Springing Forward: Highlights from the 2026 Spring Conference
This year’s Washington REALTORS® Spring Conference in Tulalip brought together members from across the state for three days of learning, leadership, networking, and conversation.
One thing was clear throughout the event: our members showed up ready to engage, share ideas, and help shape the future of Washington real estate!
Pre-Conference Energy
The conference began on a strong note with the REALTORS® Relief Foundation Fundraiser to celebrate their 25th Anniversary Year, followed by a Spring Into Action workshop and meeting hosted by the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. The pre-conference events set the tone for the rest of the week: informative, collaborative, and full of energy!
Day 1: April 15, 2026
A Lively Debate on Public Marketing | General Session
Following the successful passage of SB 6091 Wednesday’s General Session featured a debate on a timely and important issue for the industry: “Does Public Marketing Preserve Your Business?” Washington REALTORS® Legal Hotline Lawyer Annie Fitzsimmons, attorney Lars Neste of Demco Law Firm, and John L. Scott General Counsel Erin Varriano led the conversation, offering insight into the legal and business implications of public marketing policies. The session gave members a valuable look at how these policies may affect their day-to-day work.
What’s Ahead for the Market | Statewide Economic Forecast
Attendees heard from Shannon Affholter, Co-Chair of the Runstad Department of Real Estate at the University of Washington, during the Statewide Economic Forecast session. His presentation offered a timely look at current market conditions and broader, statewide economic trends, helping members better understand the forces shaping the housing market and the year ahead.
Learning in Action | Breakout Sessions
Wednesday’s breakout sessions gave attendees the option to focus on specific areas of interest, including:
- Implementing Public Marketing Policies in your Office, led by Annie Fitzsimmons (designed for DB’s).
- Legislative Housing Leaders, a Panel Presentation, featuring Rep. Strom Peterson, Rep. Sam Low, and Senator Liz Lovelett.
- Audits are Inevitable, Correction Notices are Not, led by Annie Fitzsimmons.
- The One Skill that Separates the Top 1%, presented by Collin Dayley, Founder & CEO of The Circle Leader.
- Water Rights & Water Supply Issues Impacting RE and Housing, presented by Bill Clarke, Director of Public Policy at Washington REALTORS®.
- What You Need to Know About Government Forbearance Loans, presented by Tamara Riordan of First American Title.
These breakouts were a good reminder that learning and discussion are central to the Spring Conference experience!
Awards and Recognition
A major highlight of the conference was the Awards Luncheon, where Washington REALTORS® gathered to celebrate the outstanding nominees and finalists for their achievements, service, and impact on their communities.
Congratulations to all who were recognized. The full list of fantastic nominees, finalists, and 2026 winners can be found here: https://www.warealtor.org/education-events/events2/2026-wr-award-nominees
Photos from the Awards Luncheon are available below or at this link: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCRHLc
Day 2: April 16, 2026
Candidate Luncheon Spotlight
The Candidate Luncheon was an important moment for those running for office in 2027 to introduce themselves, share their priorities, and speak directly with members about the issues that matter most to them and their mission.
Meetings That Sparked Conversation
Across the conference, members took part in committee meetings that covered a wide range of important topics. Discussions touched on legislative housing priorities, professional standards, DEI, membership, operations, finance, RPAC, YPN, and more.
At the Legislative Steering Committee, members heard a re-cap of the 60-day session and the bills that passed impacting real estate and Realtors. Additionally, attendees received information on the Governors Executive Order 25-12 regarding the Department of Housing Task Force. As part of this work, the state is seeking input to better understand priorities, needs, and ideas for housing policy and system improvements that will inform the design of a new housing agency for Washington.
Additionally, the RPAC Trustees are preparing for a lively election season and selected our 2026 Realtor Champions: https://www.warealtor.org/advocacy-legal/government-affairs/rpac/realtor-champions-club
Day 3: April 17, 2026
Leadership in Action: Officer Elections
The Nominations Committee met earlier in the week and approved a motion to finalize the slate of candidates eligible to appear on the ballot for the Friday, April 17th, 2026 election.
The following candidates appeared on the ballot and were elected to serve on the Washington REALTORS® 2027 leadership team:
VP-Elect of Operations: Gina Mosey
VP-Elect of Government Affairs: Mike Wallin
VP-Elect of Membership: Lori Sinclair
Treasurer-Elect: Ron Almberg
Congratulations to all! We look forward to working with you in 2027 and beyond.
Board of Directors Meeting
The Board of Directors meeting opened with a memoriam to honor those in the Washington REALTOR® family who have passed away recently, followed by words of inspiration from Diana Vasquez, the Pledge to the Flag led by Lee McIntyre, the REALTOR® Pledge led by Savannah Scott, and a warm welcome and first-timers introduction from our 2026 President Ryan Beckett.
Attendees viewed the Board fiduciary orientation, then received a regional update from 2026 NAR Vice President of Association Affairs, Bobbi Howe. Elections followed, with voting held for the 2027 Treasurer-elect and Vice Presidents-elect for Government Affairs, Membership, and Operations.
The Board addressed several important action items, including motions to amend the WR Bylaws and Policy Manual to eliminate the Commercial Practitioner appointment on the WR Executive Committee, clarify Regional Representative qualifications and duties, revise Nominations Committee responsibilities, and update the NAR Director election timeline. Additional updates were given on REALTORS® Relief Foundation, the 2026 Legislative Session, the Mongolian Homestay Program, RPAC activities, and the REAM introduction.
The meeting concluded with a special recognition for WR staff, important announcements including declared candidacy and upcoming national and state conferences, and an invitation to attend the 2026 WR Fall Conference in Spokane.
Thank You for Being There
Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, spoke, volunteered, and helped make the 2026 Spring Conference a success. Your engagement made the event memorable, and your commitment continues to strengthen Washington REALTORS®.
We look forward to seeing you in Spokane this fall for the Washington REALTORS® Fall Conference, September 23-25, 2026!