PacificWest 2026 was a great opportunity for connecting, networking and learning here in Vancouver, BC last week. Not only did REW sponsor the Welcome Party and have a booth on the trade floor, we also attended keynotes and presentations throughout the event. Here are the top five takeaways from PacificWest 2026 we think every agent should know, whether you attended the event yourself or couldn’t make it this year but still want some insights.
1. AI is here, but it’s not going to replace face-to-face connections with clients.
AI is the buzzword of the moment, and that’s for some good reasons. Many agents find it helps them create listings, sort through data and handle repetitive tasks.
But rather than focusing on which generative AI platform works the best or optimizing prompts, one takeaway we had from PacificWest 2026 was when to use AI and when not to. Instead of seeing how you can inject AI into every workflow, take a step back and see if it makes sense to do that.
Sometimes it may, especially for large, repetitive tasks that require lots of manual effort but not lots of human thinking. For instance, sorting through lists or organizing data into categories. But there’s one thing AI can’t replace: the real human connection between agents and clients.
“Over these two days we heard agents, analysts and experts talk about all the innovations happening in real estate, and we’re excited to be forging new ways to find a home,” said Kent MacDonald, President of REW. “And while REW recognizes the importance of AI and how it could reshape the real estate landscape, we still plan to facilitate meaningful, lasting connections between agents and Homeseekers no matter how much technology evolves, as we’ve done since starting as a newspaper insert in 1978.”
At the end of the day, a home is occupied by people; living, breathing people who will be seeing, touching, smelling and occupying it. As an agent, only you can offer insights like how the floorboards feel underfoot on a chilly winter day or whether the sulphur plant down the road stinks up the whole neighbourhood. Leverage that with every client, and you’re setting yourself up for success in this industry, regardless of what AI can and can’t do.
2. The economy is weighing heavily on everybody, but people still need to buy and sell homes.
There’s no denying the economic unease being felt across British Columbia, Alberta and beyond. Whether it’s tariffs, rising fuel prices or the prospect of job losses, none of these factors instill confidence in Homeseekers that the time is right to buy or sell a home.
Agents should take these concerns seriously with their clients. Listen to the reasons they may feel hesitant buying or selling. After all, it’s part of good customer service as an agent to remember to pause and let clients breathe every so often.
However, as many panelists and experts said at PacificWest 2026, life still churns onward even during times of economic unease. New babies arrive, children grow up and move out, jobs shift locations and all the other usual rhythms of life continue. That means there will always be people looking to buy or sell a home.
As an agent, you can step in to be a strong, helpful presence during these moments. Offer your experience and knowledge to help make the journey smoother and more enjoyable, and you will not only gain the loyalty of that client, but perhaps some referrals as well.
3. The best strategy is the one that works for you.
Personal development goes hand-in-hand with being an agent. It’s part of the reason why PacificWest exists in the first place, after all. And there are plenty of ways to go about that. You could choose a leadership path, or hone your skills in handling luxury properties, or focus on middle-of-the-market condos and so on. All of these are worthy pursuits.
The important thing to remember along the way is what aligns with your values, goals and the ways that you work. Do you find the path you’ve chosen enjoyable? Chances are the more you like it, the more you’ll stick with it.
Instead of worrying about what’s the absolute “best” way to develop your career, focus on how you can develop yourself and the way you work in line with what is important to you in a sustainable way.
Say “no” to things that don’t fit, even if they claim to be better, faster, more exciting or other lofty claims.
4. Don’t silo yourself.
It can feel tempting during tough times to silo yourself and work alone. Other agents and industry partners can feel like they’re too much competition. Try not to do this, though.
Everyone has something to teach someone else and learn from someone else, as PacificWest 2026 showed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice or information – or even market yourself and your brand, if it’s been a while.
You also work best with certain types of clients, and so do other agents. Building strong networks can help you find clients when someone else determines they may not be the best fit for them, but could refer them to you. Likewise, don’t feel bad for handing a client to another agent who could be a better fit for them if they don’t line up with the way you work.
Good relationships go a long way in this industry, don’t forget that.
5. Never stop learning.
PacificWest 2026 showed everyone involved in the real estate industry, from agents to developers to marketers and more, that we should never stop learning. There’s always something new to discover, some new tool to try out and someone new to meet. Sometimes, it’s even time to return to the basics and brush up on what you’ve already learned.
“PacificWest was a great opportunity for the REW team to connect with our customers and partners,” said Lawrence Liu, Vice President of Sales at REW. “I appreciated the engaging conversations and knowledge shared by the best in real estate and discussing new ways to support each other in the upcoming seasons ahead.”
All of this applies even more so during times of economic anxiety and market downturns. Knowledge is power, and being equipped with the facts and tools to handle what comes at you is how you’ll succeed no matter what happens.
