2025 Southeastern Land Conference:
Level Up Your Land Business
October 23rd & 24th
Network, learn, and grow at THE event for land professionals in the Southeast. Join land brokers, industry leaders, developers, investors, and policymakers in Chattanooga to explore innovative approaches to land development.
Early Bird Registration $199
Ends August 31st
Conference Partners & Speakers
Eddie Lee Rider
Founder, Publisher
The Land Report
The Land Report, "the magazine of the American landowner." A media specialist with more than 30+ years' experience, Eddie is responsible for developing publications such as Bass Pro Shops OUTDOOR WORLD, Cabela's Outfitter's Journal, Mossy Oak's Hunting The Country, Remington Country, Predator Xtreme, Advanced Bass Strategies, and PBR Professional Bullrider, to name a few.
Steve Roberson
Founder, CEO
Land id
Steve brings over 15 years of professional GIS experience and a master's degree in applied geography with a concentration in GIS from Texas State University. He shares his wealth of knowledge as an RLI Instruction of the Digital Mapping certification courses for the Realtors Land Institute.
Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM Founder
Saunders
Real Estate
Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM is Founder, Managing Director, & Senior Advisor at Saunders Real Estate. Since 1985, Dean has specialized in Florida land and conservation easements. He served in the US Senate as Agricultural Liaison, Special Assistant, and Director of External Affairs to US Senator Lawton Chiles, then Governor Chiles (D-FL).
Chad D. Ettmueller
SVP
JCR Settlements
Chad is Senior Vice President of JCR Settlements, LLC. Chad specializes in both personal and commercial general liability, trucking/transportation industry claims, medical malpractice and workers' compensation claims. Chad possesses significant experience working with Medicare Set-Asides (MSA's) in both Workers' Compensation and Liability negotiations.
Brad Mock, MPA, RCE
CEO
Georgia REALTORS®
Brad Mock is the Chief Executive Officer of Georgia REALTORS®. Brad is a graduate of the University of West Georgia where he received both a Bachelors in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. He is a long-time resident of Coweta County, where he actively contributes to community development through leadership roles in local organizations and continues to support his alma maters educational initiatives.
Angela Shields, CAE, RCE, e-Pro
CEO
Tennessee REALTORS®
Angela began her REALTOR® career in Athens, Georgia, as CEO of the Athens Area Association of REALTORS®. She later led the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (11,000+ members) and currently serves as CEO of Tennessee REALTORS®. Angela holds the CAE, RCE, and e-Pro designations and has been honored with NAR's Omega Tau Rho and inducted into the Dr. Almon R. "Bud" Smith AE Leadership Society. She earned a B.A. in Communication from the University of Georgia.
Bobby Mink, CGB, GMB, CAPS, CSP, CMP, MIRM
Choice Consulting and Management, LLC
Bobby Mink, based in Atlanta, Georgia, brings over 35 years of experience in business management and residential development. He has held key leadership roles including VP of Operations, Sales & Marketing, and COO. From startups to turnarounds, Mink has led homebuilding companies to success through strategic planning and operational efficiency. His expertise extends to land development, where he has implemented effective processes to launch and grow new communities.
Conference Overview: Opportunities and Challenges
The Southeastern Land Conference is designed to address both the opportunities and challenges facing land development in the Southeast. Against the backdrop of Chattanooga's remarkable transformation, attendees will delve into innovative approaches, smart city initiatives, and strategic growth.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with industry leaders, developers, investors, and policymakers during structured networking sessions and social events. Our exclusive matchmaking platform enables one-on-one meetings with potential partners and collaborators.
Educational Excellence
Level up your expertise while earning continuing education credits. Learn from industry experts about innovative financing structures, sustainable development practices, and emerging market opportunities through interactive workshops and panel discussions.
Deal-Making Success
Master proven strategies for identifying high-potential properties and structuring successful transactions. Gain practical insights into due diligence processes and risk management techniques that directly impact your bottom line.
Whether you're a seasoned land broker or new to the industry, this two-day immersive experience brings together the region's most influential voices in land brokerage and land development. Early registration is recommended as space is limited to ensure optimal networking and learning opportunities.
Day 1: Immersive Experiences and Insights
Thursday, October 23, 2025 offers a full day of immersive learning and networking opportunities for land professionals. Our carefully curated agenda combines hands-on experiences, expert-led discussions, and strategic networking to maximize your professional development.
Morning Registration & Welcome (7:30 AM - 10:30 AM)
Check-in opens at 7:30 AM with a continental breakfast and early networking opportunities. Opening remarks at 9:00 AM from conference chair and keynote speaker addressing southeastern market outlook and emerging opportunities. At 10:00 AM, attendees will participate in a guided group walk to West Village, providing an introduction to Chattanooga's urban renewal success story.
Development Tour: West Village Transformation (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Explore West Village's remarkable transformation through an immersive guided tour highlighting innovative public-private planning approaches and mixed-use strategy implementation. Local developers and city planners will share insights on overcoming zoning challenges, securing financing, and creating vibrant communities that balance residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Participants will gain actionable strategies for similar projects in their markets.
Afternoon Educational Sessions (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Following lunch, expert-led education sessions will cover land valuation techniques, highest and best use analysis, and emerging technologies for land professionals. The Commercial Land Development Panel (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) features industry leaders discussing regional development trends, infrastructure strategies, and risk mitigation approaches. These interactive sessions include Q&A opportunities and small group discussions to address specific market challenges faced by attendees.
Evening Networking & Deal-Making (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
The day concludes with an exclusive cocktail reception with conference sponsors and speakers, providing informal networking opportunities in a relaxed setting. Dinner begins at 7:00 PM and features our signature "Haves & Wants" session where attendees can make 2-minute deal pitches and participate in facilitated market matchmaking. Previous conferences have resulted in numerous successful partnerships and transactions initiated during this high-energy evening session.
All sessions on Day 1 are designed to provide practical, actionable insights that attendees can immediately implement in their business practices. Bring business cards and be prepared to share your current projects and opportunities during structured networking breaks.
Evening Networking & Deal-Making: Where Connections Become Opportunities
Our signature "Haves & Wants" session transforms dinner into dealmaking magic with entertaining Land Offerings presented by our Moderator, Raborn Taylor, III, ALC, CCIM.
Present your 2-minute property pitch to a room of motivated investors and developers.
Prior to the Conference, Email your best property offering to galandinstitute@gmail.com
Previous attendees have secured millions in investments during this high-energy session.
Commercial Development Strategies:
Driving Economic Growth
Discover innovative strategies for commercial development that drive economic growth and create vibrant community spaces.
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Adaptive Reuse
Repurposing existing buildings for new commercial uses, preserving historical character while stimulating economic activity.
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Mixed-Use Developments
Combining commercial, residential, and recreational spaces in a single development to create dynamic and walkable environments.
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Technology Integration
Incorporating smart technologies to enhance the customer experience and improve operational efficiency.
Mixed-Use Development: Creating Dynamic Communities
Discover proven strategies for developing vibrant mixed-use spaces that seamlessly blend residential, commercial, and recreational elements. Our experts will share insights on how to create walkable, sustainable communities that drive economic growth while enhancing quality of life.
Strategic Planning
Comprehensive master planning, strategic zoning analysis, and market feasibility studies to lay the foundation for success
Community Engagement
Building support through transparent communication and meaningful stakeholder partnerships throughout the development process
Innovative Design
Creating distinctive spaces that maximize functionality, accessibility, and user experience for all community members
Sustainable Practices
Implementing eco-friendly solutions and long-term environmental stewardship to ensure lasting community value
Success in mixed-use development requires a holistic approach that begins with thorough strategic planning and thrives on meaningful community engagement. Through collaborative innovation and sustainable design practices, developers can create lasting value for both investors and residents while building communities that will flourish for generations to come.
Day 1 - Conference Tour
Chattanooga's Transformation:
A Model for the Southeast
Learn about Chattanooga's remarkable transformation and how it serves as a model for other cities in the Southeast. At 10:00 AM on Day 1 of the SELC, attendees will participate in a guided group walk to West Village, providing an introduction to Chattanooga's urban renewal success story.
Revitalized Downtown
Historic buildings blend seamlessly with modern developments, creating a vibrant urban core that attracts both residents and visitors.
Innovative Public Spaces
Thoughtfully designed public spaces foster community connection and provide recreational opportunities for all residents.
Sustainable Development
Forward-thinking sustainable initiatives showcase Chattanooga's commitment to environmental stewardship and smart growth.
Economic Growth
Strategic development has attracted diverse businesses and investments, driving economic prosperity throughout the region.
Day 2: Development Insights and CE Opportunities
Continue your professional growth on Friday with specialized development sessions providing 6 hours of Continuing Education credits and valuable networking with regional industry leaders.
Networking Breakfast (7:30 AM - 8:30 AM)
Reconnect with industry peers while enjoying a catered breakfast at the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown. Take advantage of this opportunity to engage with land focused exhibitors showcasing the latest land valuation software, development financing options, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Nuts & Bolts of Development with Bobby Mink (9:00 AM - 10:15 AM)
Comprehensive presentation covering financial modeling for mixed-use developments, infrastructure cost management, and securing municipal partnerships. Bobby Mink, CHOICE CONSULTING AND MANAGEMENT, LLC, will provide actionable due diligence insights and pro forma overviews for attendees to implement immediately.
Residential Land Panel (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Distinguished developers from the southeastern United States, discuss emerging subdivision trends, recent zoning amendments, and increasing rural market demand across the Southeast. Panel will address density bonuses, conservation easements, and strategies for navigating community opposition to new housing developments.
Commercial Development & Closing Session (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Afternoon features specialized case studies on riverfront and mixed-use projects, including Chattanooga's award-winning West Village transformation. Sessions conclude. GA Chapter RLI Annual - Awards & 2026 Officer Installation.
Nuts & Bolts of Development with Bobby Mink
Don't miss Bobby Mink's session on the fundamental aspects of land development. Gain practical knowledge and insights to enhance your projects.
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Understanding zoning regulations
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Navigating the permitting process
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Financial analysis and feasibility studies
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Infrastructure planning and development
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Environmental considerations
Residential Development Trends:
Meeting Housing Demands
Explore the latest trends in residential development and strategies for meeting the growing housing demands in the Southeast.
Infill Development
Utilizing underutilized land within existing urban areas to create new housing opportunities.
Mixed-Income Housing
Integrating housing options for various income levels to promote diverse and inclusive communities.
Sustainable Building Practices
Implementing environmentally friendly construction methods to minimize the impact on the environment.
Smart City Initiatives:
Transforming Urban Living
Explore the latest smart city initiatives and how they are transforming urban living in the Southeast.
Smart Infrastructure
Implementing intelligent systems for traffic management, energy distribution, and waste management.
Connectivity
Providing high-speed internet access and seamless communication networks for residents and businesses.
Sustainability
Promoting environmentally friendly practices through renewable energy, green spaces, and resource conservation.
Book Your Special Conference Hotel Rate:
Chattanooga Marriott Downtown
Take advantage of the special group rate at the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown for conference attendees.
  • Special group rate: $199.00 USD per night
  • Last day to book: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
  • Book your group rate now!
Sponsored Cocktail Reception & Dinner
Network in style during our sponsored cocktail reception and dinner. Mingle with fellow land professionals, industry leaders, and speakers in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and insightful conversations.
200+ Attendees
Connect with hundreds of land professionals in a relaxed setting
10+ Sponsors
Meet our amazing sponsors and industry leaders
5 Expert Speakers
Engage with thought leaders in land development
Special Thanks to Our Conference Sponsors!
For Additional Information
Email Us
Contact our team for general inquiries:
info@southeasternlandconference.com
Call Us
Reach our support team during business hours:
FD Bell - 407-754-6495
Beth Moriatakis - 404-400-2622
Geoff Hurdle - 615-815-9364