T.A.R. Leadership Reflects on NAR NXT: Key Takeaways from Houston
The Tucson Association of REALTORS® volunteer and staff leaders attended the NAR NXT Conference in Houston, to meet with and learn from REALTOR® colleagues from across the country. NXT is one of the largest conferences and trade shows in the nation.
Several attendees from Tucson shared their thoughts on the conference and their top takeaways that can be applied to your business. Thank you to Bill Arnold, Steve Redmond, Christine Sanchez, and James “J.T.” Tsighis for sharing their feedback.
Christine Sanchez, Vice President of Administration for TAR, highlighted the Association Management System (AMS) Focus Group, which covered how associations nationwide are tackling data management, integration, and efficiency. With nearly 6,000 members, TAR generates a lot of data, so ensuring that the association systems “talk to each other” is important to keeping the association running smoothly in order to serve our members. Discussions also covered how associations are embracing AI tools like ChatGPT and HeyGen to streamline processes and personalize communication. HeyGen is an easy-to-use video-creation platform that can turn scripts into polished, on-brand videos, a significant opportunity to strengthen messaging and member education.
This AI theme continued throughout the conference.
Keynote speaker Matt Britton’s presentation on “Generation AI” highlighted how artificial intelligence will reshape everything from member outreach to staging and consumer communication, including through hyper-personalized email letters, chatbots, and other tools as noted by J.T. Tsighis.
J.T. highlighted how advocacy is at the core of what NAR does, with NAR’s advocacy team leaders noting that many legislators have noted that “housing was number one on their bucket list,” and that insurance will be a “focal point at the federal level.” He also noted that NAR will also be expanding grassroots political efforts and increasing REALTOR® engagement in advocacy.
2025 TAR President Bill Arnold attended a wide range of sessions, with the goal of learning from other associations across the country. He highlighted innovative actions being taken by other local and state associations, including the formation of a Veterans Committee to better serve current and former members of the armed forces, using NAR issue mobilization resources to educate the public about how the association is fighting on their behalf on key issues such as insurance, discussions about raising the level of professionalism in the industry, and strategies to ensure committee alignment. Idea exchanges like these are what keep associations relevant to the day-to-day business of members and keep innovative REALTORS® at the forefront of the industry.
TAR 2026 Diversity Committee Chair, Steve Redmond, who serves on the NAR Diversity Committee and Consumer Communications Committee, reported on the goals of both committees for 2026, and received an overview of the 2025 NAR consumer advertising campaign with its theme ‘Right by you,’ and how the campaign will be optimized going into 2026.
Lastly, the entire TAR delegation attended the Good Neighbor Award Movie Premiere, where T.A.R. and MLSSAZ Past President Kim Clifton was honored for her extraordinary work supporting families and children in crisis through the Tierra Antigua Hope Foundation.
Her recognition was a powerful reminder of the heart of this profession; REALTORS® make a real difference in the communities they serve.
Reflecting on the entire trip, Tucson Association of REALTORS® CEO, Romeo Arrieta, commented, “I’m really excited to work with a team of dedicated volunteers who are well-educated, well-connected, and who lend their knowledge and expertise to the National Association of REALTORS®. Tucson is well represented and makes a significant impact on a national scale, and I can’t wait to see the ideas and connections that our team brings back home to better serve our Tucson REALTOR® community.”