Networking at 5:30 T0 6:00; then Vendos speaks, then the guest speaker comes on at 7:00 PM.I also think that there is a chapter in Jacksonville not sure.

The Outback is a smaller group and the speakers are mostly local and therefore the info is more specific vs the general type of theme at SDCIA.

@Kevin Schneider Welcome.I like your area, I think it's manageable for someone starting.REIAs: some have a lot of sales, some have a lot of local speakers.

I went to the IEREIA (Inland Empire) last month and learned a ton from Aaron Mazzrillo who was the keynote speaker.

I might get a guest speaker to speak on a topic that everyone is interested in or would like more info on.

I have guest speakers most months.I am also in a large local REIA that has about 350 people.

It is a small group, not like the large REI groups that have speakers.  

You say you like this speaker but only get occasional one-on-one's with the president, and he is who you sound like you really want to work with. 

It is something I picked up from Alan Cowgill who is a national speaker and private money expert. 

.:...In the meantime, I'm already lined up to attend my first REI meeting on Wednesday so I'll see where it leads......Find out who the speaker is ahead of time, and do some research before attending - that way you will know for sure whether to keep your wallet in your pocket when the line forms at the back of the room.