Our Experience at Elevate Raleigh 2026: Fresh Perspectives, AI Innovation, and Stronger Connections
On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, the Hillman Real Estate Group team gathered at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State for Elevate Raleigh 2026. Returning for its third year, this Realtor-focused, high-impact conference brought together real estate professionals from across the Triangle and beyond to share real-world strategies, fresh operational models, and modern industry perspectives.
Why Ongoing Education Matters to Our Clients
Real estate is constantly evolving, and navigating the market requires more than just staying informed—it requires continuous learning and testing new ideas.
Team Leader Renée Hillman shared why investing time in events like Elevate is a top priority:
“Our team’s number one priority is always to make sure that our clients feel educated and have the tools that they need to make good decisions about one of their largest investments. This requires us to do multiple hours of training a year, but we also like to do some conferences to hear perspectives from how people are doing real estate and running businesses outside of our market. We always feel like we leave with valuable information, tools to try, and more. And better yet, it gives us time to sit together and be part of something larger than just our team.”
Key Takeaways from the Afternoon
From the morning VIP masterclass to the afternoon general sessions, the day offered actionable, practical knowledge rather than generic sales pitches:
- Practical AI Implementation: Head of AI Enablement at Acquisition.com, Drew Thompson, walked agents through the mechanics of setting up custom AI agents to streamline administrative workflows, communications, and follow-ups, freeing up more time to focus on face-to-face client needs.
- National Market Perspectives: National speakers like Sam Coleman (IS Luxury), Katie Day (Real Broker), Jason Cassity (Chief Growth Officer at REAL), and Kate Newey (LIVE Chicago Team) offered valuable insight into how high-performing teams across the country are navigating shifts in client expectations and marketing strategy.
- Modern Marketing & Media: Industry leaders including emcee Brad McCallum and speaker Ed Stulak highlighted effective ways to use video, modern branding, and transparent storytelling to better showcase properties and connect with buyers and sellers.
- Peer Collaboration: Event hosts Megan Beekman and Heidi Harris fostered an environment where local leaders—such as Jenny Hensley, Ginger Peters, and Ashley Blackmore—shared proven, market-tested ideas that are working right now.
Stronger Together for Triangle Buyers and Sellers
Conferences like Elevate reinforce that our business is fundamentally about relationships and sound decision-making. Bringing back fresh concepts, refined workflows, and advanced technology allows us to provide an even smoother, more transparent advisory experience for every client we serve across the Triangle.