By Jessica Husband
This year’s Women in Real Estate (WIRE) conference took place last week, uniting more than 260 industry leaders and professionals for a standout highlight in REINSW’s events calendar. Held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney, the event featured thought-provoking discussions, practical insights, and valuable networking opportunities, all underpinned by the energy and enthusiasm attendees throughout the day.
From the moment the conference began, there was a clear sense that WIRE 2026 would deliver not only inspiration, but also tangible strategies for navigating an increasingly complex market. Reflecting this year’s theme, Together Shaping Tomorrow, the event emphasised collaboration, leadership and the collective role of the industry in driving positive change. Host Leanne Pilkington, Past President of REIA and CEO of Laing+Simmons, set the tone with a powerful and timely message about mindset in uncertain conditions.
“We’ve got two choices on how we deal with that… we need to look at the opportunity and step into it, because our clients need people who are going to lead them through what’s going on in the world right now.” - Leanne Pilkington
Addressing global instability and its impact on consumer confidence, Ms Pilkington challenged attendees to shift their perspective. “We’ve got two choices on how we deal with that,” she said. “The people who sit back and complain about the market are not the people that are actually going to take advantage of the opportunity. We need to look at the opportunity and step into that opportunity because our clients need people who are going to lead them through what’s going on in the world right now.”
Her message resonated strongly across the room, encouraging agents and leaders to focus on what they can control - particularly their thinking, actions and leadership approach. Pilkington reinforced that mindset is a critical differentiator, noting that how we think ultimately shapes how we feel and act.
The day’s speaker lineup delivered a rich mix of personal stories, industry expertise and practical takeaways. One of the most moving sessions came from Sam Bloom, whose journey from a life-changing accident to becoming a world champion adaptive surfer left the audience deeply inspired. Her story highlighted the power of resilience, family support and redefining identity in the face of adversity.
Economic insights were provided by Bank of Queensland Chief Economist Peter Munckton, who offered a clear-eyed view of the forces shaping Australia’s economy. He explored the challenges posed by rising interest rates and inflation, while also noting the ongoing imbalance between housing supply and demand. His session provided valuable context for real estate professionals navigating shifting market conditions.
“It’s really important to step away from the day-to-day and give yourself a bit of a mind reset.” - Tiana McGrath
A powerful thread throughout the day was the concept of resilience - not just as a response to hardship, but as a proactive mindset. Michael Nitschke’s session reinforced this, sharing lessons from rebuilding his family business under extreme pressure. His message that “you’re not your circumstances” and the importance of focusing on “the next move” offered a practical framework for leadership in uncertain times.
The panel discussion, The Myth of Having It All in Real Estate, led by Caroline Bolderston, prompted honest and relatable conversations about balance, burnout and redefining success. Featuring industry leaders including Katrina Tarrant, Andrew Liddell and Margaret Foley, the session explored the realities behind high-performance careers. The panellists shared personal experiences of navigating pressure while maintaining wellbeing, ultimately encouraging a shift towards self-awareness, boundaries and alignment with personal values.
Adding a unique dimension to the day, mentalist Andy Nunn delivered an engaging session on mindset and perception, demonstrating how our internal narratives influence outcomes. His concept of the “gap” between stimulus and response provided a memorable framework for managing stress and uncertainty.
Innovation and adaptability were also key themes, with Rebecca Moroney exploring how technology can reduce friction and give agents back valuable time. Her perspective on “Agent 3.0” encouraged attendees to embrace change thoughtfully, using tools that enhance—not replace—human expertise.
Equally impactful was the presentation from Dr Daniel Nour, founder of Street Side Medics, who spoke about purpose-driven leadership and the importance of using one’s position to create meaningful change. His reflections on overcoming fear and pursuing impact beyond commercial success struck a chord with many in the audience.
“Success is allowing someone to breathe just a little bit easier because of you.” - Dr Daniel Nour
The conference concluded with an inspiring keynote from Olympian Lisa Curry, who reframed success as a series of “stepping stones” rather than a single destination. Her emphasis on consistency, discipline and applying lessons in real time left attendees with a clear call to action.
Beyond the speaker sessions, attendees reflected on the value of stepping away from the day-to-day to reconnect with purpose and perspective. Tiana McGrath of MMJ Real Estate Wollongong and REINSW Board Member described the event as both energising and motivating.
“I think it’s awesome… it’s been a great lineup of speakers so far,” she said. “It’s been nice and inspirational and I think very motivating.”
Highlighting the impact of the morning sessions, McGrath added that Sam Bloom’s story had particularly resonated with the audience. “I think we’re all loving Sam Bloom… to see what she’s capable of, I think really just gives you a bit of a mind reset.”
She also encouraged others in the industry to prioritise attending events like WIRE, despite the demands of a busy schedule. “As daunting as it is to get out of the office for the day, it’s easily manageable and achievable with all the technology we have,” she said. “I think it’s just really important to step away from the day-to-day business and give yourself a little bit of a mind reset.”
“Success is not a destination, but a series of stepping stones.” - Lisa Curry
The event also highlighted the important work of Youth Off The Streets, reinforcing the broader role the real estate industry can play in supporting vulnerable young people. Representatives shared a powerful reminder that while the industry focuses on housing, for some young Australians, “home” is not always a place of safety - underscoring the importance of stability, support and community. Through the day’s raffle, attendees also helped raise $2,166.80 for Youth Off The Streets, further supporting their vital work.
As the day came to a close, attendees left with renewed clarity, practical insights and a strengthened sense of direction - ready to lead with confidence in an evolving market.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Leanne Pilkington said WIRE once again delivered an exceptional experience for the industry.
“I think that WIRE 2026 was another incredible event and somehow the team always manage to put together a range of speakers that complement each other, complement the message whilst giving us new information,” she said. “It was really, really well done and I’m just so inspired.”
Looking ahead, Pilkington encouraged anyone considering attending to mark their calendars early. “Next year is our 20th anniversary of WIRE, so it is going to be one not to miss.”
Find out more information about this year’s WIRE conference.
Testimonials
Kylie Davis - RISE Initiative
“This is one of my favourite events on the calendar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to refill your cup - there’s always a great mix of inspiration and practical advice from experienced, thoughtful speakers. One of the biggest takeaways is realising you’re not alone. You see your own challenges reflected back at you, and that’s incredibly helpful to take forward into the rest of the year. Michael Nitschke’s message really resonated with me - the idea that no one is coming to rescue you, and that you have to step up and take ownership.”
Barry Diskin - Strata Energy Services
“It’s been an incredible event with some very inspiring speakers. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others across the industry. From a strata perspective, we’re seeing more alignment across sectors, and events like this give us the chance to network, share insights and strengthen those connections. I’d definitely recommend coming along.”
Lauren Leathwood - The Conveyancing Group
“We wanted to be part of today to stay connected to what’s happening in our industry. One of the key themes that really resonated with me was the sense of shared understanding - being in a room where women at all stages of their careers can support each other and recognise that ‘having it all’ looks different for everyone. Sam Bloom’s story was incredibly inspiring. It’s a reminder that no matter what happens in life, we can find a way to move forward - and that the people around us play such an important role in that journey.”
Amy Young - Laing+Simmons Young Property
“There was a strong theme throughout the day that industry standards are lifting - and that’s something we can all contribute to collectively. Sam Bloom really stood out for me. Her situation didn’t change, but her perspective did - and when her perspective changed, everything changed. That’s such a powerful lesson, especially in today’s market. We all have a choice in how we approach things.”