The Global Networking Event (GNE) is the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s signature event designed to bring together sales associates, managers, and broker/owners from across our global network.
This year, more than 40 of our associates and staff gathered at Music City Center in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee to:
- Network with more than 2,500 colleagues from over 30
countries. - Learn about AI, industry changes, and the future of luxury real
estate from a powerful lineup of speakers, including Reese
Witherspoon. - Tap into experts from outside the real estate category to stay on the cutting edge of creating value for our clients amidst continued change in the industry.
- Witness the launch of the new ‘1 of 1’ brand marketing campaign which celebrates what makes every home unique and one-of-a-kind.
- See the unveiling of the brand’s new social media influencer partnership with Jeremiah Brent, star of the upcoming season of Queer Eye on Netflix, acclaimed AD100 designer, and TV host with over 1M social media followers.
- Have FUN, epitomized by closing down an entire block of downtown Nashville to enjoy a private concert from chart-topping country music star Dustin Lynch.
Here are a few of the other reasons why this extraordinary event
was ‘1 of 1’…
Pre-Conference Meetings
It would not be the GNE without exceptional networking
opportunities. We seized the chance to connect with fellow
professionals, fostering valuable connections that enhanced our
experience at the GNE in the days ahead. These meetings covered
topics including what makes Sotheby’s International Realty
truly exceptional, creating a high-performance culture, and
articulating your value proposition, alongside gatherings of
marketers, operations leaders, relocation experts, and
representatives from specific regions across the globe.
Welcome Receptions, Cocktail Parties, and More
We experienced true Southern hospitality while fostering a wealth of connections and shared experiences. The welcome reception was a private block party featuring a special performance from country music star Dustin Lynch.
After the first full day of events, our team enjoyed several intimate
cocktail parties and joined our network for an evening of music and networking at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar and Luke’s 32
Bridge.
Keynote Speakers, Breakout Sessions, and Roundtable Discussions
What sets the GNE apart from other conferences is the sheer
talent in the room. For many, the highlights of the event were the
inspiring speeches from extraordinary guest speakers,
including:
- Reese Witherspoon, Academy Award Winning Actress, Producer, and Founder of Hello Sunshine
- Sol Rashidi, Best-selling author, Former CDO/CAO/CDAO of Fortune 100s, and Forbes’ ’21st Century AI Maverick & Visionary’
- Brett Hagler, CEO & Co-Founder, New Story
- Philip White, President and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty
- Tammy Fahmi, Senior Vice President of Global Servicing and Strategy, Sotheby’s International Realty
- Brad Nelson, Chief Marketing Officer, Sotheby’s International Realty
- Charles F. Stewart, President and CEO, Sotheby’s
- Ryan Schneider, President and CEO, Anywhere Real Estate Inc.
We were proud to have four of our own team members participate as featured
speakers:
- Colleen Barry, our Chief Executive Officer, joined a fast-paced session
moderated by Sherry Chris, Executive Advisor of Anywhere Brands, and co-chair of WHAT MOVES HER®, and several Sotheby’s International Realty® women leaders including Nikki Field of Sotheby’s International Realty’s East Side Manhattan Brokerage,
Heidi Pay of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, Yael Geffen of Lew
Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, and Sue Yannaccone, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anywhere Brands and founder of WHAT MOVES HER®, to discuss empowering women in the real estate industry to develop their leadership skills and realize their professional development goals.
- Nicole Rideout, our President, was a panelist in ‘Start Succession Planning Now,’ revealing why it’s never too soon to start succession planning whether you’re moving to a new market or
winding down your career. Moderated by
Geoffrey Hill of Sotheby’s International Realty, the panel also featured Neil Lyon of
Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage, Brad Dahler of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, and Brittany Patterson Hill of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. - Lauren Holleran, a perennial leader in the Cambridge real estate market, was a panelist for a discussion on ‘Strategies for Remarkable Growth’ in which she shared how she has achieved substantial business growth and the mindset, tools, and practical steps required to accomplish her success. Other panelists included Suzanne O’Bryant of Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty, Alec Cantley of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Stacie Chadwick of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty,, Britt Austin of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, and moderator Natalie Mik, Head of Region, EMEIA at Sotheby’s International Realty.
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Ryan J. Glass, a top real estate advisor in Boston, joined Lesley Sweeney of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty for a roundtable discussion on using social media to stay top of mind.
Exclusive Events and Gatherings
Away from the main crowds of the GNE, our team was honored to be invited to several exclusive events hosted by our affiliate partners and organizations. These smaller gatherings allowed us to connect with our network in intimate settings, providing a space for more intentional connection. From professionals serving our feeder markets, to members of third-party industry organizations, to friends we connected with previously, we elevated the power and
experience of the Global Networking Event.
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Relocation Open House with Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty at The Omni Nashville
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Tequila Tasting with Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty at The Twelve Thirty Club
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Our Trusted Network Networking Event at City Winery
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ONE Magical Night hosted by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
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Women in Sotheby’s International Realty
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Network like a Ninja at The Westin
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Colorado Ski Event at the JW Marriott
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Wish Jewelry Event at The Westin hosted by Lisa Patterson of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty
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Vision Board Crew at The Omni Nashville
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A Relocation & Referrals Networking Dinner
SIRcle The Globe Moments
Throughout the entire Global Networking Event, our team created invaluable connections—both new and rekindled—made with professionals from around the world. These moments not only provided our real estate advisors with the opportunity to learn from diverse markets but also sparked fantastic referral opportunities. Whether these took place at formal networking events, in between panel discussions, or even in an elevator, we are constantly in awe of the power of the global network.
“I strengthened existing relationships’, made great new friends, and since I have returned sent out 3 referrals to agents I met in Nashville,” said Steve McKenna of the Home Advantage Team.
“I was riding down the elevator with Carey Farmer of Group One Sotheby’s International Realty in Boise, Idaho. I have clients who are looking to sell their home, purchase in Manchester-By-The-Sea, and also purchase on Amelia Island, Florida. I have never had a two-time referral situation including a purchase. In one minute, Carey and I met and exchanged contact information, exchanged agents, and are putting referrals together all in an elevator ride in a matter of seconds! The power of the network is amazing,” said Kristin Francoeur.
“Another great SIRcleTheGlobe moment I had was with a group of people that were established at the New England GNE and we have kept in touch ever since and all met up at breakfast one morning and have cultivated wonderful friendships. I have already established one as a referral source. Breakfast at Adele’s with Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty‘s Shawn Tate was wonderful as many of us met up there and hugged in person rather than on Zoom and that was wonderful!”
Thank you to the speakers for sharing their expertise, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand team for executing flawlessly, and those from our team for showing up:
Our Leadership Team
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Larry Rideout, Chairman & Owner -
Paul McGann, Principal & Founder -
Colleen Barry, Chief Executive Officer -
Nicole Rideout Hartwick, President -
Brianne Alston, Chief Financial Officer -
Michelle Pelletier, Chief Operating Officer -
Jeni Pardo de Zela, Chief Marketing Officer -
Daphna Fields, Vice President of Brokerage Development -
Aimee Rideout, Vice President of Relocation & Referrals -
Becca Logue, Director of Communications & Digital
Strategy -
Megan Guglielmo, Director of Relocation & Referrals
Our
Associates
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Anne Bunn