In October, I attended the 2003 CoreNet Global Summit in Atlanta . Most of you in the Corporate Real Estate business know that CoreNet is the new name of the merged entity that was formerly IDRC and Nacore. I've been a member of CoreNet since 1993. What's more, I happen to be a proponent of continuing one's education and a strong believer that, in this highly competitive business, your competition can also be your best friend.

For those who don't know, the CoreNet Global Summit is an event that brings together more than 2,000 real estate professionals--corporate end-users, service providers and specialty vendors--in a forum that highlights education, networking and overall celebration of the profession. Lest you think that this month's article is just a plug for CoreNet, let me state that any type of industry involvement is likely to keep you on the cutting edge. So my intent is simply to get you thinking about getting involved. And here are few reasons why you should:

1) Learn From Experience . . . Theirs

Industry experts exist on the inside, the outside and the periphery of the real estate business. Too often, CRE professionals become set in their company way without exploring alternatives in either thought or practice. You can't simply pick up the phone and call someone who works in the same capacity for a competing business without arousing suspicion. However, industry forums are a great place to go because the open environment allows for free sharing of ideas. Many of these forums highlight presentations and breakout sessions led by industry experts and you can soak up a lot of valuable information.

2) Sharpen Each Other

Active participation in focus groups or breakout sessions or even in an exhibit-hall booth can expose you to new ideas. It is one thing to sit through presentations, but it is far more beneficial if you contribute and share your own knowledge with others. I'm not advocating disclosing any proprietary information but discussing ideas and concepts or playing devil's advocate during open discussions can enhance the experience (and sometimes combat the boredom) of a 90-minute presentation. At CoreNet, I served as the moderator of a panel on the subject of "Accomplishing the Transition and Transformation for a Successful Client Relationship." My panelists represented various industries and, because of a very involved audience, we had one of the liveliest Q&A sessions I've experienced in a long time.

3) Think of Yourself as an Ambassador

When I go to industry events such as this, I try to meet as many new people as I possibly can. Many people think of networking as simply chatting up yourself to others, but I found that the best way to network is to let other people talk about themselves. Here's an experience I can relate from the Atlanta Summit. During a 10-minute conversation with a new acquaintance, I mentioned nothing more than my name, title and the name of a former employer. However, I asked over a dozen probing questions of my new acquaintance and after shaking hands and exchanging cards, I left the conversation. Later that evening a colleague happened to meet the same individual and mentioned my name (because of the industry background). My colleague said the individual indicated he already met me and found our conversation "fascinating." Imagine that!

For those who want to look into it, the next CoreNet Summit is in May in Chicago . But the networking, the education and the camaraderie is not limited to that group. If you are a member of any industry group, dust off that name badge and get conferencing!

Vik Bangia ([email protected]) is director, corporate services in CB Richard Ellis' global transaction management business.