The conference kicked off Monday with the fourth annual Alabama REALTORS® Foundation Cornhole Tournament. The event brought members together for some friendly competition while supporting the Foundation’s mission to assist real estate professionals in need.

More than 20 teams competed for the top spot as spectators cheered on their favorites. The crowd also enjoyed the return of the costume contest, which invited players and spectators to vote for their favorite team look. Congratulations to Dedra Cabaniss and her group, who took home the costume award for their creative portrayal of the castaways from Gilligan’s Island!

In tournament play, Kyle Finley and Brock Riley claimed first place, followed by RaJane Johnson and Stephen Johnson in second place and Chris Wood and Patrick Warren in third place.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s tournament a success. We’re already looking forward to next year’s competition!

The Annual Awards Celebration and Installation Dinner held on the opening night and honored several outstanding members along with the 2027 Alabama REALTORS® Executive Committee.

Monday evening’s Annual Awards Celebration & Installation Dinner honored exceptional members who have made a lasting impact on the real estate profession and the Association, while also welcoming the 2027 Alabama REALTORS® Executive Committee.

2026 AAR President Mary Jane Owen welcomed attendees, and Susan Carothers served as emcee for the evening.

Several outstanding members and brokerages were recognized for their service, leadership and contributions to the industry:

• Robert Jemison Award: Sherri McCollum of the Lee County Association received this honor, which recognizes an outstanding member who has served AAR for at least 15 years without holding an officer position. McCollum was unable to attend the ceremony, and Karol Kirby accepted the award on her behalf.

• David D. Roberts Award: Wes Grant of the Southeast Alabama Association received this award, presented to an outstanding member with at least 20 years of dedicated service to AAR.

• Small Brokerage of the Year: APEX Real Estate was recognized for its excellence as a small brokerage.

• Medium Brokerage of the Year: Ashurst & Niemeyer Real Estate received the award in the medium brokerage category.

• 2026 Alabama REALTOR® of the Year: Emmy Sorrells of the Lee County Association was honored for her contributions to the real estate profession, her fellow REALTORS® and the community at large.

Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients for their outstanding achievements and dedication to Alabama real estate!

The evening also marked the installation of the 2027 Alabama REALTORS® Executive Committee:

• President: Dedra Cabaniss

• President-Elect: Bo Evans

• Immediate Past President: Mary Jane Owen

• Treasurer: Kim Harwood

• Secretary: Jeff Dickey

• Northern Regional Vice President: Philip Wright

• North Central Regional Vice President: Amanda Corder

• JSB Regional Vice President: Chris Wood

• Central Regional Vice President: Emmy Sorrells

• Southern Regional Vice President: Ivy Thompson

Alabama REALTORS® Past President RaJane Johnson administered the oath of office to the incoming Executive Committee. We look forward to the leadership and continued progress of this team in the year ahead!

Tuesday morning began with the inaugural REALWalk, a new addition to the Annual Conference designed to help attendees start the day feeling refreshed, recharged and connected.

Participants enjoyed a motivational devotional, learned more about the Alabama REALTORS® REALhealth and Wellness Plan, and picked up fitness tips before setting out on a 1.5-mile walk. The event offered a refreshing opportunity to prioritize wellness while connecting with fellow members.

We’re excited to see REALWalk grow as part of future conferences!

The second day also featured the RealTalk Sessions, bringing together industry experts and legislative leaders to discuss issues shaping the real estate profession in Alabama.

This year’s lineup included real estate attorney Kelly May; pollster Brent Buchanan; Alabama Securities Commission Director Amanda Senn; Montgomery County Probate Judge J.C. Love; real estate attorney and title agent Jami Blanton; Alabama REALTORS® Senior Associate Counsel Jayme Kiszla; Alabama REALTORS® CEO Jeremy Walker; and Alabama State Senator Chris Elliott.

Through these sessions, attendees gained practical guidance on contract best practices, explored findings from a recent AAR consumer poll, received legislative and political updates, and learned how to incorporate the Alabama Property Protection Act into their business practices.

The sessions provided valuable information and actionable insights to help Alabama REALTORS® stay informed, serve their clients and navigate an evolving real estate landscape.

The conference also included a special reception honoring ARPAC Major Investors, members who contribute $1,000 or more annually to the Alabama REALTORS® Political Action Committee (ARPAC).

These dedicated members play an important role in supporting and protecting the real estate industry. Through their investment and advocacy, they help strengthen the REALTOR® voice and advance the interests of property owners and real estate professionals across Alabama.

We appreciate their continued commitment to protecting private property rights and supporting the future of our industry.

From friendly competition and member recognition to professional development and meaningful connections, the 2026 Alabama REALTORS® Annual Conference was a memorable celebration of our members and the work they do every day.

Thank you to our members, speakers, sponsors and everyone who helped make this year’s conference a success. Your participation and support make events like this possible, and we look forward to bringing our REALTOR® community together again soon.

Mark your calendars for our next major event: REALTOR® Day at the Capitol on February 9, 2027, in Montgomery!