Washington D.C. - More than 8,000 Realtors from around the globe assembled recently in Washington DC. They came to attend and participate in the Realtor Party Convention & Trade Expo, formerly known as the Mid Year Meetings.

It was five days of education, networking, a trade show with 100 exhibitors and social events. Two of the most popular speakers were Chris Mathews, host of MSNBC's hour-long talk show Hardball, and Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR.

Chris drew on his insights gained from following 11 Presidents and their relationships with Congress and provided his thoughts on the current divided U.S. government. The always optimistic Dr. Yun participated on a Residential Economic Issues and Trends Forum. Joining him on the podium were Eric Belsky, PhD, Harvard University, Joint Center for Housing Studies, and Ivy Zelman, CEO, Zelman & Associates, New York.

Of interest on the Global side of international real estate were four events. First was the Global Networking Reception. Realtors from many of NAR's affiliates attended. It is an opportunity to renew old acquaintances and make new friends.

At the Global Alliances Advisory Board, the Presidential Liaisons from around the world report on their activities. The Business & Alliances Committee meeting always impresses me. The flags from NAR's 81 cooperating associations line the wall behind the large podium. Regional Coordinators report on activities in their regions.

The CIPS Breakfast is always a special event. New Designees receive their pins. Instructors line up t greet them. Among the instructors in the receiving line were Mexico's Linda Neil and Spain's Alfonso Green, who was selected Instructor of the Year in 2013. There were 338 Designees approved from November 2013-April 2014. The largest cotangents listed from outside the U.S. were from Greece, Thailand & the United Arab Emirates. There were 4 from Canada and 3 from Mexico.

This event is always held in Washington in May. The NAR Annual Conference and Expo will be in New Orleans this year from November 10-14. Retired politician Gabrielle Giffords will make a special appearance. Jennifer Hudson will entertain at the Celebrity Concert.