Why Events Matter More Than Ever in Real Estate

Rodney Fitzgerald, Head of Events and Partnerships at Raine & Horne Corporate,

When Rodney Fitzgerald, Head of Events and Partnerships at Raine & Horne Corporate, talks about staging events, he isn’t just thinking about logistics — he’s thinking about culture.

“It’s never an event for the sake of it,” he told Real Estate Today.

“Every time we bring our network together, it’s about creating something that has purpose — connection, recognition, and a real sense of belonging.”

That purpose-driven approach has caught national attention.

The Raine & Horne NSW|ACT Annual Awards 2025 has been named a finalist for Best Corporate Event of the Year at the Australian Event Awards, with winners set to be announced in October.

For Mr Fitzgerald, the recognition is proof that real estate events can stand confidently alongside the best corporate productions in the country.

Real estate is a business built on momentum. Days are long, opportunities fleeting, and the market rarely waits for anyone. It’s a profession where the pace is relentless — which is why the rare chance to step away from the deal flow and come together as a network has become so important.

But in 2025, a function can’t just be a dinner with speeches. Audiences are more discerning, and expectations are higher. An event has to feel like an experience — something that rewards not only results but the energy and commitment behind them.

It’s about atmosphere, anticipation and delivery: the way the room feels on arrival, the story that builds across the evening, and the memories that linger long after the last track plays.Instead of the traditional “sit, watch, applaud” format, Raine & Horne’s events are designed to be immersive.

Interactive staging, digital engagement tools and carefully curated design elements transform them into shared experiences.

“We don’t want people to just sit in a chair and watch something happen on stage,” Fitzgerald said. “We want them to feel part of it — to walk away talking about it.

”That vision isn’t confined to awards night alone. Last year’s theme, Part of the Landscape, wasn’t simply a clever stage concept. It became a unifying idea across the brand, anchoring the network’s leaders’ and principals’ retreats, national conferences and even major marketing campaigns.

Events, in Fitzgerald’s view, don’t just reflect culture — they actively shape it. Pulling this off takes more than vision. I work with a network of creative collaborators who help shape every element, from big-picture production to the smallest design details.

“They take our ideas and push them further than I could ever imagine,” he said. “It’s a team effort every single time.”And it’s those details that make the difference.

From the latest use of digital and AI advancements, to seating plans designed for sustained engagement, to pacing techniques that keep the energy high and the event moving, nothing is left to chance.

“These moments bring our network together,” Fitzgerald said. “They reward hard work and they play a big role in recruitment and retention.

They remind people why they’re here — and why they want to stay.”

With more than 300 offices across Australia and more than 140 years of brand heritage, Raine & Horne is one of the country’s most enduring networks.

For Mr Fitzgerald, events like the annual awards aren’t just parties — they’re strategic investments in culture and loyalty that keep the brand strong. Whether or not the Australian Event Awards judges deliver the ultimate accolade, the recognition has already cemented Raine & Horne’s position as a brand that knows how to celebrate success — and turn events into powerful tools for connection and growth.