BMNAR's 13th Annual Trade Show at the Bronx Y

By Eliezer Rodriguez For the past twelve years, The Bronx Manhattan North Association of Realtors (BMNAR) has been hosting a Trade Show as a way of promoting the real estate industry. The idea for The Trade Show was introduced by Jim Slattery, senior vice president of Original Energy, in 2002, and it has turned into one of our major networking events. Last year, Richard Guarino, BMNAR's 2013-14 president, suggested revamping the Trade Show with a couple of ideas in mind. Guarino's goal was to increase the foot traffic by promoting our commitment to the communities we serve and by making the event more sociable. Under the leadership of Slattery, the Trade Show committee changed the venue to The Elias Karmon Gymnasium of the beautiful Bronx YMCA, located at 2 Castle Hill Ave., Bronx. Dr. Elias Karmon, affectionately known as "Mr. Bronx," passed away on October 23, 2008, and was a 40 year member of BMNAR. The change in venue strengthened our community ties. To make the Trade Show more sociable, the committee moved the event to late in the afternoon, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., and a cocktail reception was added to the Trade Show. Guarino's suggestions turned the 2013 Trade Show into a big hit. Our guests enjoyed the idea of sipping on wine, eating good food and visiting with the vendors. The vendors liked the idea of the cocktail reception brought to the Trade Show as it created a more relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Various vendors benefited from the increase in foot traffic that included more realtors, real estate professionals, property managers, owners and facility directors. The Bronx elected officials were pleased with our choice of venue as the fees paid to The Bronx Y will go a long way in assisting families sending their kids to an after school program, summer camp or even help subsidize a Y membership. What a wonderful way to recycle our money! According to Kathy Zamechansky, BMNAR's 2015 president, "No need to change a winning formula especially when it also promotes our public service goal." As a result of 2013's success, the 13th annual Trade Show will return to The Elias Karmon Gymnasium at The Bronx Y on October 23. This year, however, The Show will include a seminar that reflects the current state of affairs in The Bronx entitled: The Bronx is Booming: CRE Leaders Share Their Insights. So far, the confirmed speakers are: Shimon Shkury, Ariel Property Advisors; Mark Stagg, Stagg Group; and Robert Frost, Signature Urban Properties. This year, we will be spending more resources to generate more foot traffic. The Bronx Y will once again help us promote the show by inviting their members, as well as the executive directors and facility managers of the 23 YMCA branches throughout the Greater New York area. As you may know, these branches have the same needs as any multi-dwelling elevator building. We will also be using various engagement tools to further motivate our guests and potential customers to visit with the exhibitors. So far, our exhibitors include attorneys, title insurance companies, the real estate industry, commercial and residential real estate brokers, construction companies, social media experts, developers, mortgage companies, marketing firms, bankers, accountants, and I will be reaching out to other sources to invite new exhibitors. I encourage you to consider exhibiting your product with us this year. We have exhibitors that participate year after year because they got a major lead from our show that turned into a business relationship that continues to blossom. Don't let your absence give your competition the advantage! Think about who you might see at the show and what you may want to say or ask of your customer. To ensure that you have a successful trade show, do follow up on your leads. Our trade show is your trade show, so act accordingly. Invite your friends, schedule appointments with potential customers during the Show and invite your media contacts. Work with us to do everything possible to make the show a success for you! The 13th Annual Trade show will take place on October 23, and will run from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. It will include a cocktail reception. Our show is guaranteed to open doors for future communications. For more information on BMNAR's 13th Annual Trade Show, please contact Eliezer Rodriguez, Esq., at [email protected], Janine Schall at [email protected], or call our office at (718) 892-3000. We look forward to working with you. Eliezer Rodriguez is the association executive of BMAR, Bronx, N.Y.