I hope 2026 is off to a strong start as you work toward your professional goals. I want to share what the Georgia REALTORS® Young Professionals Network has planned for this year.

In 2026, our committee is committed to empowering local YPN chapters to fulfill their purpose, launch successfully and build sustainably. We want to equip members who are young in the business with the tools, education and mentorship needed to lead a successful real estate career — whether their focus is residential, commercial leasing, land or development. Our goal is to cover meaningful topics and connect members with experienced mentors so they can build careers that last. With the support of dynamic venues, expert speakers and strong nonprofit partnerships, we are focused on delivering real value to Realtors across Georgia.

In late 2025, our committee set an ambitious goal for our signature event, Ball Out With YPN, and I’m proud to report we are ahead of schedule. As of Feb. 20, more than 300 of our 375 tickets had been sold for the Braves vs. Phillies game on April 26 at Truist Park. This one-day event, hosted in the Hank Aaron Terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is designed to create real opportunity for our members.

Beyond enjoying the game, attendees will connect with professionals experienced in development and large-scale projects. We are bringing together home builders, land brokers, site-work engineers and bankers who specialize in funding development opportunities. Our objective is straightforward: Every attendee should leave with meaningful connections that can help them identify, structure or bring a development opportunity to market. The ticket includes food, beverages and a third-baseline view — but the true value is in the relationships built that day.

Looking beyond the spring event, the YPN committee is preparing a summer education series featuring three sessions with speakers from around the country. Each session will focus on practical insights and actionable strategies for today’s market. We also look forward to announcing our statewide YPN service project this summer, empowering local associations to partner with nonprofits and make a measurable impact in their communities.

In addition to our Georgia YPN initiatives, I encourage members to stay engaged at the state and national levels. The GAR Annual Conference & Expo, taking place Aug. 31 to Sept. 4 at the New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans, brings together Realtors from across the state for education, industry insights, networking and professional development. At the national level, the National Association of REALTORS®’ Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo will be held June 13-18  in Washington, D.C., offering a chance to advocate for our profession and engage directly with policymakers. NAR YPN Advance, scheduled Aug. 25–27 in Chicago, focuses on leadership development and strategic collaboration for YPN leaders nationwide. Later in the year, NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience, will take place Nov. 6-8 (with governance and expo through Nov. 9) in New Orleans. This annual conference is packed with education, innovation and networking for Realtors across all specialties.

Thank you for your continued involvement with GAR. I look forward to serving alongside you and building meaningful momentum for YPN in 2026.

Matt Kelly is the 2026 chair of the Georgia Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network.