DAY 1
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH
10:00 - 11:00 AM
REGISTRATION
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14
Upon arrival, please head to Floor 14 to check in.
11:00 - 11:10 AM
WELCOME REMARKS
Fran Broude & Kristy Hairston
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14
11:10 - 11:40 AM
WHY COMPASS NOW: STATE OF THE UNION
Neda Navab
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE AND THE MLS
Rebecca Jensen
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14
What's next for the real estate industry and the MLS? Join MRED President and CEO Rebecca Jensen at this year’s Midstates Summit as she shares her exclusive point of view on the future of our changing marketplace.
12:30 - 1:25 PM
LUNCH & NETWORKING
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 15
1:30 - 2:15 PM
MOVING THE NEEDLE ON YOUR BRAND: HOW TO
APPLY BIG BRAND THINKING ON A REALTOR LEVEL
Chad Broude
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14
Real estate has become a sea of sameness. The same headshots. The same promises. The same marketing formulas. In a world where every Realtor has access to the same tools, the biggest advantage is no longer just visibility — it’s distinctiveness.
This talk explores how Realtors can apply “big brand thinking” at a personal, local level to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Drawing inspiration from the world’s most successful brands, we’ll unpack how breaking category conventions, creating memorable identity, and leaning into bold storytelling can transform how agents attract attention and build trust.
The session will also explore how AI is changing the game — making high-level creative thinking, content production, personalization, and marketing execution more accessible than ever before. Ideas that once required massive agency budgets and production teams can now be executed by individual Realtors willing to think differently.
At its core, this is a talk about rejecting the formula, embracing creativity, and using modern tools to build a brand people actually remember.
2:15 - 3:00 PM
EARNING YOUR WORTH: THE FULL COMMISSION MINDSET
Susanna Bartolomei, Nick Blackshaw, Shar Borg, Aaron Buchbinder, Tony Mattar
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14
If you don’t believe in your value, neither will your clients. Join a panel of top-producing agents who consistently earn their full commission, and learn how they do it. This session dives into the psychology of value and the scripts, systems, and confidence needed to defend your fee in any market.
Our experts will share how they articulate their worth, handle commission objections with ease, and provide a level of service that makes the conversation about price irrelevant. Learn how to stop discounting your expertise and start getting paid what you are truly worth.
3:00 - 4:00 PM
MOVING THE NEEDLE ON YOUR AEO PROFILE
Mark Neuterman
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14
Join Mark Neuterman, Real Estate AI Visibility Expert and Founder/CEO of AI Search Masters, as he explains how clients and referral partners choose real estate agents in AI searches and vet them when given referral recommendations.
He will break down how it works, what matters and what doesn't, action steps agents can take for themselves to become visible in searches, current updates and changes, and best practices for leveraging assistance with AEO implementation.
4:00 - 4:45 PM
CONNECTING WITH INTENTION
Networking Session
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 15
We’re skipping the small talk and going straight to the substance. Using insights from a pre-event questionnaire, we will curate a seating chart designed to put you exactly where you need to be. No more "working the room", just high-impact, intentional time spent with a hand-picked group of colleagues who align with your specific business goals.
Watch your inbox for your matching survey, then prepare to take your seat and start building the partnerships that will define your next year.
4:00 - 4:45 PM
COMPASS PLUS FORUM PREVIEW (MEMBERS ONLY)
Kirk McCullen and Members of Compass Plus
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14
Compass Plus members will have access to an intimate Roundtable Discussion designed as a preview of the Compass Plus Forum being planned for the Compass REtreat in New Orleans.
5:00 - 7:00 PM
HAPPY HOUR
River Roast, 315 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654
Close out Day 1 with Happy Hour on the Chicago River! Join your peers at River Roast for light bites & drinks.
DAY 2
THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH
9:00 - 10:00 AM
BREAKFAST & NETWORKING
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 15
Check in for Day 2 and enjoy breakfast in the 15th Floor Dining Room. An agent panel will be hosted in the same space immediately following breakfast, so you can settle in.
9:30 - 10:15 AM
BUILDING YOUR REFERRAL NETWORK
Marc Hernandez, Andy Bovender, Lauren Mitrick Wood, Olivia Perez, Mike Feldman
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 15
Your next big deal isn’t just in your CRM, it’s in your colleagues' contact lists. Join industry leaders for a deep dive into the philosophy and strategy of the Agent-to-Agent market.
This session moves beyond basic networking to explore how top producers cultivate long-distance trust, maintain professional visibility, and create a predictable stream of high-quality referrals. Learn the specific systems and relationship rituals that turn professional connections into a powerful, reliable lead source.
10:15 - 10:30 AM
BREAK
Please head to Floor 14 for the breakout sessions.
BREAKOUT SESSION #1
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
10:30 - 11:30 AM
WIN THE LISTING BEFORE YOU WALK IN
Joe Stacy
Floor 14, Room A
Winning listings in today’s market requires more than comps and a CMA. It requires clarity, confidence, and a compelling value story. In this session, you’ll learn how to build a pre-listing strategy that wins the appointment before you even walk in, master the 5 critical components of a standout listing presentation, and position your services so you can confidently defend your commission without discounting.
You’ll also gain practical strategies to handle objections and convert more appointments into signed listings, giving you a repeatable edge in every competitive situation. This isn’t theory. This is a practical, field-tested approach you can use in your very next listing appointment. One additional listing won using these strategies can return multiples of your $299 investment.
10:30 - 11:30 AM
WIN THE SEARCH BEFORE THEY CLICK
Mark Neuterman
Floor 14, Room B
Take the next step with Mark Neuterman in this hands-on workshop designed to operationalize your AI visibility. Moving beyond the "why," this session focuses on your "how." You will walk through the exact technical steps to optimize your digital footprint for AI Search (AEO), audit your current search presence, and build your personalized roadmap for leveraging AI assistance to stay ahead of search engine updates.
10:30 - 11:30 AM
COMPASS PLUS
Kirk McCullen and Members of Compass Plus
Floor 15
A more meaningful, relationship-focused way to grow your business
Discover how Compass Plus can elevate your business and position you as a trusted resource for older adults and their families during life’s most important transitions. Join us for an engaging discussion exploring the unique complexities of senior real estate transactions and the Compass Plus approach designed to provide clarity, dignity, and comprehensive support. Learn how to become the trusted first call for aging clients by leveraging the strength, resources, and nationwide network that only Compass Plus can provide.
MID-MORNING TEA & INTEREST ROOMS
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
MID-MORNING TEA & INTEREST ROOMS
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14
Join our Interest Room Breakouts, curated deep-dives designed to move beyond the surface and into the topics that matter most to your growth. These focused sessions offer a collaborative space to sharpen your expertise and connect with peers around shared professional passions.
OPTION 1: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Bob Kohler
Join top commercial experts for a candid conversation on navigating today’s evolving market. From financing challenges and pricing disconnects to off-market opportunities, marketing strategies, and the tools driving deals today, this session will unpack the realities shaping commercial real estate right now. Hear firsthand lessons from the field, insights on where the market is headed, and the skills agents need to stay competitive in the years ahead.
OPTION 2: YOU HAVE (OR NEED) AN ADMIN. NOW WHAT?
Susie Adamson
Most agents hire an admin out of desperation, then wonder why it didn't fix everything. In this session, we'll look at the real reason admin hires fail, how to design a role that actually creates capacity, and what decision-making flow needs to look like before you hand anything off. Whether you're thinking about hiring, recently hired, or trying to make a current relationship work better, this session gives you a practical starting point, not a pep talk.
OPTION 3: COMPASS TOOLS GENIUS BAR
Emily Harter, Patrick Fennessy & Todd Mika - Agent Experience Team
Our AEM team is hosting a special session to help you navigate the Compass Tools we've discussed during the Summit. Whether you want to dive into specific topics or need live troubleshooting, we’re here to help. Bring your questions and get real-time answers from the experts!
OPTION 4: BRINGING LUXURY MARKETING TO LIFE AT ANY PRICE
Gianna Sipich & Claudia Carlucci - Marketing Team
What does "luxury" actually mean in today’s real estate market? This dynamic breakout session challenges the misconception that luxury is defined solely by price, demonstrating that it is instead crafted through an intentional, strategic approach grounded in perception, trust, and a high level of thoughtfulness. You will walk away with a repeatable roadmap to elevate the client experience and transform marketing insights into immediate business action.
OPTION 5: THE PLAYBOOK: HOW TO NAVIGATE REAL ESTATE IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS & OTHER NICHE MARKETS
Greg Hidder (Compass Scottsdale, Sports & Entertainment Division)
Ready to unlock high-value, untapped real estate markets? Join us for “The Playbook: How to Navigate Real Estate in Professional Sports & Other Niche Markets,” an interactive session led by Greg Hidder. Due to popular demand after a waitlisted run in Denver, CO. this session is coming to Chicago.
This dynamic discussion reveals how to strategically position yourself within elite relationship ecosystems to build long-term referral pipelines and stand out in a crowded market. You’ll learn how to naturally spot wealth migration, second-home, and lifestyle transition opportunities early in your conversations, giving you actionable concepts that apply far beyond sports into countless niche categories.
BREAKOUT SESSION #2
12:15 - 1:15 PM
12:15 - 1:15 PM
WIN THE LISTING BEFORE YOU WALK IN
Joe Stacy
Floor 14, Room A
Winning listings in today’s market requires more than comps and a CMA. It requires clarity, confidence, and a compelling value story. In this session, you’ll learn how to build a pre-listing strategy that wins the appointment before you even walk in, master the 5 critical components of a standout listing presentation, and position your services so you can confidently defend your commission without discounting.
You’ll also gain practical strategies to handle objections and convert more appointments into signed listings, giving you a repeatable edge in every competitive situation. This isn’t theory. This is a practical, field-tested approach you can use in your very next listing appointment. One additional listing won using these strategies can return multiples of your $299 investment.
12:15 - 1:15 PM
WIN THE SEARCH BEFORE THEY CLICK
Mark Neuterman
Floor 14, Room B
Take the next step with Mark Neuterman in this hands-on workshop designed to operationalize your AI visibility. Moving beyond the "why," this session focuses on your "how." You will walk through the exact technical steps to optimize your digital footprint for AI Search (AEO), audit your current search presence, and build your personalized roadmap for leveraging AI assistance to stay ahead of search engine updates.
12:15 - 1:15 PM
COMPASS PLUS
Kirk McCullen and Members of Compass Plus
Floor 15
A more meaningful, relationship-focused way to grow your business
Discover how Compass Plus can elevate your business and position you as a trusted resource for older adults and their families during life’s most important transitions. Join us for an engaging discussion exploring the unique complexities of senior real estate transactions and the Compass Plus approach designed to provide clarity, dignity, and comprehensive support. Learn how to become the trusted first call for aging clients by leveraging the strength, resources, and nationwide network that only Compass Plus can provide.
1:15 PM
FAREWELL REMARKS
Angela Smith, Kristy Hairston and Jason Pashia
voco Chicago Downtown, Floor 14