY STAR will be reviewed, and how these programs benefit the consumer.  

Brandon Doyle has a Bachelor's of Science degree from St. Cloud State University (Real Estate Major and Community Development minor) and Master's of Science Real Estate degree from the University of St. Thomas. He previously served on Minnesota Realtors Board of Directors as an appointee for several years and is a past president of St. Cloud State Real Estate Alumni Association. 
 
Brandon enjoys making dreams a reality for his clients. Known for being very forward thinking, he has been able to apply new technology to provide a better real estate experience. Brandon has been nominated as Inman Innovative Realtor of the Year in 2014, featured on the front page of Star Tribune, and recognized again by Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and Maple Grove Magazine for being on the cutting edge of technology in the real estate industry. Nominated for Realtor of the Year in 2016 at the Minneapolis Association of Realtors, listed on Inman New's as one of most influential people in Real Estate for 2017, and recognized as Rising Young Professional by Finance & Commerce in 2020. 

Smart Home Technology (Sustainability Breakout Session) (1.0-Hours of CE approved by Minnesota Department of Commerce)

In this course, we will explore how and why smart connected technology is exploding in popularity and has become a major factor in every aspect of real estate.  It has changed the way consumers buy, sell and enjoy their homes and the way real estate professionals work with their clients in the purchase of or sale of a smart/connected property.