ShareIn 2026, NAR Leadership Academy participants will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through a combination of live and virtual events. The experience will begin with a live session in January 2026 in Washington, D.C., and culminate with graduation at NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience, in New Orleans, Louisiana, in November 2026.
Specific feedback and information about the proficiencies and interests of each class will be gathered to create a personalized Leadership Academy content journey. A sample list of the 2026 session topics is below. Please note the session topics are subject to change based on each class experience.
Date: December 10, 2025 - Wednesday
Virtual Meet & Greet of the 2026 Class
Live Session Dates
Date: January 8-9, 2026 – Thursday/Friday
(Arrival date in D.C. is January 7 - Wednesday)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Welcome to NAR’s Leadership Academy
How NAR Leads Real Estate From Washington, D.C.
The first in-person meeting takes place in NAR’s LEED Platinum Certified building. The kickoff session is an opportunity to get to know one another, NAR structure, and the D.C. staff. There is a workshop to explore personal leadership and communication styles. The Capstone Project is introduced, and teams are formed.
Participants will engage with key staff in NAR’s Washington, D.C., office to discuss how NAR leads the real estate industry from Washington, D.C., and the importance of a “members first” mentality when proposing national initiatives.
Date: June 13, 2026 – Saturday (first day of RLM)
(Arrival date in D.C. is June 12 - Friday)
Location: Washington, D.C. – REALTORS® Legislative Meetings
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) prides itself on advocating for home ownership and the rights of homeowners. In this session, Leadership Academy participants are exposed to how NAR uses its resources in Washington, D.C., to advocate for homeownership and REALTORS®.
Participants will have access and information to the inner workings of REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and the REALTOR® Party; a bi-partisan political advocacy group. There is a workshop to help hone presentation and public speaking skills.
Date: August 26-27, 2026 – Wednesday/Thursday
(Arrival date in Chicago is August 12 - Tuesday)
Location: Chicago, IL
Leading NAR From Chicago
The National Association of REALTORS® main office is in Chicago, Illinois, a LEED Gold Certified building and home of the CEO. In this session, Leadership Academy participants meet with Chicago staff, tour the Library and Archives, meet with members of the Leadership Team, and participate in a Chicago tradition: improv training with Second City.
Refinement and rehearsal for the Capstone projects is well underway with an opportunity to get feedback from an audience. The session includes plenty of bonding opportunities and time to socialize.
Date: November 4, 2026- Wednesday (first day)
(Arrival date in New Orleans is November 3 - Tuesday)
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana – NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience
Everyone is unique and has their own goals and definition for success. The final session of the Leadership Academy focuses on next steps and future goals of each participant. After being exposed to NAR’s expectations of leadership and the internal workings of the association at the national level, each Leadership Academy participant will be asked to consider their next steps within the association.
The session culminates in the Capstone presentations before a panel of experts who will provide feedback on areas for growth. The class graduates and celebrates with a reception for friends, family, and colleagues to recognize the class of 2026.
Virtual Session Dates
Please see below for a sample list of the 2026 virtual session topics. Please note the session topics are subject to change based on each class experience. The sessions are typically two hours to allow for participation.