The North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute hosted its inaugural WIN Conference on March 12, 2026, at the Canopy Realtor Association Building in Charlotte, NC. The full-day event brought together real estate professionals from across the state for engaging sessions, networking, and professional development.

Connecting Across the Industry
Attendees from appraisal, brokerage, development, and investment sectors came together to share insights and connect with peers. The day featured thought-provoking presentations on current real estate trends, the evolving impact of artificial intelligence in real estate, and strategies for fostering stronger communities through development.

Inspiring Presentations and Panel Discussions
The conference kicked off with opening remarks from Vanessa Hall, MAI, AI-GRS, 2025–2026 WIN Committee Chair, followed by a morning keynote from Debbie Gallimore, CCIM, CIPS, on the interplay between brokerage, appraisal, and investment practices in healthy real estate markets.

(L-R): NCAI Immediate Past President Kelli Kline Mayhew, MAI, SRA; Debbie Gallimore, CCIM, CIPS; and Vanessa Hall, MAI, AI-GRS

Attendees also heard from Kelly Davids, President of The Appraisal Foundation, on the foundation’s evolving role and the importance of collaboration across real estate professions. A dynamic Real Estate Roundtable moderated by Erica Butler, MAI, featured panelists Heather Placer Mull, MAI, SRA, ARA, CCIM, ASA; Claire Aufrance, MAI, SRA; and Ashley Johnson, MAI, SRA, R/W-AC, who explored leadership, collaboration, and professional practice across the real estate industry.


Kelly Davids, President of The Appraisal Foundation

(L-R): NCAI President-Elect Erica Butler, MAI; Ashley Johnson, MAI, SRA, R/W-AC; Claire Aufrance, MAI, SRA; and Heather Placer Mull, MAI, SRA, ARA, CCIM, ASA

Afternoon sessions included a keynote by Megan Oglesby, Senior Advisor at The Earl & Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation, highlighting the role of real estate development in community revitalization and economic opportunity, and a presentation by Chandra Mast, CGA, BCA, GRI, on the practical implementation of artificial intelligence in professional real estate practice.

Megan Oglesby, Senior Advisor, The Earl & Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation

Chandra Mast, CGA, BCA, GRI, Principal Owner, Red Rose Appraisals

Celebrating Engagement and Learning
The 2026 WIN Conference also provided networking breaks facilitated by Kelli Mayhew, allowing attendees to connect with speakers and peers while engaging in professional development activities. Participants left the conference with actionable insights, strengthened industry connections, and the opportunity to earn seven (7) hours of continuing education credit in North and South Carolina.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
The chapter extends sincere thanks to our Platinum, Gold, and Silver sponsors, including the Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation (AIERF), Valbridge Property Advisors, Integra Realty Resources, Mayhew Group, LLC, and Noble Valuation Consulting, LLC, whose support made this inaugural event possible.

Looking Ahead
The success of the first WIN Conference reflects the chapter’s commitment to fostering education, networking, and leadership opportunities for real estate professionals across North Carolina. NCAI looks forward to building on this momentum with future WIN events and continuing to connect the next generation of industry leaders.

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