2026 Southeastern Land Conference: Where Land Meets What’s Next:Tech, Workforce & What Comes Next
September 24th-25th, 2026
1826 Sir Tyler Dr Wilmington, NC 28405
Network, learn, and stay ahead at THE event for land professionals across the Southeast—this year in Wilmington. Join land brokers, developers, investors, and industry leaders at the Southeast Land Conference 2026 as we dive into how technology, capital flows, workforce growth, and infrastructure are reshaping land use across the region.
Conference Registration - $199 Early Bird Registration | $249 Regular Registration Don't Wait! Secure your spot today!
Aubrie Kobernus is an experienced association executive with over 20 years in nonprofit management, real estate, housing, and government affairs. She began her career as a HUD-certified homebuyer counselor and later earned her MBA from George Washington University. She went on to serve in leadership roles at Memphis Area Association of REALTORS, where she oversaw multiple committees and helped establish a separate nonprofit. She also worked with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, leading regional housing and community initiatives. Since 2016, she has been CEO of the REALTORS Land Institute in Chicago, a leading national organization focused on land real estate and professional development.
Karly Brownfield, Senior Program Manager - Carolinas & Virginia
Karly Brownfield is the Senior Program Manager for the Central Atlantic at the Southeastern Wind Coalition, a non-profit that works to advance the wind industry in the Southeast. As Senior Program Manager, Karly leads the Coalition’s work to reduce barriers for offshore and land-based wind development across the Carolinas and Virginia. Her work includes various outreach and education efforts, tracking policy and regulatory issues, and coordinating grassroots coalitions.
Karly joined the Southeastern Wind Coalition in January 2022. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2021 with an M.S. in Coastal and Ocean Policy and holds a B.S. in Biology from Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD. She is based in Jacksonville, NC.
Craig Kaiser, President & Co-Founder
As the President and Co-Founder of LandGate, Craig Kaiser leads the top US marketplace and analytics platform for energy, infrastructure, and data centers. His diverse professional background includes serving as Owner and Chairman of a precious minerals mining firm in West Africa, as well as co-founding Alaunt Exploration, an energy-focused venture backed by Warburg Pincus in Wyoming and Colorado. Craig's extensive experience spans the globe, managing everything from early-stage exploration to multi-billion dollar development projects. An accomplished academic and athlete, he holds a Master's Degree from the Colorado School of Mines and a Bachelor's Degree from Chadron State College, where he was recognized as an NCAA 1st Team All-Conference and Academic All-Conference football player. He was further honored when his scientific work received the 2014 Paper of the Year award from the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists. Craig lives with his wife, Elizabeth, and their four daughters on a rural property near Elbert, Colorado.
Daron “Farmer D” Joffe
Daron “Farmer D” Joffe believes in restoring the relationship between people, food, and nature. A farmer, designer, educator, and author, Daron is widely regarded as the foremost expert in agrihoods and regenerative land-based communities. He’s the visionary behind some of the country’s most iconic farm-centered developments.
For more than two decades, Daron has guided public and private partners toward smarter land use. Through his stewardship-led advisory practice, Farmer D & Co, Daron leads the strategic development of regenerative farms, agrihoods, and land-based communities, creating healthy, joyful places that cultivate connection.
Grayson Cole Overholt
Grayson Cole Overholt was born in Greenville, North Carolina and raised by his loving family in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. He attended East Carolina University and earned his Bachelor’s Degree specializing in Business Administration & Marketing. In 2017, Grayson began his professional career working for former United States Senator Richard Burr in Washington, DC. During his 5 plus years working in the District of Columbia for then Senator Burr, Grayson drove policy decisions focusing on financial services, agriculture, and small business legislation. In 2021, while working full-time Grayson earned his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington concentrating in International Business. Following Senator Burr’s retirement in 2022, Grayson returned to Wilmington, North Carolina where he now resides with his wife and daughter. In 2023, Grayson joined the Office of United States Senator Thom Tillis as his regional representative for Southeastern, North Carolina. He continues to cover 19 counties on behalf of the Senator including all of the military installations in North Carolina to aid constituents and maintain an open line of communication between the State and the District of Columbia.
Opening Reception & Conference Overview
From Dirt Roads to Fast Lanes September 23 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Kick off the conference surrounded by a private collection of rare cars, good conversations, and the people driving what’s next.
Opening Reception Private Car Collection | Wilmington, NC Heavy appetizers & beverages provided
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
Build your expertise with practical insight from industry leaders. Explore the forces shaping land use—from energy and infrastructure to development strategy and emerging opportunities—through real-world discussions.
Southeast Deal Exchange: Haves & Wants
Bring your deals. Share what you have and what you’re looking for in this high-energy session designed to connect buyers, sellers, and brokers—and turn conversations into transactions. Come ready to pitch. Leave with opportunities.
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.
Session Overview
1
Realtors Land Institute Welcome & Industry Update Aubrie Kobernus, CEO of Realtors Land Institute
Setting the stage for what’s next in land and the role of land professionals across the Southeast.
2
Powering the Future: Wind, Solar & the New Demand for Land Moderated by LandGate Know the signals. Make the deal.
What makes land viable for renewable energy, how deals are structured, and the realities of transmission, community impact, and long-term control.
3
Turning Constraints into Value: Mitigation, Conservation & the Modern Land Deal Vivus Viridis Hidden value starts where others stop looking.
How environmentally constrained land is being transformed into income-producing assets through mitigation and conservation strategies.
4
Federal Perspective: What’s Driving Development in the Southeast Grayson Overholt Office of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis
An on-the-ground look at how federal funding, infrastructure investment, and policy decisions are shaping land use and development across the Southeast—especially in rural and emerging markets. Gain insight into what’s moving, what’s stalling, and how to better position for what’s next.
5
Agri-hoods & the Future of Community Development Farmer D Rethinking how land creates value.
How agriculture-integrated communities are reshaping residential development, land use planning, and long-term value.
Annual Meeting and Installation
2026 Carolinas Chapter RLI Annual Meeting with Installation of the Leadership Team and New President Saturday, September 26th | 9am-12pm
Larry Story, ALC 2026-2027
Larry Story is among the most dedicated land professionals from around the globe, as part of an elite group of less than 700 land specialists who hold the designation across the globe. In addition to subscribing to the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, ALCs support the high standards of conduct and experience that directly relate to their specialty. As an ALC, Story has access to the best industry knowledge, an unprecedented network of fellow land professionals, and a variety of resources to help best serve his clients. Larry specializes in land throughout NC for development (residential & commercial), farmland, timberland, recreational, and investment. Larry also has won 2023 National RLI APEX Producers Award.
Larry also has served and is still serving on the following committees, panels and boards: 2024 Realtors® Commercial Committee 2022 RLI Education Committee 2023 RLI Education Committee 2024 RLI Education Committee 2022 Global Business and Alliances Committee NAR RLI Representative
Celebrate the formal transition of leadership and welcome our newest President who will guide the Carolina Chapter of the REALTORS® Land Institute into 2026. This pivotal moment signifies continuity, growth, and renewed commitment to excellence in our land profession.
Smooth Transition
Witness the symbolic passing of leadership, ensuring seamless continuation of our chapter's mission and strategic initiatives for the coming year.
Visionary Officers
Meet the incoming slate of officers, bringing fresh perspectives and a commitment to advancing the Carolinas Chapter's goals and member value.
Dedicated Directors
Our new Board of Directors comprises experienced industry leaders, poised to provide expert guidance and ensure the chapter's continued success.
Future Forward
The Carolinas Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute is set for another year of fostering education, networking, and professionalism among land specialists.
Speakers, sponsors, or members of the leadership team
Book Your Room Here:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wilmington Wrightsville Beach September 23rd-27th
1014 Ashes Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 Tel: (910) 239-9975 Last Day to Book : Monday, September 7, 2026 $129+ per night | Includes FREE Breakfast, Wifi, and Parking