Fort Myers has emerged as a vibrant hub for real estate investors, with a robust calendar of events serving both new and experienced participants in the Southwest Florida market. Whether you’re exploring traditional property ownership or modern fractional investment models like Ark7 rental property shares, the region offers exceptional opportunities to network, learn, and stay ahead of market trends. With 18+ verified annual events ranging from intimate monthly meetups to major conferences attracting over 1,300 professionals, Fort Myers provides year-round educational and networking opportunities for real estate enthusiasts at every level.
New to passive real estate investing?
Explore Ark7 Opportunities1. Market Trends SWFL 2026
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Venue: Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33907
As the largest and most comprehensive real estate event in Southwest Florida, Market Trends SWFL consistently draws over 1,300 real estate professionals for an evening of market analysis and networking. This annual event typically sells out weeks in advance, making early registration essential.
Key Features:
- Commercial and residential market trend analysis
- Local and national data presentations
- Interest rate impact discussions on the Southwest Florida market
- Development opportunity assessments
Featured Speakers:
- Justin Thibaut, CCIM (CEO, LSI Companies)
- Denny Grimes, ABR, CRS, GRI, MBA, CDPE (Residential Expert)
- Matt Simmons (Commercial Real Estate Expert)
Why It Matters for Investors: This event provides the macro-level market data essential for making informed investment decisions in the Southwest Florida region. For those considering fractional real estate investments through platforms like Ark7 that leverage AI-driven property sourcing, understanding these regional trends is crucial for evaluating potential returns.
Cost: Typically $95-$125 (registration opens closer to event date)
2. 25th Annual CCIM Commercial Real Estate Outlook Conference
Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, this prestigious commercial real estate conference brings together hundreds of CRE professionals from across Southwest Florida for a half-day intensive focused on investment strategies and market outlook.
Key Features:
- 2026 commercial real estate market forecast
- Cap rate and valuation trend analysis
- Investment strategy workshops
- Extensive networking with CRE professionals
Target Audience: Commercial real estate investors, brokers, property owners, managers, and business leaders
Why It Matters: While Ark7 currently focuses on residential rental properties, understanding commercial real estate trends provides valuable context for the broader Southwest Florida market. The insights gained here complement Ark7’s approach of making real estate investment accessible to everyone by providing the educational foundation needed to evaluate all property types.
Cost: $95 (District Members/Non-Members)
3. SWFL REIA General Meetings
Schedule: Third Wednesday of every month
Time: 6:30 PM
Venue: Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant, Fort Myers, FL
The Southwest Florida Real Estate Investors Association (SWFL REIA) hosts monthly meetings that consistently attract 50-100 investors of all experience levels, making it one of the most active investor groups in the region.
Key Features:
- Educational presentations on investment strategies
- Deal analysis and market updates
- Networking with active investors
- No information product sales policy
Recent Topics:
- October 15, 2025: “Understanding cycles: using charts to avoid the noise” (Bruce Norris)
- Monthly market updates and investment opportunities
Why It Matters for Fractional Investors: These meetings provide practical, ground-level insights into the Southwest Florida market that can inform investment decisions. For those interested in fractional real estate investing, understanding local market dynamics helps evaluate the potential of individual properties available through platforms like Ark7.
Cost: Free for members ($100 annual dues) | $45 for non-members
RSVP Required: reia.swfl@gmail.com
4. ULI Southwest Florida Real Estate Focus Forum
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM (typical format)
Venue: FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, FL 33965
Hosted by the Urban Land Institute’s Southwest Florida chapter, this annual forum focuses specifically on regional development trends and market outlook.
Key Features:
- Southwest Florida regional market analysis
- Development trend discussions
- Panel presentations on local projects
- Professional networking opportunities
Target Audience: Real estate professionals in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties
Why It Matters: This forum provides detailed insights into the Southwest Florida market that directly inform investment decisions. For Ark7 investors interested in properties in growing Sunbelt markets like Florida, understanding these local development patterns helps contextualize the growth potential of individual investments.
Cost: TBD (member/non-member pricing)
5. RPCRA 2026 Realtor® Trade Show
Date: October 9, 2025 (2026 date TBA)
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Suncoast Credit Union Arena, 13351 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919
The Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association’s annual trade show attracted 334 attendees and 56 vendors in 2025, making it a significant networking event for real estate professionals.
Key Features:
- Vendor exhibitions showcasing real estate services and products
- Networking opportunities with agents and brokers
- Industry insights and market updates
- Complimentary appetizers and cash bar
Target Audience: Real estate agents, brokers, affiliate vendors, and industry professionals
Why It Matters: While primarily focused on agents, this event provides valuable market intelligence and networking opportunities. For those interested in real estate IRA investing, connecting with financial and real estate professionals can provide additional perspective on long-term investment strategies.
Cost: Varies by membership status
6. REIS Monthly Luncheons
Schedule: Monthly (dates vary)
Next Event: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Program begins 11:45 AM)
Venue: Pelican Preserve Clubhouse, 9802 Pelican Preserve Blvd., Fort Myers, FL
The Real Estate Investment Society of Southwest Florida hosts monthly luncheons featuring panel discussions with industry leaders and experts.
December 2025 Topic: “Restaurateurs Share Insights”
Featured Speakers:
- Marty Harrity (HM Restaurant Group)
- Sandy Stillwell Youngquist (Stillwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group)
Key Discussion Points:
- Location selection for businesses
- Expansion planning strategies
- Restaurant industry challenges
- Commercial real estate considerations
Why It Matters: These luncheons provide unique perspectives on commercial real estate from business operators, offering insights beyond traditional investment analysis. Understanding business location decisions can inform residential investment decisions, particularly for those interested in properties near commercial centers.
Cost: $45.00
7. Agent Rise Summit 2026
Date: April 12-14, 2026
Venue: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Downtown Fort Myers, FL
This intensive three-day conference focuses on helping real estate agents build sustainable business models beyond the traditional commission structure.
Key Features:
- Implementation-focused training sessions
- Business model development workshops
- Breakout sessions and networking opportunities
- Intimate setting with typically 50-80 attendees
Target Audience: Real estate agents seeking business growth and sustainable income models
Why It Matters: While primarily agent-focused, the summit’s emphasis on sustainable income models aligns with the passive income philosophy behind fractional real estate investing. The strategies discussed can provide valuable insights for anyone interested in building multiple income streams, including through platforms like Ark7 that offer monthly cash distributions.
Cost: TBD (multi-tier pricing)
8. LikeMinded – Fort Myers Real Estate Investors
Schedule: Bi-monthly (mix of in-person and Zoom)
Venue: Varies (Coral Club at Laguna Caribe, other locations)
This flexible investor group combines in-person networking with virtual options, attracting real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and startup founders interested in discussing innovative investment strategies.
Key Features:
- Real estate investing strategy discussions
- PropTech and FinTech innovation conversations
- Startup venture networking
- Casual business networking atmosphere
Recent Locations:
- 5415 Laguna Caribe Cir, Fort Myers, FL
- 10450 Corkscrew Commons Dr, Estero, FL
Why It Matters: This group’s focus on PropTech and FinTech innovations makes it particularly relevant for those interested in modern investment platforms like Ark7. The discussions often explore how technology is democratizing real estate investment, directly aligning with Ark7’s mission of making real estate investment accessible to everyone.
Cost: Varies by event
9. Fort Myers Real Estate Investor Meetup
Schedule: Periodic/Quarterly
Organizer: Jordan Williamson
Platform: Meetup.com
This grassroots meetup group has grown to over 546 members interested in real estate investing at all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Key Features:
- Casual networking environment
- Beginner-friendly discussions
- Local market insights
- Flexible meeting schedule
Target Audience: Anyone interested in real estate investing, regardless of experience level
Why It Matters: Perfect for newcomers to real estate investing who may be exploring options like fractional ownership through Ark7. The group provides a low-pressure environment to learn about real estate fundamentals before committing to specific investment strategies.
Cost: Varies by event
10. 2026 RPCRA Installation Gala “Denim & Diamonds”
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 (installs 2026 board)
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venue: The Alderman House, 2572 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
This annual gala combines professional celebration with networking, installing the new RPCRA Board of Directors while providing industry recognition and awards.
Key Features:
- Installation of 2026 Board of Directors
- Industry recognition and awards ceremony
- Professional networking opportunities
- Denim & Diamonds dress code theme
Target Audience: Real estate professionals, RPCRA members, and industry leaders
Why It Matters: While more social than educational, this event provides valuable networking opportunities with established real estate professionals. For those building a real estate investment portfolio through multiple channels, including fractional platforms like Ark7, these connections can provide additional market insights and opportunities.
Cost: $85 per guest
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of real estate events are available in Fort Myers, FL?
Fort Myers offers a comprehensive range of real estate events including major annual conferences like Market Trends SWFL, monthly investor meetings through SWFL REIA, professional luncheons hosted by REIS, trade shows through RPCRA, and specialized workshops on topics like creative financing and technology. The events serve both residential and commercial interests with attendance ranging from intimate groups of 50 to major conferences with over 1,300 attendees.
How can I find networking opportunities for real estate professionals in Fort Myers?
The most consistent networking opportunities include SWFL REIA’s monthly meetings (third Wednesday of each month), REIS monthly luncheons, and the bi-monthly LikeMinded investor gatherings. For larger networking events, Market Trends SWFL in March and the RPCRA Trade Show in October provide extensive opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Many of these groups also maintain active online communities for ongoing networking between events.
Are there events focused on real estate investment strategies in Fort Myers?
Yes, several events specifically focus on investment strategies. SWFL REIA monthly meetings feature educational presentations on topics like market cycles and deal analysis. The Creative Nation Tour with Pace Morby (January 14, 2026) focuses on creative financing strategies. Additionally, the CCIM Commercial Real Estate Outlook Conference provides in-depth analysis of investment trends and opportunities in the Southwest Florida market.
How can Ark7 help me invest in real estate after attending these events?
After gaining market knowledge from Fort Myers real estate events, Ark7 provides a practical platform to implement your investment strategy through fractional ownership. With a minimum investment as low as $20 per share, you can diversify across multiple properties without the operational responsibilities of direct ownership. Ark7’s properties are professionally managed, and investors receive monthly cash distributions while benefiting from potential appreciation—all accessible through the Ark7 mobile app.
Do these events cater to both residential and commercial real estate interests?
Yes, Fort Myers events serve both residential and commercial interests. Market Trends SWFL covers both sectors comprehensively, while the CCIM Commercial Real Estate Outlook Conference specifically focuses on commercial properties. SWFL REIA and other investor groups primarily discuss residential opportunities, though commercial investing is also addressed. The REIS luncheons often feature discussions relevant to both sectors, particularly regarding location analysis and market trends.
