By: Nicole Slaughter Graham

This week, approximately 200 Young Professionals Network leaders from across the country will gather in Chicago for YPN Advance, a two-day, invitation-only event designed to help YPN chairs, vice chairs and staff liaisons strengthen their leadership skills and build more effective networks at the local and state levels.

Held Aug. 26 and 27 during NAR’s Leadership Week, YPN Advance gives attendees an opportunity to learn from YPN leaders, NAR staff and one another about what it takes to run and grow a successful network.

Attendees will dig into some of the practical challenges that come with YPN leadership. Wednesday’s programming will explore how to structure and finance a network, recruit and retain members and leaders, and strengthen branding and communications. Also on the docket is a conversation about Agentic AI.

For the first time, attendees will hear directly from a panel of NAR leaders about how the association supports YPN and the role young professionals play within the organization.

On Thursday, the focus will expand to events, education and collaboration before attendees break into separate tracks. YPN leaders will explore topics including social media, strategic leadership, prospecting and networking, while staff liaisons will focus on member engagement, membership tracking and network finances.

While YPN Advance itself is invitation-only, the ideas and conversations coming out of Chicago won’t be. The YPN Lounge will be there to bring readers inside the event. Follow along for insights from the event and more.

Nicole Slaughter Graham is a contributing editor at REALTOR® News and the manager of the YPN Lounge. Connect with her at ngraham@nar.realtor.