MAREI’s Annual Trade Show is more than just a networking event—it’s your opportunity to fast-track your real estate investing journey by connecting with Kansas City’s top vendors, service providers, and fellow investors. There are no speeches. No sessions. Just one action-packed evening focused entirely on helping you learn, connect, and grow your real estate business.
To help you get the most out of this unique event, we’ve put together a simple guide—before, during, and after the show.
✅ Before You Go: Set Yourself Up for Success
1️⃣ Why are you attending?
Take 10 minutes to reflect:
What do you want to learn?
Who do you need to meet?
What areas of your business are you trying to improve—lenders, contractors, legal, leads?
This isn’t just a social night—it’s a strategic one. Review your business and marketing plan. Set clear goals for who or what you’re hoping to find.
2️⃣ Build a Hit List
Check out the Vendor Map ahead of time at MAREI.org/TradeShow
If you can only stay an hour, plan it wisely. Identify the must-see vendors so you don’t miss out.
3️⃣ Bring a List of Questions
When you finally meet the right contractor, lender, or insurance agent—you don’t want to forget what to ask. Come prepared with key questions about pricing, process, or partnerships.
4️⃣ Bring a Way to Take Notes
Your memory will blur by morning. Carry a small notebook or use your phone. Jot down:
Names and company info
Why to follow up
Personal notes to remember the conversation
5️⃣ Pockets with Business Cards
✅ One side: cards to hand out
✅ Other side: cards you collect
Leave your card with everyone, even if you don’t think you’ll need them right now. You just might later.
6️⃣ Bring Flyers or Samples
Got something to offer? Don’t be shy. Drop a flyer, sample, or resource
sheet in your bag. Be ready to share it if the opportunity comes up with a vendor or fellow attendee.
7️⃣ Let People Know You’ll Be There
Text your business contacts, real estate friends, or accountability group. You may be able to grab a quick 15-minute chat before or after in the bar or hotel lobby. Or take a break mid way to catch up
8️⃣ Out-of-Towners: Plan Ahead
Make travel plans early and leave time to network before or after the event. Some of the best connections happen casually in the hotel lobby or bar. Stay at the Double Tree if spending the night.
🔄 During the Event – Work the Room
Arrive Early. Stay Late: Don’t rush it. The best conversations happen when you’re not watching the clock.
Start Conversations. Ask Questions: Not just the Vendors are here to help you. Ask everyone what they offer, how they work with investors, and what makes them different. Or what brought them to MAREI and why they keep coming.
Talk to Other Attendees: The guy next to you in line may have your next deal—or your new favorite contractor. Ask them – What kind of deals do you do? Who are your go to vendors? What brought you out tonight? Or who do I need to meet?
Visit Every Table: Even if a booth doesn’t feel relevant now, it might be later. Build that connection now.
Make Future Plans: Don’t let a good conversation end there. Ask, “Want to grab coffee or lunch sometime this week?” Lock it in while you’re face-to-face.
After the Event - Don’t Let the Excitement Fade
Before You Go to Bed
Take 10 minutes to:
Review your notes
Organize your cards
Write down any fresh ideas
This clears your mind and helps lock in the details before they fade.
📲 Follow Up Fast
The next day, send quick messages or emails: “Great meeting you at the Trade Show! Let’s stay in touch.” Or if you have a note to send them some referral, reference, or article, send that off.
If appropriate, schedule a call or in-person follow-up.
Be sure to add them to your Contact Manager and schedule a follow up. Follow them on Social Media.
📚 Review What You Learned
Who stood out?
What tools, services, or vendors should you add to your business?
Were there any holes in your plan you didn’t expect?
What do you need to implement right now, this week?
What do you need to schedule?
✉️ Send Thank-Yous
If someone gave you valuable insight, a warm intro, or helped you feel welcome—thank them. It’s a classy move and sets you apart.
🔁 Keep the Momentum Going
✔️ We host monthly meetings with vendors, networking, and training.
✔️ It’s like a mini trade show every single month.
✔️ Membership is just $25/month or $149/year.
👉 Join today at www.MAREI.org/Membership
Final Tips from the Pros:
✅ Don’t be shy—introduce yourself.
✅ Don’t wait—follow up right away.
✅ Don’t waste it—use this night to move your business forward.
The MAREI Trade Show is one night. But what you do with it can shape the next year of your business.
