RASM Strong at the 2025 Florida Realtors® Convention & Trade Expo

The annual Florida Realtors® Convention & Trade Expo brought together real estate professionals from across the state for several days of education, networking, and leadership development. RASM was strongly represented by our Board, staff, committee leaders, and members who helped shape the future of the industry while bringing back valuable insights, ideas, and resources to benefit all RASM members.

RASM Members Leading the Way

RASM is proud of the many leaders who served in key roles throughout the conference.
• Debi Reynolds, 2025 RASM President and Managing Broker of SaraBay Real Estate Inc. gave a report as Chair of the Major Investor Subcommittee of the REALTOR® Party Member Involvement Committee, provided an update to the District 13 Caucus about the Sarasota and Manatee market, and contributed during the Convention Committee Meeting. Reynolds is a seasoned REALTOR® with more than eight years of experience, a graduate of both the RASM and Florida Realtors® Leadership Academies, and an active leader in RPAC advocacy and charitable service.
• Laura Benson, District 13 RPAC Trustee and Florida Realtors® Director advocated for the importance of REALTOR® participation in political advocacy.
• Tony Veldkamp, CCIM, Senior Advisor and Past President of RASM, as well as Past President of RASM’s Commercial Investment Division, was recognized by Florida Realtors® President Tim Weisheyer for leadership and dedication, chaired the Florida Realtors® Commercial Alliance Committee, and served as Vice Chair of the Florida Realtors® Public Policy Committee.
• David Clapp, Managing Broker and Director of Education at RE/MAX Alliance Group; 2025 Regional Vice President, Florida Realtors® District 13 was recognized for leadership on Florida Realtors® committees, provided input on a proposed Florida Realtors® form during the Forms Content Committee, participated in Public Policy Committee discussions on eliminating the Business Rent Tax, stood on stage during the Florida Realtors® Board of Directors Meeting, and served as District 13 Vice President leading the district caucus.
• David Crawford, 2025 RASM President-Elect and Broker/Owner of Catalist Realty was recognized for leadership on Florida Realtors® committees, chaired the Emerging Technology Committee, and joined David Clapp on stage during the Florida Realtors® Board of Directors Meeting.
• Peter Pike, Esq., member of RASM's Professional Standards Committee, participated in the Florida Realtors®/Florida Bar Contract Committee, ensuring legal expertise was represented.
• Mike Bruno, Past President of the Sarasota Association of REALTORS® and longtime Florida Realtors® RPAC leader contributed during the Convention Committee Meeting.
• Julia Montei, 2025 RASM Treasurer and Past President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Sarasota provided an update to conference attendees on the Florida Realtors® Leadership Academy.
• Members of the RASM 2025 Leadership Academy attended sessions throughout the week, gaining valuable exposure to state-level leadership and professional development opportunities they will carry back to our local association.
• Additional RASM members and staff participated in education sessions, networking events, and committee discussions throughout the conference, further proof of our association’s strong presence and influence at the state level.

Recognizing Global Excellence

RASM’s Global Business Council (GBC) was honored with the Florida Realtors® Global Outstanding Partnership Award during the Champions for the American Dream Celebration. This recognition highlights the GBC’s year-round teamwork, global education programs, networking events, and international outreach that bring tangible value back to our members. As GBC staff liaison Denise Ricciotti shared, this achievement “celebrates the power of partnership” with Florida Realtors® and neighboring associations. Read the full story in our dedicated recap: RASM’s Global Business Council Honored with Florida Realtors® Global Outstanding Partnership Award

Professional Development in Action

The Florida Realtors® Convention is more than meetings. It is where REALTORS® invest in themselves and their businesses. From dynamic education sessions to a bustling trade expo, the event showcased cutting-edge tools, market insights, and networking opportunities.

RASM’s strong presence at the convention underscores our association’s commitment to professional development, leadership, and advocacy. Most importantly, the involvement of our members ensures that the knowledge, experience, and recognition gained at the state level is brought back home to strengthen RASM and deliver more value to every member of our association.