La Paz, BCS, Mexico - Each year, the National Association of Realtors presents two meetings for its members and Realtors from around the world. The May meeting is known as the Mid Year Meeting and the one in November is known as the Realtors Conference and Expo. Attendance at that meeting is usually about 22,000 with the midyear drawing about 10,000 realtors.

As in other years, the midyear meeting was full of interesting events starting as early as the 7 am CIPS Designee breakfast and ending with evening receptions and networking. The midyear focuses on economic and political issues, while the annual Conference presents literally hundreds of educational sessions. Both attract a significant number of Realtors from outside the US. Mexico is always represented at both events.

AMPI President Sergio Gomez led the Mexican Delegation. (He flew all night from St. Petersburg, Russia to get to Washington.) Sergio had been representing Mexico at the World Congress of The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). He reports that Mexico is in the running to host the Congress in 2014.

Rounding out the Mexican delegation at the mid-year meetings, were Guillermo Salgado, AMPI Vice President, Linda Neil a member of AMPI's National Advisory Board and Presidential liaison to Mexico for the National Association of Realtors and John Glaab, Director Emeritus of AMPI La Paz, B.C.S.

It would take too much space for me to describe in detail all of the events of this year's meeting, so I will report on events that were of the greatest interest.

Tuesday morning started with a Political Forum. The panelists were Celinda Lake, Democratic Party strategist; Gene B. Sperling, Director National Economic Council; and Michael S. Steele, Elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee in 2009. It was a lively session to be sure.

There were three speakers at the Meeting of Presidential Liaisons and Ambassador Associations. First was Shonee Henry Presidential Liaison to the Philippines, followed by Linda Neil, the Presidential Liaison to Mexico. The two presenters delivered reports on activities in their respective countries.

The third speaker was Eleonore Rojas, Principal Project Manager for "Move On." Her company manages NAR's new Global Multiple Listing Service. At the moment there are 18 countries on the site. It has 1.2 million properties outside the U.S.A. and is seen over 1 million viewers, monthly. It is a great way for Realtors for to display their listings. I am encouraging our state-wide MLS to participate.

The Certified International Property Specialist breakfast is always a delight for me. It was a pleasure to see old friends from around the world and meet new ones. At this year's breakfast 153 new Designees received their certificates and pins. Among the countries represented were the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Bahrain and of course the United States.

There were plenty of opportunities to socialize and network during the week. Several state associations have hospitality suites and the Commercial Section has a reception. One of the interesting events is the Global Networking Reception. It is held in the ballroom of the historic old Omni hotel, where International gusts have a chance to meet colleagues from around the planet.

It is rather impressive to see flags from more than 70 nations lining the wall behind the podium at the Global Alliances Committee meeting. Realtors from around the world report on their regions focusing on the economy.

AMPI President Sergio Gomez outlined the current situation in Mexico and gave a glimpse of what is likely to happen in the future. AMPI's Linda Neil said a few words to promote the Annual AMPI Conference in Guadalajara/Tequila. It will be held in late October.

The highlight of this year in Washington was the rallying of more than 14,000 Realtors at the Washington memorial. The theme was "Protect the American Dream." It is all about home ownership. So many members wearing T-shirts with the blue R on front and back was an impressive sight.

This year's Realtors Conference and Expo will be held in Orlando Florida on November 9.