Please refer to the event schedule for each speaker’s topics and dates/times.
Keynote – Frankie Russo
Frankie Russo is a visionary in authenticity, imagination and growth. An entrepreneur with a proven track record for using innovative methods to unlock rapid growth. Russo has led multiple companies to remarkable growth landing on the Inc. 500/5000 list 8 years in a row, including 60X growth in three years of his tech company 360ia, leading to an acquisition by a Fortune 500 company.
Organizations that Russo has collaborated with who have embraced his “Love Your Weird” movement were able to adapt, innovate and grow through massive uncertainty and change. In his latest work Russo shares the critical unlocks for driving unprecedented and continuous growth by leading with authenticity, imagination and generosity.
He is the author of two best-selling books and a sought-after speaker known for transforming organizational cultures and inspiring individual and corporate growth. His keynote experiences are tailored, experiential, and full of actionable insights for fostering a culture of authenticity, imagination and collaboration to unlock breakthrough results and extraordinary transformation and growth.
Since 2001, Frankie Russo has been building the Russo Capital portfolio of companies throughout multiple industries including technology, advertising, marketing, music, automotive, agriculture, publishing, and finance. The companies he has invested in have offices in the USA and India.
Russo and his team have lead 2 of his companies [Potenza Inc. & 360ia] to become some of America’s fastest growing privately owned organizations 8 years in a row. In 2020, 360ia was named the fastest growing company in Louisiana by Inc. Magazine. Russo was also named Entrepreneur of the Year, Top 20 Under 40, and a Founders to Watch in 2019. In addition, he has been featured in many media outlets, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Time, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Inc. magazine. He has also earned many Addy and Telly awards for his work at Potenza, Inc.
The Art of WHY (2016), Russo’s first book, was on Amazon’s bestseller list in the business self-help category, and has been readapted and expanded into his second bestselling book the rules-defying Breaking WHY (2022). Frankie’s highest calling is his family, and he happily lives with his wife and six children in Louisiana.
Inspirational Keynote – Rashmi Airan
Rashmi Airan is a captivating and motivational speaker, consultant, and catalyst for transformation with a mission to foster organizational cultures centered around authenticity. Her powerful story transcends the pitfalls of making a life-altering decision; it’s a tale of leadership, core values, and decision-making, capable of creating a safe haven for courageous and often challenging conversations.
As a first-generation immigrant of Indian descent raised with lofty expectations, Rashmi excelled as a lawyer, graduating with honors from Columbia Law School. After gaining experience at major corporations, she embarked on an independent law practice in Miami. During the housing boom, she developed an ethical blind spot, collaborating with a real estate developer engaged in questionable practices. Driven by her desire for success to provide for her children, Rashmi refrained from questioning her client’s actions despite her inner voice urging caution. This led to a federal prison sentence for bank fraud.
During her six months in federal prison, Rashmi found inner peace and self-forgiveness. This humbling yet invaluable experience made her realize that while living with remorse is one thing, allowing it to define one’s identity is another. Now a “recovering lawyer and investment banker,” female leader, and community entrepreneur, Rashmi is an internationally recognized keynote speaker and TEDx presenter.
With over thirty years of real-world experience in finance, business and law, Rashmi Airan intimately understands the complexities modern leaders face. Her expertise is bolstered by years of research in behavioral psychology and collaborations with renowned global brands like Coca-Cola, Cardinal Health, Merck, Comcast, Sotheby’s, and Hershey’s. Deloitte has recognized the transformative power and relatability of Rashmi’s journey, which spans from an Ivy League education to federal prison.
Rashmi has partnered with Fortune 100 companies, financial services groups, CPAs, lawyers, real estate professionals, and dozens of women’s conferences and groups to share her transformational journey and create a RISE movement. She has been featured on ABC, PBS, in the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal.
An avid hiker, travel enthusiast, and proud mother of two teenagers, Rashmi serves on the Board of Directors for the Overtown Youth Center/Alonzo Mourning Foundation and is an Ambassador for The Key Clubhouse.
Her inspiring journey instills the power to overcome obstacles and unleash human potential.
Chris Abazis
Chris began his real estate career as “2002 Rookie of the Year” and never looked back. He joined a large brokerage in 2007, became a top producer, and was one of eight charter members of a very successful Bayside, New York office. After 3 years as an agent, teaching classes, mentoring, and coaching, he was a natural fit to guide and grow another new office as Team Leader. Under his leadership, that office broke into the top 8 brokerages in the large area Realtor board.
In 2014, Chris was named to the “Top 20 under 40” by the Long Island Board of REALTORS®. Two years later, Chris launched Dream Key Consulting to pursue his passion for “people development.” Now, as a sought-after speaker and coach, Chris trains and coaches real estate professionals throughout the US on brokerage growth, key communication strategies, video, and how to leverage technology. Chris’s infectious energy, positivity, and passion shine through every presentation.
In 2019, Chris and a longtime friend launched Sky Limitless Media, a media production company focused on creating content and high-quality videos for businesses and community leaders.
Masterful Coaching Through Challenging Times (2 Hours)
Friday, September 26 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Class Description Coming Soon
Ingrid Prather calls Athens, Tennessee, home. After graduating high school, she pursued a degree in communications from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, laying the foundation for a successful real estate career. Since beginning her journey in 1991, Ingrid celebrated more than two decades as the broker/owner of Premier Properties Realty in 2024.
Her passion for learning has evolved into a love of teaching. For 14 years, Ingrid has had the privilege of instructing and authoring real estate courses, helping Realtors grow while refining her public speaking skills.
Throughout her career, Ingrid has focused on giving back and advocating for Realtors and property owner rights. She has served on committees for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), Tennessee REALTORS®, and the River Counties Association of REALTORS® (RCAR), taking on leadership roles that have shaped her professional and personal growth. Known as a team player and an effective leader with a “we’ve got this” attitude, her leadership highlights include:
2024-2025 NAR Advisory Group Member
2025 RPAC Trustee Vice Chair for Tennessee REALTORS®
2025-2028 NAR Director
2023 Tennessee RRC State President
2023 NAR Fair Housing Policy Committee Member
2022-2023 Tennessee REALTORS® Division Vice President
2022, 2019-2016 NAR Diversity Committee Member
2021 RCAR MLS President
2015 NAR Leadership Academy Graduate
2012 RCAR President
Ingrid has received numerous awards for her dedication and excellence, including Tennessee CRS of the Year (2024), RCAR REALTOR® of the Year, and the RCAR Presidential Award. She is also a proud RPAC Major Investor and a Golden R President’s Circle investor since 2020.
Her community involvement has been equally impactful:
McMinn Habitat for Humanity President (2022-2024)
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2022-2024)
Women United in Community Service Member (2000-2023)
The relationships she has built, the lessons she has learned, and the opportunities she has embraced have made real estate not just a career but a calling. Ingrid is deeply grateful for the trust and support of her peers and colleagues and looks forward to continuing to serve and lead with integrity, dedication, and heart.
Fair Housing: What You Need to Know (2 Hours)
Wednesday, September 24 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Class Description Coming Soon
Harrison Beacher
Harrison Beacher, a native Washingtonian, father of two young children, and former D1 college football player, has seamlessly transitioned into real estate as a Managing Partner of Coalition Properties Group. Alongside business partners Ryan Butler and Keith James, his residential sales team has closed over $750 million in volume, with more than 80% of business coming from referrals, serving the DC metro area.
With a deep commitment to community service, Harrison has a strong history of volunteer leadership in local, state, and national Realtor® associations. Recognized for his contributions, he was honored by the National Association of Realtors® and featured in Realtor® Magazine’s 30 Under 30 in 2016. He has held significant positions in organized real estate, including 2022 President of the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors®, 2022 NAR Fair Housing Champion, 2023 GCAAR Realtor® of the Year, and 2024 Chair of NAR’s Meetings and Conference Committee. In 2025, Harrison will serve as President-elect for the District of Columbia Association of Realtors®. A sought-after national speaker and coach, Harrison connects with and supports Realtors® across the country, drawing on his extensive experience in both the industry and association leadership.
Wednesday, September 24 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, September 24 | 12:45 – 2:45 PM
Heather Haase
Heather Haase, also known as Sunshine, has been a REALTOR® for over 7 years, a trainer for over 3 years, and is also a national speaker. In her real estate career, she specialized in helping first-time home buyers, military, and agent-to-agent referrals. A self proclaimed education and convention junkie, she absolutely loves learning and helping others learn to take their vision and make it a reality.
Heather has traveled the country, speaking at top Real Estate events on topics such as mindset, mindfulness, social media, networking, and events. She also volunteers as a REALTOR® member for Dayton Realtors®, Ohio Realtors®, and the National Association of Realtors®. She currently is on the Dayton Realtors® and Ohio Realtors® Board of Directors and has served in many prominent positions in the past, such as award-winning Dayton and Ohio YPN chairs and NAR Commitment to Excellence Ambassador. At home Heather enjoys spending time with her daughter Charlie, going to karaoke, traveling the country, and enjoying all Dayton has to offer. There will be no shortness of smiles, laughter, and all around sunshine with Heather!
AI for REALTORS (1 Hour)
Thursday, September 25 | 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Get ready to explore the exciting world of AI in a way that’s approachable, empowering, and sprinkled with a little fun! This beginner-friendly class breaks down artificial intelligence into simple, relatable concepts, showing you how to harness its power to make your life and work more efficient. No confusing jargon here—just practical tools, real-world examples, and a playful approach that will leave you feeling confident and ready to experiment. Whether you’re curious about streamlining tasks or adding a creative edge to your business, this session will help you see AI not as a mystery but as your new favorite sidekick.
Thursday, September 25 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM
“Social Media Trends” is an engaging and forward-looking course designed for individuals looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of social media. This class focuses on identifying emerging trends across various platforms and understanding how to effectively integrate these trends into an overarching social media strategy. It caters to those looking for greater engagement, brand visibility, and market relevance. We look at the trends in the past, present, and what to expect (and prepare for) in the future. creative edge to your business, this session will help you see AI not as a mystery but as your new favorite sidekick.