Nominations are being accepted for the inaugural Innovator of the Year Ward. Image contributed by NAR

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced a new award for its iOi (Innovation Opportunity Investment) Summit in late August.  This will be the inaugural year for the Innovator of the Year award. Nominations are now being accepted.

“Together, we have the power to define the future of real estate,” said NAR CEO Bob Goldberg. “The Innovator of the Year Awards acknowledges the brilliance and hard work of the exceptional minds in our industry. We invite all innovators to apply and showcase their transformative contributions.”

The recognition celebrates the trailblazers of real estate and how they advanced their careers through creativity, leadership and innovation.

Dan Weisman, NAR director of emerging technology, said the award was created to celebrate people leading the charge in innovating the real estate landscape.

“NAR is a leader in technology and the future of real estate. We want to support and recognize those helping to drive the industry forward. This award not only emphasizes the winner’s leadership role but also brings their achievements to the forefront, further propelling their career and inspiring others within the industry,” said Weisman.

The annual iOi Summit focuses on advancing the real estate industry by allowing innovators to share how they came to success in their career. The addition of the award will enhance the event by recognizing these leaders, fostering industry progression and facilitating meaningful connections among investors, technologists and real estate professionals, according to a news release.

For applicants or nominees to be considered, they must work in real estate or an adjacent industry or be involved with real estate technology. NAR said the winners must display impactful contributions to real estate, which includes rethinking and creating future advancement opportunities, engaging across the industry to spur innovative ideas and utilizing thought leadership and skills to drive transformation, according to the release.

“Real estate constantly evolves, and innovators catalyze progress. If you are a changemaker making waves in real estate, we invite you to share your journey with us,” Goldberg said.

Winners will get the opportunity to attend the iOi Summit that will take place Aug. 29-30 in Miami, Florida, where they will be presented the award. Applications and nominations will be evaluated by a panel of industry leaders, with a deadline to apply by Aug. 4.