

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beyond Zoning:
What Actually Gets Projects Across the Finish Line
Audrey Duchesne, Planning Reve
Zoning is just the starting point. Learn how infrastructure, politics, and community priorities often determine whether a project gets approved, delayed, or dies altogether.

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
Sponsored by: Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
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.
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.
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.

Some attendees have a great listing. Others have a buyer. Some have an investment opportunity, a development project, engineering expertise, infrastructure solutions, or a community looking for the right partner.
The Next Deal is designed to quickly introduce attendees to the opportunities in the room, making it easy to identify who they should connect with before the conference ends.
This isn't a sales presentation. It's a one-minute introduction to the opportunity you're most excited about and the connection you're hoping to make.
Heavy appetizers & beverages provided
A high-energy live auction featuring donated items from sponsors, members, and friends of the Chapter. Every winning bid supports education, advocacy, scholarships, networking, and professional development. Led by Leigh Brown, Realtor and Auctioneer, licensed in North and South Carolina.
Scan to donate auction prizes!



RLI Carolinas Chapter Cowboy Auction — Terms and Conditions
1.Event format. The Cowboy Auction is a live fundraising auction conducted as part of the Southeastern Land Conference and is open only to registered conference attendees and invited guests. 2.Beneficiary. Net proceeds from the Cowboy Auction will benefit the RLI Carolinas Chapter and will be used for the chapter’s exempt and organizational purposes. 3. Auctioneer. The auction will be conducted by a licensed North Carolina auctioneer. By participating, each bidder agrees that the auctioneer has final discretion to regulate bidding, resolve disputes, reopen bidding when appropriate, and determine the successful bidder, consistent with applicable North Carolina law and event procedures. 4.Eligibility to bid. Bidders must be at least 18 years of age and must be registered conference attendees, speakers, sponsors or invited guests approved by the event host. 5.Bid acknowledgment. A bid constitutes a binding offer to purchase the item at the amount recognized by the auctioneer or reflected on the final bid record. 6.Payment. Successful bidders must pay in full before taking possession of any item unless the event host expressly approves other arrangements in writing. Accepted payment methods may include credit card, check, or other methods announced at the event. 7.No public sale. This auction is a private conference activity and is not open to the general public. 8.Item descriptions. All items are offered in good faith based on information provided by donors or sponsors. Descriptions are believed accurate but are not guaranteed, and all items are offered as is and where is, without warranties unless expressly stated in writing by the donor or provider. 9.Restrictions on use. Certain items may be subject to blackout dates, expiration dates, scheduling limits, geographic restrictions, transfer restrictions, age limits, or provider terms. The successful bidder is solely responsible for complying with those conditions. 10.Taxes and expenses. Successful bidders are responsible for any applicable taxes, title fees, shipping costs, insurance, travel costs, or other expenses associated with receipt or use of an item unless expressly stated otherwise. 11.No substitutions or refunds. All sales are final. No exchanges, returns, or refunds will be made except in the event of a material misdescription confirmed by the event host in its sole discretion. 12.Release of items. Items will be released only after payment is confirmed. The event host may require identification and a signed receipt before releasing an item. Winner must collect item or make shipping arrangements for items purchased/won. 13.Donor and sponsor conditions. If an item includes goods, services, lodging, entertainment, or experiences provided by a third party, the successful bidder accepts that provider’s terms and conditions. 14.Failure to pay. If a successful bidder fails to pay as required, the event host may cancel the sale, offer the item to the next highest bidder, reauction the item, or pursue other appropriate remedies. Are credit cards required to bid? 15.Charitable and tax information. The auction is intended as a fundraising activity. The amount paid for an item may exceed its fair market value, but any tax treatment of that excess depends on applicable tax law and the bidder’s individual circumstances. Bidders should consult their own tax advisers regarding deductibility or reporting. 16.Authority of event host. The event host reserves the right to withdraw any item, change the order of sale, reject any bid, or cancel the auction in whole or in part if necessary for legal, safety, or administrative reasons. 17.Compliance. All participants agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions and any event rules announced before or during the auction.
Members will receive updates on the business and financial position of the Chapter, hear the results of the 2026 election, and help welcome the leadership team that will serve the Chapter beginning in 2027.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Budget and Current Financial Report
REALTORS® Land Institute Update
2026 Election Results
Installation of Officers and Directors
Incoming President’s Address
Member Feedback on Future Classes and Educational Programs
Larry Story, ALC, will be installed as President of the Carolinas Chapter of the REALTORS® Land Institute for the 2027–2029 term.
Larry is an experienced land professional specializing in residential and commercial development land, farmland, timberland, recreational property, and investment real estate throughout North Carolina. He has served the land profession through his involvement with the Carolinas Chapter, the national REALTORS® Land Institute, and the National Association of REALTORS®.
During the installation, Larry will share his vision and priorities for the Chapter’s next term.
Celebrate the formal transition of leadership. This pivotal moment signifies continuity, growth, and renewed commitment to excellence in our land profession.
The Annual Meeting is open to all RLI members. A separate RSVP is required, even for those already registered for the Southeastern Land Conference.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wilmington Wrightsville Beach
Schedule of Events