Join us for our 2026 REEA Diamond DREI Summit!
January 16-17, 2026
REEA Diamond DREI Annual Summit is open to all REEA DREI's, Candidates and anyone wanting to learn more about becoming a REEA Diamond DREI.
REMINDER: As stated in the REEA Diamond DREI Policies and Procedures Manual, Section III. Designation Renewal "Active REEA DREI Status" c. REEA DREI Summit: Upon the third and each subsequent renewal, each REEA DREI shall attend at least one (1) REEA DREI Summit in the three (3) years immediately prior to renewal.
If you have any questions, please contact REEA Headquarters at Kris@REEA.org.
| Thursday January 15 Welcome | |
|---|---|
| 6:00–7:00 pm | Welcome to South Padre Island, TX Join us for a gathering of friend. Location to be announced |
| Friday January 16 All day Sessions | |
| 7:00–8:00 am | Breakfast - included in your Registration The Continental, plus build your own tacos, including Bacon and Egg, Chorizo and Egg, Potato and Egg. Refried Beans, Queso Fresco, House Salsa, Fresh Flour and Corn Tortillas |
| 8:00–8:15 am | Welcome with Elizabeth Hume, DREI, GSL, Summit Chair |
| 8:15–9:00 am | Now Accepting Zoom Classes Learn more about the changes in the Candidate program and how we are now accepting Candidate videos from Zoom classes. Presenters: Stormie Benfield, DREI, GSI and Len Elder, DREI, GSI |
| 9:00–9:15 am | Diamond Talk Tip "Knowledge" With Deb Carpenter, DREI |
| 9:15–9:30 am | Break |
| 9:30–10:15 am | Leading the Classroom Presenter: Debra Gisriel, DREI, GSI |
| 10:15–10:30 am | Diamond Talk Tip "Andragogy" with Stormie Benfield, DREI, GSI |
| 10:30–11:15 am | The Evolution of Real Estate License Examinations Presenter: Len Elder, DREI, GSI |
| 11:15–11:30 am | Diamond Talk Tip "Speech" with Bob Kutschbach, DREI, GSI |
| 11:30 am–1:00 pm | Lunch Buffet - Beach BBQ Included in your registration! |
| 1:15–5:30 pm | Candidate Video Breakout Sessions |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner on your own Enjoy South Padre Island! |
| Saturday January 17 All day Sessions | |
| 8:00–9:00 am | Breakfast - Included in your Registration The Continental, plus Seasonal Tropical Fruits and Berries with Plain Yogurt and Cottage Cheese, Cereals and Granola with Whole and Skim Milk, Scrambled Eggs, Smoked Bacon, Breakfast Sausage, Island Potatoes. |
| 9:00–10:00 am | What I Learned From 40 Years of Real Estate Education Presenter: Brad Barker, DREI, GSI and REEA Past President |
| 10:00–10:45 am | Shift ALT: Building active learning techniques for tomorrow John Gillam, DREI, GSI, GSL |
| 10:45–11:00 am | Break |
| 11:00–11:45 am | Maybe to Mastering: Putting your REEA Diamond DREI to Work Are you considering pursuing your REEA Diamond DREI - or already earned it but not fully using it? This session moves beyond "maybe someday" and into practical mastery. We'll break down what the REEA Diamond DREI means in today's instructional landscape, how to leverage the designation for career growth, and the real impact it can have on your teaching credibility and opportunities. Whether you're preparing to start the journey or ready to take your instruction to the next level, you'll walk away with strategies to put your REEA Diamond DREI to work with purpose and confidence. Presenter: Amy Klingensmith, DREI |
| 12:00–1:00 pm | Lunch Buffet - "Sand"wich Buffet Included in your registration! |
| 1:00–1:15 pm | Diamond Talk Tip "Teaching Tools" with John Mayfield, DREI, GSI |
| 1:15–2:00 pm | The Teacher's Toolkit: Questions, Conversations, and Creative Delivery To engage learners, instructors can use thoughtful questioning techniques to stimulate critical thinking and employ varied delivery methods like group activities, technology, and real-life examples to cater to different learning styles. This combination of dynamic questioning and diverse delivery enhances classroom dynamics and improves learning outcomes by making the material more accessible and relevant, ultimately leading to deeper understanding and retention. Presenter: John Wenner, DREI, GSI |
| 2:00–2:15 pm | Diamond Talk Tip "Learning Environment" With Len Elder, DREI, GSI |
| 2:15–3:00 pm | Straight Talk--Keeping It Real This session is designed to be powerful, personal, and inspirational. Our mission is to acknowledge the past with honesty so we can change the future with purpose. Presenters: Alisha DeBerry, DREI, GSI and Kim Stotesbury, DREI, GSL |
| 3:00–3:15 pm | Break |
| 3:15–4:00 pm | AI to Help Simplify Your Life... while Remaining Ethical Discover how to harness the power of technology and artificial intelligence to make everyday tasks easier, faster, and more efficient--without losing your human touch. In this engaging session, you'll explore simple, practical tools that streamline your workflow, boost productivity, and protect your integrity by keeping ethical use front and center. Perfect for anyone who wants to work smarter and stay balanced in the digital age. Presenter: Debra Betolatti, DREI, GSI |
| 4:00–4:45 pm | Beyond the Diamond: From Brand to Bench Open Forum: Marketing yourself as a REEA Diamond DREI? Things you know you should do, but don't. Presenter: Elizabeth Hume, DREI, GSL |
| 4:45–5:00 pm | Break |
| 5:00 pm | REEA Diamond DREI Annual Meeting Installation of your 2026 Council Members and Awards |
Margaritaville Beach Resort, South Padre Island, TX
310 Padre Blvd
South Padre Island, Texas 78597
Phone: +1 956-761-6551
Use this Special discounted Registration Link
When calling ask for Group Code: 7531953
Texas Attitude With a Tropical Latitude
Nestled on the sands of one of the most picturesque beaches in America, Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island offers travelers a tropical twist on Texas tourism -- no passport required. Here, you'll enjoy premium accommodations, delicious dining, beachside bars, and guest-first amenities designed to help you ease into a tropical state of mind.
This refreshing retreat awaits you at the southern edge of stunning South Padre, with a prime oceanside location overlooking the Gulf Coast. There's no better spot in the Lone Star State for unwinding poolside, soaking up some sun, digging into fantastic food, and sipping our namesake frozen beverage as you feel your cares wash out with the tide.
Book your Hotel Room:
Special Rates range from $129 - $209 depending on the room you choose. All rates are good through Monday, December 21, 2025, 5pm CST. After date, we cannot guarantee special pricing.
Check-in/out Time:
Hotel check-in time is 4:00 pm; check-out time is 11:00 AM. All guests arriving before 4:00 pm will be accommodated as rooms become available.
Guest rooms departing after the posted 11am check-out time may be liable for a late check-out charge.Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes currently 17% (.5% beach renourishment, 8.5% CVB, 6% State Sales Tax, 2% Venue), WAIVED daily resort fees ($25.00 per day) and any other assessments in effect at the time of checkout. All are subject to change without notice
Local Guide for Margaritaville: South Padre Island Attractions | Margaritaville Beach Resort
Area Airports
Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) The closest airport to South Padre Island, Texas. It's located in Brownsville, Texas, and is approximately 24 miles from the island. Several airlines, including American and United, serve this airport. 700 Amelia Earhart Dr, Brownsville, TX 78521
Google Map from BRO to Margaritaville hotel
Valley International Airport, Harlingenm TX 3002 Heritage Way, Harlingen, TX 78550 approximately 26 miles
Google Map from VIA to Margaritaville hotel
Business Casual
2026 REEA DREI Summit Registration Cancellation Policy:
Due to unforseen changes with the CDC and REEA needs to cancel/postpone this event, your Registration fee will be returned. All other costs involved with your travel, lodging and/or any other expenses incurred by you is your responsibility. REEA, REEA Diamond DREI Leadership Council and REEA's Board of Directors have the right to make changes to these policies at anytime. If you need to cancel your registration due to reasons of illness, etc. you must submit a letter in writing requesting a full refund with your reason why. Again, all other costs involved with your travel, lodging and/or any other expenses incurred by you is your responsibility.
Nationwide Event Inclement Weather Policy:
Since REEA makes financial obligations based on the number of registrations and exhibitor spaces sold for events, registration fees cannot be refunded unless the event is cancelled by REEA due to inclement weather and a registrant's written request is received within 14 days of the event start date. If REEA cancels the event due to weather, REEA will issue a credit for the registrant upon written request, which may be applied within twelve (12) months either to the next scheduled REEA Conference or another REEA event. All requests for credit must be in writing and emailed/mailed to the REEA Office at the address below with appropriate proof of travel cancellation within 14 days of the event's start date.
No refunds will be given for cancellations due to weather if the event itself is not cancelled. REEA will not refund any travel expenses that may be incurred under any circumstances. All requests for cancellation refunds must be in writing and emailed/mailed to the REEA Office at the address below within 14 days of the event start date with appropriate proof of travel cancellation. All refunds due to an illness, injury, death or emergency will be considered on a case by case basis by the REEA Executive Director.
Acceptance: Your Name, city, state, phone and email will be avaible to all REEA Members as an attendee of this Summit.
Inquiries and Questions are to be sent to:
Real Estate Educators Association
Kris Inman, National Executive Director
Kris@REEA.org
REEA Headquarters
7739 E. Broadway, #337 | Tucson, AZ 85710 | 520.609.2380
| Registration for this event is now closed. |
Attending the entire event.
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
|
REEA Diamond DREI Summit Early Bird before 12/1/2025
This fee applies to all REEA members who registers before 12/1/2025. Available 06/23/2025 to 01/17/2026 only |
$349.00 |
|
Guest ONLY Registration
All REEA and REEA DREI members may register 1 guest which includes meals. Your guest cannot be a member of REEA. Available 06/23/2025 to 01/20/2026 only |
$250.00 |
| Register before: | 1/1/26 to avoid late registration fees. |
| Late Registration Fee: | $100.00 |
| Registration closes on: | 1/17/26 |
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Sponsorship of activities by vendors or regulated entities at this conference or meeting shall not be construed as an endorsement by REEA of the sponsoring entity or of the products, services, policies or positions. The sponsorship is not intended by the vendor or regulated entity, nor should it be construed by anyone, to influence the decisions of REEA and its representatives.
