The One Conference - a platform for excellence in real estate

More than 800 real estate practitioners from across the country, gathered at The Star in Brisbane today for The One Conference, a collaboration of like minded professionals looking to build momentum in all markets.

The One Conference — which attracted top-performing real estate professionals from across all the leading groups, emerging companies, boutique agencies and family-run businesses –is a conference that exemplifies style, grace and empathy in the real estate market.

Ray White AKG founder Avi Khan said The One Conference started as a passion project, driven by the desire for meaningful change.

“Today’s event is more than a celebration of sales agents, it honours every role that contributes to the success of our industry. From the administrators who are the backbone of the operations to property managers and aspiring associates eager to shape their futures, this conference recognises and empowers all contributors,” he said.

“In 2022, I started conversations with like minded principals about the increasingly combative nature of the real estate industry. These discussions resonated deeply, and together, we envisioned a new direction - one built on unity, collaboration, and mutual respect,” Avi said.

“The vision was clear: change requires collective effort. We found motivation in the extraordinary leaders within our networks and the innovative companies driving progress in proptech and other supporting industries.

“The enthusiasm for a collaborative and inclusive approach has been overwhelming.

While we know the journey toward a more united and empathetic industry is ongoing, The One Conference marks a significant step forward.”

Dan White, Ray White Group Managing Director, praised the AKG team for an outstanding event. “Collaboration is vital in our industry, and the AKG team continues to set the benchmark for excellence. Their dedication and innovation inspire us all to strive for greater success together,” he said.

Natalie Hortz, national chairperson of the Leading Ladies of Real Estate, said the continued partnership with The One Conference represents a perfect synergy between two organisations dedicated to elevating excellence in real estate.

“Leading Ladies of Real Estate has always been about empowering women to chase their highest potential, and The One Conference provides that exact platform for transformation,” she said.

“Together, we're creating an environment where ambitious professionals can access the insights of industry leaders while building the connections that fuel long-term success.”

During the day, top female agents Sonya Treloar and Alexandra Porter joined Ray White NSW | ACT’s Bridgette Collis (pictured above) to speak about their experience as women in a male dominated industry. Both women, who are part of the Leading Ladies of Real Estate initiative, said it’s important to them to give back and support the next generation of women coming up in real estate.

Keynote speaker Josh Phegan (pictured above) is a dynamic force in the industry. He gave the audience the opportunity to change their outlook and start fresh in 2025. In 2025, he will deliver 200 face-to-face and virtual events across the US, UK, UAE, New Zealand, and Australia.

“When you expect life to be fundamentally difficult and hard, when it turns up, you’re not surprised,” Josh said.

“The foundational idea is simple, if you want it, you will do it. The foundational idea is you have a chance to rewrite the chapter in the way you want.

“No one ever tells you that bravery feels like fear. Great work requires you to be stubborn about goals but flexible about your approaches. This will be the year of buyer work and let this be the year that you find your greatness.”

Peter Diamantidis (pictured above), who owns the Ray White Diamantidis Group with offices in St Marys, St Clair and Rooty Hill, joined the Ray White Group in 2021 and he has built a phenomenal high volume auction-focused business.

Peter has more than 23 years of real estate expertise, having started his journey at just 15 years old. Beginning in property management, he quickly transitioned to sales, earning numerous industry accolades and building a loyal following across Western Sydney. As a leader in Australasia’s top real estate network, Peter has spearheaded the growth of multiple offices and led his team to achieve #1 sales volume in the region.

His self made success story is so impressive and he showed the audience how they can dominate their own market. He was raised by his mum and his grandparents in Mount Druitt. The biggest value they instilled in him was to always have respect and how to be mature at a young age.

“I have people in my team, some with no experience, some with some, and now my teams are building their own teams which is awesome. We have grown our own talent and they are succeeding on their own,” he said.

“‘Dominate and participate’ is my mantra. I want you all to be different, I want you to be the purple cow in the paddock, you need to stand out.

“I started my business in 2021 and since then I have only had one salesperson leave me to work in another real estate office. Plan to have holidays, have good support staff behind you and be consistent.”

The Courier Mail real estate editor Liz Tilley (pictured above) reminded the agents that they all need to adapt to digital media now more than ever in an AI-powered landscape. The journalist and presenter said agents need to cut through all the noise on the internet.

“You all need to be doing podcasts, weekly newsletters and be active on social media to leverage your brand,” she said.

“You need to understand what your brand is to understand what sets you apart from others. Find three things that you know well, and specialise at that.

“Embrace cutting edge tech, it’s essential in this industry.”

Apollo Auctions director Justin Nickerson interviewed local agent Tony O’Doherty (pictured above) who shared his hallmarks of being a great agent. Justin is a celebrated auctioneer and the only Australian to win the Australasian Auctioneer of the Year three times.

Justin’s expertise in the auction process and his dynamic energy make him a trusted partner for top real estate businesses.

“Consistency is the key. Every great agent I know uses consistency as the bedrock of their business. Consistent behaviour, consistent actions, consistent outcomes and consistent results,” Tony said.

Tony O’Doherty reminded the agents that they “have to turn up and show up” every day.

“But there are often things that you can't let go of. You are a business within a business, or you are a business and there are certain things that are non-negotiable like listing and negotiating,” he said.

“You need grit and backbone. Successful people fail at grit. Winners are the ones willing to lose for long enough to become a winner. Also, use your calendars well. If it's not in your calendar it doesn't exist. Hold yourself accountable.”

Ray White AKG founder Avi Khan interviewed Hayley Van de Van of RE/MAX (pictured above) about her journey. Hayley Van de Ven, Director of RE/MAX Results - the #1 ranked RE/MAX office in Australia - is a leading agent growth specialist with nearly two decades of property experience.

“Brand and expand. Your personal brand will always come first with me. I don't care if my agents don’t use the RE/Max brand,” Hayley said.

“Process, process, process is the key. Our ultimate goal is to make money when we are sleeping.”

The One Conference also offered property management sessions throughout the day.

Ray White Rockhampton’s Emily Richardson was named as the group’s 2023-24 Queensland network business development manager (BDM) of the year. In her session she outlined the things that set her apart from her competitors.

“Speed is currency, the difference between a slow BDM and fast BDM is massive. People want things done and they want things done now. If you haven’t done it fast enough, your competition has,” Emily said.

“Have discipline, it’s something you learn over time and evolves with you as you grow. I’ve trained my mind to know what I need to do in a day and that has created discipline.”

Bec Turner (pictured above) from Ray White AKG has charted an impressive trajectory over two decades in real estate, rising from property manager to head of the Investment Management Team. She has personally signed over 1,600 new managements since 2019, helping to boost the business and position Ray White AKG as a property management market leader.

“This is a relationship game, when you invest time and keep in touch, then when a potential client is looking for someone to lease their investment, the property will come to you,” Bec said.

“I choose a positive mindset, set goals, network, do the calls, and don’t give up.”