2020 RE/MAX of Michigan Regional Conference & Awards Gala | Event Photographer Traverse City

Let me just start by saying I had NO IDEA what an incredible weekend I was in for when I took on the official photography duties of the 2020 RE/MAX of Michigan Regional Conference & Awards Gala. I laughed, I cried, I danced, I saw a lot of familiar faces and I made lots of new friends! This was the first year for Don and me to work this amazing event, and we're SO looking forward to partnering up with RE/MAX and the owners/brokers throughout Michigan for many years to come. I have to give a special shout out to Sensational Events for helping us make the connection with Ashley McCann from RE/MAX. Their recommendation lead to our working this 3 day event in February, which is huge for those of us self-employed artists. It was an honor to be recommended by the team that came up with those GORGEOUS displays - they completely transformed the ballrooms multiple times throughout the weekend and I was just in awe of their professionalism.

Thursday night started with a cocktail hour in the lobby of the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, followed by a lovely dinner and presentation of this year's gag awards.

If this was any indication of how the weekend would go, I knew that we were in great company! Friday was a full day of camaraderie. There were several very touching keynote speeches that moved the entire group to tears. Re/Max has proudly supported Children's Miracle Network, and after listening to Calvin's story, I completely understand why. As other speakers went on stage we set up a station for realtors to update their professional headshots with our team in between sessions. Later in the evening, their Roaring 20's theme party had everyone dressed in some very creative costumes. We set up The Enchanted Mirror which was an absolute hit!

By Saturday morning, the energy in the room was palpable. We started the day with photos during Eddie Slowikowski's keynote speech. That was an emotional rollercoaster! He could take the entire room from empathetic tears of pain to laughter and dancing in no time flat, and that's the sign of a great presenter. Later in the evening was the official awards gala where top performers were recognized. Dinner was delicious once again, and the Governor’s Ballroom was transformed into yet another stunning design for this black tie affair.

I would be remiss if I didn't show some exceptional love to the ladies with the MSU Impulse Dance Team! These ladies performed several routines and entertained a room with hundreds of eyes on them. They didn't miss a beat!