The four-day convention, which begins in Christchurch tomorrow, will feature top business speakers including Australia and New Zealand's foremost business commentator, Robert Gottliebsen, of Business Spectator and the Eureka Report, sustainability "guru" Rob Gell and "Mr Contiki", John Anderson.
Mr Gell, Australia's leading environmental commentator, will launch First National Australia's new "Becoming Energy Conscious" energy-efficiency package on Friday.
The convention, which brings property professionals together for the purpose of enhancing business acumen, will also see the presentation of both countries' awards for excellence.
Delegates will head to Queenstown on Friday for two days, where former Crusaders coach and current Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will give a keynote address.
First National New Zealand general manager John Stewart said Convention 09 would focus on opportunities resulting from changes in both the market and real estate legislation.
"We see the property market downturn and the November enactment of the tightly prescribed Real Estate Agents Act as a significant juncture for the profession.
"Over the past year, estate agents have embraced the new Act as it has increased professionalism industry-wide.
"Long-term, career-oriented property managers, sales people and business owners all agree that it is a step in the right direction."
Mr Steward said the speakers would demonstrate real estate - like any other business - recognised the positive role it could play in the community and its responsibility to continually improve practices.
First National Australia chief executive Ray Ellis said this was a crucial time to be examining the role of property in the economy.
"With lower housing prices and historically low interest rates making housing affordable for the average consumer, the property market can lead both countries out of the current recession."
