I’ve been thinking a lot about a question a real estate professional asked me at the recent Innovation, Opportunity and Investment Summit presented by the National Association of REALTORS® in Chicago.

The annual tech event had a definitive AI focus, and a fellow attendee asked me, “How do people in the content industry view artificial intelligence?” I can’t speak for an entire industry, of course, but I told him the pros and cons are no different from what I hear from those in real estate. AI is an incredible tool to improve efficiency, but it won’t work effectively without a human being to guide it, and it will never replace face-to-face interaction with sources/clients.

One of the lasting memories of the conference for me was a comment from Likely.AI CEO Brad McDaniel, who encouraged every real estate professional, even those who might struggle with new tech, to start learning AI now. “No matter how old you are, you always wish you started sooner, and today is the youngest you’ll ever be,” he said.

With that in mind, we delve into AI this month in our cover story, featuring tips from Laura Fitzpatrick of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, Justin Greenberg from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Tony Mattar at COMPASS.

Also this month, Linda Hattar and Keisha Williams of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Chicago raised an interesting question: What is a man’s role in the WCR? Find out in their guest column.

Be sure to check out our photo spread from the Chicagoland Who’s Who in Residential Real Estate party, held a few weeks ago at 850 Lake Shore Drive. It’s our biggest bash of the year, and the location was phenomenal. I’m still reminiscing about those rooftop views. Thanks to everyone who showed up and showed out!