Tradeshows: Your new favorite source of real estate leads
The world of real estate is all about networking, and what better place to network than a tradeshow? They’re opportunity incubators. Imagine thousands of realtors and brokers under one roof, all looking for a new solution to give them a competitive edge. That solution could come from you.
Whether you offer stunning listing photography, cutting-edge tech like iGUIDE or marketing strategies that make listings pop, tradeshows give you the perfect stage to introduce your services to a new audience.
But wait— Don't just blend into the crowd. With a little planning, you can stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Why tradeshows work for photographers
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Unmatched exposure
Tradeshows give you face time with realtors from across your city—and across the continent. Your presence at these events creates brand awareness that no cold email ever could.
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Build instant trust
People do business with people. Meeting in person builds trust fast, especially when you can show off your work and explain your process in real time.
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Boost credibility with tools like iGUIDE
Did you know? Listings with iGUIDE sell 39% faster than those with photos alone. That’s a powerful pitch to have in your back pocket. Realtors are always looking for ways to close deals quickly, and offering high-quality virtual tours and 2D floor plans could be the key to helping them do that.
Download our tradeshow checklist
Want a simple checklist to help you show up prepared to capture leads? Download our free Tradeshow Checklist for Real Estate Photographers.
It covers:
- What to pack
- What to say
- How to follow up
- Extra strategies to make the most of every moment
Life hack: FREE passes!
Keep an eye out for free expo passes offered by exhibiting companies or the event organizer. The savings can be significant—sometimes hundreds of dollars! Be sure to monitor their websites and social media for updates.
Stand out at the show: What to bring
- Business cards: Go for bold design and include a QR code linking directly to your portfolio or booking page
- Branded swag that sticks: Think beyond pens. Try air fresheners or house shaped paper clips, all easy to carry around with you, and useful to real estate pros
- A leave-behind that pops: This could be a glossy card with a before-and-after photo transformation, or a clever minizine featuring recent work
- QR code to your calendar: Make it insanely easy to book a meeting. Add a QR code to your business card or flyer that links directly to your scheduling tool
- Your portfolio: Bring a tablet, printed samples, or even a small video reel looped on a screen. Let your work speak
- Special event promotions: Gain instant interest by offering a “tradeshow-only” discount like 20% off a listing shoot or a free drone shot with their first booking
After the show: Turn interest into income
Don’t let warm leads go cold. Follow up within 48 hours while your face and conversations are still fresh in their minds.
- Send a short email or DM referencing your chat
- Include a link to book a call or shoot
- Mention the tradeshow promo again
Bonus idea: Organize a local meetup. Host a casual happy hour or strategy session for attendees from your area. You’ll reconnect with leads in a relaxed setting and keep your brand top of mind.
Can’t-miss realtor events
Here are a few top-tier real estate shows to check out in North America:
- Realtor Quest: Canada’s leading real estate conference
- Royal LePage National Conference: Great for meeting realtors with nationwide reach
- NAR NXT, The Realtor Experience (U.S.): One of the largest expos around
- Atlanta Realtor Association (ARA): Key event for real estate professionals in the Southeast
Tradeshows are packed with potential—you just need to tap into it. With the right mindset, tools and strategy, you’ll leave with leads AND loyal clients.
Quick links
📥 Download the Tradeshow Checklist PDF
🎥 Watch our latest webinar: How to Deliver Real Value to Your Realtor Clients
📅 Explore upcoming tradeshows iGUIDE is attending