2026 Fall Convention Speakers

Please refer to the event schedule for eash speaker’s topics, dates/times, and room locations.

David Arvin (Keynote)

David Arvin

 

One of the most in-demand and charismatic Customer Experience speakers and consultants in the world today, David Avrin, CSP, GSF has shared his content-rich, very entertaining and actionable presentations with enthusiastic audiences and organizations across North America and in over countries around the world. Recent presentations include Singapore, Bangkok, Melbourne, Brisbane, Antwerp, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Mumbai, Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, Manila, Rotterdam, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, London, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Johannesburg, and Dubai. David helps organizations better understand and serve their changing customers and clients to help future-proof their businesses by becoming ridiculously easy to do business with. David’s business insights have been featured on thousands of media outlets around the world. He is also the author of five books published in multiple languages including the acclaimed: It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who Knows You!, Why Customers Leave (and How to Win Them Back) and his newest book: Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With: A practical guide to giving customers what they want – when and how they want it.

 

Keynote
Tuesday, September 22
9:00 – 10:30 am

Anthony McLean (Inspirational Keynote)

Anthony McLean

 

Called a “master storyteller,” Anthony McLean helps leaders and organizations strengthen mental health and workplace culture. His past clients have included such leading brands as PepsiCo, AT&T, Intel, TD Bank, Coca Cola, and more. McLean is known for lively keynotes that empower audiences to thrive both personally and professionally. He has a particular knack for turning workplace challenges — especially generational divides — into opportunities for connection, using humour and research-backed strategies to help teams build trust and perform at a higher level.

A respected voice in his field, McLean has delivered hundreds of inspiring talks across the world, rocking the stage at corporate events, education conferences, and leadership summits. He is the author of two books: All Fired Up, which shows how taking care of your mental health changes the way you show up at work and at home, and his newest book, The Four Generations: How Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z Can Finally Work Together. Whether he is speaking for executives, teachers, or healthcare workers, audiences leave with practical tools and a new way of seeing their workplace.

McLean also works in the film and television industry. As a screenwriter, he is currently in development on two feature films. He’s been married to Susie for 22 years, and they have two Gen Z kids who remind him daily that he’s not nearly as cool as he thinks he is.

 

Inspirational Keynote
Thursday, September 24
8:30 – 9:45 am

Rodney Tate

Rodney Tate

Rodney Tate Jr. is a REALTOR®, educator, speaker, and founder of RTE Learning, where he specializes in helping real estate professionals build modern, scalable businesses through technology, systems, and practical execution strategies. With experience spanning real estate sales, education, training, and business development, Rodney is known for translating complex industry topics into actionable real-world solutions agents can immediately apply.

As a licensed broker and certified instructor, Rodney has trained aspiring agents, new REALTORS®, and experienced professionals across topics including prospecting, negotiation, buyer representation, marketing, technology adoption, and business growth. His teaching style combines practical workflows, industry relevance, and high-energy engagement focused on helping agents improve productivity and client service.

Rodney is particularly passionate about the intersection of artificial intelligence and real estate, helping REALTORS® understand how AI, automation, and tools like RPR® can be leveraged to enhance prospecting, communication, marketing, and daily operations without losing the human relationships that drive the industry.

He holds multiple professional designations including ABR®, PSA, RENE, C2EX, and e-PRO®, and regularly speaks on emerging trends impacting the future of real estate business and education.

 

Session

AI Prospecting for REALTORS
Wednesday, September 23 
3:45 – 4:45 pm (1 hour CE credit)

Course Description Coming Soon

 

 

Trista Curzydlo

Trista Curzydlo

With the knowledge you expect from an attorney and the sense of humor you wish your attorney had, Trista brings a fresh perspective to teaching continuing education classes for real estate licensees. Her career as an attorney both in the courtroom and the Statehouse provides her with a strong grasp on the “why” behind difficult legal topics while her experience as Legal Counsel for a REALTORS® Association allows her to provide the “how” for risk management in a manner that everyone can grasp and enjoy.

 

Sessions

Real Estate Karma: Unethical, Illegal, or Just Plain Rude?
Tuesday, September 22 
11:00 am – 12:00 pm (1 hour CE credit)

But is it illegal? After practicing law in the real estate arena for nearly 20 years, this is a question that Trista Curzydlo has heard a lot. This course takes a look at situations that real estate agents face and delineates between what’s illegal, what’s unethical, and what is just plain rude! You’ll hear actual tales from the trenches (that might sound all too familiar) and then engage in a review to find out what behavior crosses which line! With Trista’s characteristic humorous approach and sharp insights, Real Estate Karma gets REAL.

 

Alexa, Am I Breaking the Law? Legal Boundaries for AI in Real Estate
Tuesday, September 22
12:45 – 2:45 pm (2 hours CE credit)

Course description coming soon.

Natalie Davis

Natalie Davis

Natalie Davis is a dynamic speaker, Certified Executive Coach, and facilitator dedicated to building leadership that transforms organizations from the inside out. As the founder of Leadership That Shines, she equips professionals with the tools to perform at their highest level. A recognized thought leader, Natalie brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and storytelling to her workshops, keynotes, and strategic planning sessions.

A Colorado real estate professional, Natalie’s industry leadership is extensive, including serving as the 2023 President of the Colorado Association of REALTORS® and the 2025 Realtor Party Fundraising Liaison. Her commitment to excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the T360 SP 200 Watchlist recognition, the RISMedia 2026 Newsmaker Award, and being named a finalist for the OnConference 2026 Top 100 Culture and Inclusion Professional Award. Organizations choose Natalie when they are ready to build intentional, inclusive, and high-performing leaders.

 

Sessions

Agent DEI Blueprint: Best Practices to Give You the Results You Desire
Wednesday, September 23
10:30 – 11:30 am (1 hour CE credit)

Real estate professionals know the importance of adapting and remaining relevant in today’s marketplace. By developing a business practice rooted in inclusion and equality, you can help buyers of all cultural backgrounds achieve the dream of homeownership.

 

Creating Success in Any Market: Mastering the Mindset of a Top Producer
Wednesday, September 23
1:30 – 3:30 pm (2 hours CE credit)

Markets change. Client needs evolve. But the most successful realtors know how to adapt, grow, and thrive—no matter what. In this session, you’ll learn how to build a growth mindset that not only helps you navigate shifting markets but also positions you as a trusted, go-to expert in your field.

We’ll dive into practical strategies to stay ahead of the curve, focus on high-impact activities, and turn challenges into opportunities. Whether the market is hot, cold, or somewhere in between, you’ll leave equipped with the mindset and tools to grow your business, build stronger client relationships, and achieve lasting success.

Ryan Byrne

Ryan Byrne

Ryan Byrne has been practicing real estate law since 1994.
He is licensed to practice law in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.  He obtained both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Mississippi, and is an avid Ole Miss supporter.
He is Senior partner at Byrne Westmoreland PLLC, a real estate and estate planning law firm with 5 offices across West Tennessee and North Mississippi.
He is a TREEF Certified instructor and was TREEF Tennessee Educator of the year in 2015.  He has taught real estate and law related courses across the southeastern United States for 25 years.
He is also a certified real estate instructor in the state of Mississippi, and is the 2026 Chairman of the Real Estate Section of the Mississippi Bar Association.

 

Sessions

Real Estate Title Frauds: What They are and how to Avoid Them
Wednesday, September 23
3:00 – 5:00 pm (2 hours CE credit)

Real estate professionals know the importance of adapting and remaining relevant in today’s marketplace. By developing a business practice rooted in inclusion and equality, you can help buyers of all cultural backgrounds achieve the dream of homeownership.

 

Blair Smith

Blair Smith

License in the State of Georgia June of 1985 as a Salesperson, License in the State of Georgia June of 1992 as an Associate Broker – Currently Active. Licensed in the State of Utah in October of 2016 as an Associate Broker – Allowed to Lapse November of 2022.  Licensed in the State of North Carolina as a Broker in June of 2014 – Currently Active.

Served as Broker in Charge for Harry Norman Realtors in North Carolina temporarily from June to August 2017. Licensed in the State of Tennessee as an Affiliate Broker in October of 2022 – Currently Active and held by United Country Real Estate in Leipers Fork, Tennessee

Teaching Experience

Professional Association of Diving Instructors – Teaching SCUBA classes from 1991 to 1998.

Gwinnett Technical College – Adjunct Faculty in Adult Education Teaching AutoCAD (Computer Aided Drafting) and Construction Drafting from March 1998 until April 2019.

Real Estate Instructor in Tennessee since June of 2024. Currently teaching TREEF Courses for Eastern Middle Tennessee Association of REALTORS and Wiliamson County Association of REALTORS.

 

Sessions

Probate and Real Estate: What Agents Need to Knohw
Thursday, September 24
10:00 am – 12:00 pm (2 hours CE credit)

Learn to differentiate between wills and trusts and explain how each impacts property
ownership after death. We’ll dive into the probate process and how real estate is handled during probate, what happens when someone dies without a will (intestate) and how property
distribution is determined. We’ll also identify legal and procedural considerations when listing probate property, recognize common risks and red flags when a probate property goes under
contract, and understand best practices for working with executors, administrators, heirs, and
attorneys during probate transactions.