Time | 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location | Canopy Realtor® Association, 1120 Pearl Park Way, Charlotte, NC 28204
Canopy’s Diversity and Inclusion Alliance E3 Summit will showcase the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s real estate industry. Much like a championship team relies on a well-designed playbook, this event will explore timely topics and pressing issues that empower Realtors® and firm owners to strengthen their businesses, tap into wider markets, and build stronger, more resilient businesses through inclusive practices.
Goals and focus for the Summit:
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Expose attendees to opportunities to expand their business, reach untapped markets, and reap the benefits of having an inclusive business.
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Educate Realtors® on best practices, legal requirements, and ethical standards for serving clients with disabilities, while exploring how accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and equity can strengthen fair housing compliance and transform lives.
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Engage with Summit speakers and peers to build meaningful connections, gain insights from inclusive leaders, and discover new ways to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within attendees’ business and the community.
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Explore ways to expand business through entrepreneur skills training and access to capital.
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Empower Realtors® to stay motivated, push through industry fluctuations, and strengthen client relationships through diversity and inclusion.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
Charisma Southerland
President, Canopy Realtor® Association, Canopy MLS, Canopy Housing Foundation
TOPICS/SPEAKERS
Session 1: How To Stay in the Game When You are Down on Points.
In real estate, just like in sports, success comes down to resilience, teamwork, and strategy. This session will inspire Realtors® to push through challenges, adapt to change, and build winning habits to stay competitive no matter the score. Learn practical strategies for navigating market fluctuations, how to step outside your comfort zone, and the benefit of strengthening client relationships through diversity and inclusion. Stay motivated, engaged, and connected to keep playing and winning the long game!
Presented by Felicia Hall Allen, Felicia Hall Allen & Associates
Session 2: Game Plan for Growth: Building Your Enterprise and Expanding Your Business
This session is designed for Realtors® and real estate firm owners seeking to expand their businesses and strengthen their role in community development. Find out how to access capital, professional education, and partnerships to expand your business and your passion. Leave with a clearer understanding of available programs and financial tools that can support business expansion, sustainability, and long-term community impact.
Learn about:
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Services and support provided by the Women’s Business Center of Charlotte
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Graduate-level business education available through the Minority Executive Education Institute (MEEI)
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Debt and investment capital and loans for affordable housing developers and community-based projects via the Institute Capital Program
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Other lending solutions and financing options for commercial real estate, multifamily properties, and affordable housing initiatives
Presented by John Ham, Vice President, Center for Strategic Partnerships at National Institute of Minority Economic Development
Session 3: Elevate Your Game Beyond the Sale: Exploring Real Estate Niches.
This dynamic panel discussion will highlight how Realtors® can develop their expertise and grow their businesses through specialized real estate niches. Experienced panelists will share insights from diverse sectors of the industry, including property management, land sales, relocation services, and real estate development. Attendees will gain practical next-step strategies, hear success stories, and discover new opportunities to diversify their business, strengthen client relationships, and elevate their game beyond the traditional sale.
Moderator and Panel: TBA
Session 4: A Winning Playbook: The Do's and Don'ts of Serving Clients with Special Needs
An estimated 1.3 billion people – or 16% of the global population – experience a significant disability. Now more than ever, it is important that Realtors® know the proper standard of practice and the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of serving clients with special needs. Attendees will also hear inspiring stories about compassion, responsibility and service and how small actions can transform lives. This presentation will encourage a greater understanding that of diversity, equity and inclusion as it applies and is meant for ALL individuals.
This session will review several federal and state laws as well as the National Association of Realtors® policies, the code of ethics, fair housing, ADA compliance, and more to ensure each attendee serves and protects the best interests of clientele with a disability. The session will satisfy NAR's Fair Housing requirement (2 hours).
Presented by: John Young, ABR, AHWD, CRS, ePro, MRP, SFR
Representatives from leading industry organizations, including Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance and National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) will share insights on the impact their organizations are making within the real estate industry.
SCHEDULE
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Registration, Networking and Continental Breakfast: 8:30-9 a.m.
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Welcome and Session 1: 9-10 a.m. | How To Stay In the Game When You are Down on Points
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Break (10 min.)
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Session 2: 10:10-11 a.m. | Game Plan for Growth: Building Your Enterprise and Expanding Your Business
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Break (10 min.)
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Session 3: 11:10-Noon | Elevate Your Game Beyond the Sale: Exploring Real Estate Niches
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Lunch (50 min.)
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Session 4: 1-3:15 p.m. | A Winning Playbook: The Do’s and Don’ts of Serving Clients with Special Needs
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Networking Reception: 3:15-4 p.m.
REGISTRATION
Canopy Realtor® Association members (primary and secondary members) – no charge; however, a $50 no-show fee will be assessed for no-shows who do not cancel before the event (by Oct. 28).
All other attendees – $50 (Participants may cancel two (2) business days before the event (Oct. 28) for a refund of $50. After the deadline, the registration fee cannot be refunded.)
Note: This event is intended for adult attendees only. Children will not be permitted to attend.
Register for the DIA E3 Summit
For questions please email diversityandinclusion@canopyrealtors.com or call 704-940-3116.