Innovator of the Year
Recognizing leaders who are driving the advancement of real estate through innovation, no matter what role they play.
2024 iOi Summit Pitch Battle – Chicago
NAR Tech & Innovation focuses on the power of progress to empower everyone in the real estate industry to exceed goals and grow their businesses. But it’s the people behind these innovations and ideas who are driving technology advancements through the products and services they deliver.
The 2025 Application/Nomination period is now closed. This year’s award was presented at 2025 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings May 31-June 5, in Washington D.C.
The application/nomination period for the 2026 Innovator of the Year Award will open Spring 2026.
In addition to presenting the Innovator of the Year Award(s), NAR Tech & Innovation is enhancing opportunities for connections and insights at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings through innovation and tech education sessions, and timely networking roundtable discussions.
ENTRY RULES
Nomination Criteria
To be considered for the Award, an applicant or nominee must demonstrate contributions to the real estate industry through their:
- Current work in real estate or an adjacent industry and/or on real estate related technology;
- Ability to innovate by rethinking and taking action to create future advancement opportunities;
- Engagement across the industry that spurs ideas that support innovation;
- Thought leadership and skills that drive and motivate transformation.
Award Rules
- Awardee(s) agree to be interviewed, photographed, filmed, and featured in NAR promotions and articles.
- All applications will become the property of NAR and will not be returned.
- NAR staff are ineligible to receive the award.
Check back in 2026 for additional details.
Selection Timeline and Process
Details about the 2026 Innovator of the Year Award will be posted Spring, 2026.
For questions, please reach out to et@nar.realtor.
2024 INNOVATORS
Meet the 2025 Innovators
Congratulations to the 2025 Innovator of the Year Award Winners! Gene Eidelman, Katherine Aronsson, and Terrence Nickelson were recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to the real estate technology industry.
Gene Eidelman
Katherine Aronsson
Terrence Nickelson
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