The calm before the storm, it’s going to be a different storm over here. BUZZ Greatness 2026. The Room to Be In…and people begin arriving at 7:30am, January 28-29, 2026 at Mississauga Convention Centre.
Why, this is where the magic happens.
Planning your Conference experience is like planning your year it takes intention time and forethought because last minute is never the answer to sold out events. Missed opportunities, lack of preparation, and 0 planning always come at a cost. Learning, meetups, conversations, referrals, new connections…it really is all about the experience, enough to crystalize your year. Time to get lazer-focused.
Networking at real estate events and conferences like The BUZZ Conference, Canada’s premier real estate conference, is not about collecting business cards or rushing from one conversation to the next. It is about presence, intention, and connection. The most valuable relationships are built when you slow down enough to truly engage with the people in the room. Before you even arrive, clarity matters. Know why you are attending, who you want to learn from, and what kind of conversations you want to have. When your intention is clear, your energy follows, and people can feel that immediately.
Preparation is often underestimated. Take time to review the agenda, speakers, and partners involved in the event. Identify a few individuals or companies you are genuinely curious about. This is not about scripting conversations, but about creating familiarity so your approach feels natural and confident. When you recognize a name or face, it removes the awkwardness of introductions and allows you to open with thoughtful questions rather than surface level small talk.
When you arrive at the conference, remember that your body language speaks before you do. Extend a warm hello, make eye contact, smile, and keep your phone away. Being fully present is one of the most powerful networking tools you have. People remember how you made them feel far more than what you said. Standing with open posture and showing genuine interest invites conversation and signals that you are approachable and engaged.
One of the most effective networking strategies is asking better questions. Instead of leading with what you do, lead with curiosity. Ask people what brought them to the conference, what they are excited about in their business right now, or what challenge they are working through this year. These questions open the door to meaningful dialogue and help you understand where value can be exchanged. Networking is not about pitching yourself, it is about discovering alignment with people who matter most to your business. We approach our business the same way.
Listening is where trust is built. Resist the urge to interrupt or mentally prepare your response while someone is speaking. Active listening shows respect and professionalism, and it sets you apart in a room where many people are focused on being seen rather than truly hearing others. When you listen well, you naturally ask better follow up questions, and conversations deepen quickly.
Be mindful of energy, both yours and theirs. Conferences like BUZZ are full days, and everyone is taking in a lot of information. If you sense a conversation has reached a natural pause, allow it to end gracefully. Thank the person for their time and move on with intention. Leaving a conversation on a high note creates a positive impression and leaves space for reconnecting later.
Networking does not only happen in formal settings. Some of the most impactful connections are made in hallways, over coffee, or while waiting for a session to begin….and the lineup to the Lunch Buffet, connect there too! Stay open to these moments. Casual interactions often feel more authentic and relaxed, allowing people to be themselves rather than their professional persona. These are often the conversations that turn into long term relationships.
Follow up is where networking becomes meaningful. After the conference, take time to reconnect with the people you met. Reference something specific from your conversation so they know it was memorable for you too. A thoughtful follow up message reinforces the connection and opens the door to future collaboration. This is not about immediate business, but about continuing the conversation with intention and respect…oh and those hand-written personal notes are favourites.
It is also important to give before you ask. Share insights, make introductions, or offer support where it feels aligned. Generosity builds credibility and positions you as someone people want to stay connected with. In an industry built on relationships, your reputation travels faster than your resume.
Finally, remember that networking is a skill built over time. You do not need to meet everyone or be everywhere. Quality always outweighs quantity. A handful of meaningful conversations can be far more impactful than dozens of shallow ones. Conferences like The BUZZ Conference are designed to bring the industry together, but it is how you show up within that space that determines what you take away.
When you approach networking with authenticity, curiosity, and presence, it stops feeling transactional and starts feeling human. That is where real opportunity lives, not just for business growth, but for learning, collaboration, and long lasting professional relationships that move the industry forward together.
This experience begins now, before the conference begins. Start sending your DMs, emails, or make a call and connect when it matters most, so that when you meet, there is instant connectivity.
Have fun with it all. This is our biggest why.
See you all in the room.
BUZZ
