La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico - The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) held its 43rd Annual Conference in Tijuana, Baja California from October 21-25, 2014. This was the first time in the history of the association that the annual event has been held in the Baja Peninsula. In addition to AMPI members, Realtors from Arizona, California, Illinois and Texas came to Tijuana.

Each morning, "Networking" sessions were held. Those attending had an opportunity to present their company and properties that are for sale.

Speakers addressed various subjects such as: realities and perspectives in the housing market, opportunities in global industrial and commercial developments, the present Mexican real estate market and the future, the most efficient way to obtain an exclusive listing, and a panel presented, "Mexico a Tourism Paradise." Jeffery Hornberger, Director Business Global Alliances at the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), came from Chicago to participate.

As usual there were several entertaining social events. On Saturday, attendees were able to tour several vineyards in the Valle de Guadalupe and enjoyed a taste of local cuisines. This region of Baja California is chock full of wineries that produce world-class wines. The first winery came onto the scene in 1928, and now 60+ wineries plot the wine path along dirt roads.

Several new members for the National Advisory Board were elected at the Annual General Meeting. They represent a wide cross section of Mexico and include newcomers Teresa Sandoval and Armando Trujillo, both from AMPI Guadalajara. Erick Chorazo is the new member from San Jose de Allende. Oscar Orozco, who had been on the Board a few years ago, was also elected once more. He is from Culiacan/Mazatlan. Gustavo Solarez was elected as the new Vice President.

Zacatecas was selected to be the site of the 2015 Congreso, beating out Acapulco and Cancun. An International Real Estate Summit was announced, and it is scheduled to be held in Puerto Vallarta in June of 2015.

At the annual Dance and Dinner, AMPI President, Martha Ramirez, recognized Linda Neil for her international work on behalf of Mexico. Linda is finishing her third and final term as NAR's Presidential Liaison to Mexico this year. She has accepted an appointment as the International Member on the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Advisor y Board. She is replacing Maurice George from the United Arab Emirates.

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John Glaab is Director, International Marketing at The Settlement Company, Mexico's oldest title and escrow company. A Certified International Property Specialist, he is a founding member of AMPI Los Cabos and the new Global Mexico Real Estate Institute. In 2012, John was named the International Real Estate Member of the Year by NAR. For further information, contact John at John.Glaab(at)settlement-co.com.