Texas sponsored one of the many wonderful hospitality functions at the 2006 CoreNet Global Florida Summit. The hospitality featured Tex-Mex cuisine and libations and live entertainment. Other hospitalities Sunday included Oregon, Missouri, and Ohio.

Speakers:
Prentice Knight, CoreNet Global
Mark Golan, Cisco Systems
Judy Bowles, Ernst & Young
Gavin Bloch, USAA
Steve Dumas, CoreNet Global

New CoreNet Global members gathered for the New Member Orientation on Sunday afternoon as a kick-off to their CoreNet Global Florida Summit experience. More than 100 new members mingled with one another, with CoreNet Global Board members and chapter leaders, and with association staff to receive a warm welcome and learn about the great value of being a CoreNet Global member.

Prentice Knight, CoreNet Global CEO, and Mark Golan, Chairman, welcomed the group with comments about the value of CoreNet Global membership. Prentice emphasized that the membership value proposition is achieved through networking with fellow members and learning from one another. As an association, CoreNet Global facilitates this process through the sharing of best practices and new ideas and by offering opportunities for networking. "We focus on you, our members, to serve you and to build products for you to enhance your career." Mark reminded the group of the many opportunities that CoreNet Global offers and recognized staff and Board members.

Judy Bowles of Ernst & Young and Gavin Bloch of USAA Real Estate Co. shared their member experiences with the group. Judy spoke of the value of the educational programs and the wide variety of opportunities for professional development. Gavin stated "that what keeps me coming back are the fantastic networking opportunities." He encouraged the new members to develop networks through participation at both the chapter level and through industry contacts. Ron Zappile and Ed Noha, Board of Directors members, also related how CoreNet Global has been valuable for them in advancing their careers.

Prentice concluded by stating that there are two types of members: those who receive value from a distance, such as through online opportunities and CoreNet Global publications; and those who participate on a personal level- through committees, communities, chapter involvement, and personal networking. He invited the new members to spend the last portion of the orientation meeting with staff members who lined the room with tabletop displays of member benefits to learn more about CoreNet Global opportunities. At the end of the hour, new members connected with their Chapter leaders, who accompanied them to the chapter receptions immediately following the new member orientation

The 2006 CoreNet Global Florida Summit Opening Gala, sponsored by Tishman, was held "beach" side at the Dolphin hotel Sunday 12 November. The event, featuring food, beverages and entertainment, marked the beginning of the Summit for nearly 2,500 attendees