FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, October 28, 2009 An international gathering of luxury property experts met in September for the 14th Annual Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference presented by LuxuryRealEstate.com in Vail, Colorado. At the event, Kelly Drum of Drum Realty in Fort Lauderdale was honored with the prestigious award for Most Innovative Marketing Technique. Drum Realty won the award for providing a unique marriage of marketing high-end luxury waterfront properties combined with the Drum family's position as a leader in the recreational boating and marine industry of South Florida. Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate is the world's peak real estate body whose award ceremony is akin to the Academy Awards in the world of show business. In winning the award, Drum was selected ahead of more than 5000 real estate offices and over 80,000 agents from more than 100 countries around the world. As co-owner of the landmark Lauderdale Marina (est. 1948), located on SE 15th Street and the Intracoastal Waterway, Kelly Drum has combined his extensive marine and yachting background with an unparalleled expertise in the marketing of luxury real estate. This unique arsenal of connections is the basis for receiving the award. Since 1953, Drum Realty has continued to find new avenues for the sale and promotion of waterfront properties along the banks of New River, the Intracoastal Waterway and neighboring waterways throughout the finest neighborhoods in the city. A cruise down historic New River, for instance, tells much of the story. Despite the recent economic downturn in the US economy, the sale of luxury waterfront properties by Kelly Drum has boomed. Drum Realty's sales have increased over the past several years to include over $100 million in residential properties sold and presently for sale, with many exclusively-listed point lot estates along New River. Kelly Drum's grandfather is Robert O. Cox, former mayor of Fort Lauderdale (1986-1991), the founder of Lauderdale Marina, founder of the Marine Industry Association of South Florida, and also co-founder of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show which is now known as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show being held this year between October 29 - November 2. These strong familial and business ties to the recreational boating and marine industry are what make Drum Realty stand out from the competition. Their offices are actually located within the family's marina. With multi-million-dollar residences being marketed to yachtsmen worldwide, the connection is quite natural. Each of the homes presented by Drum Realty provide ample dockage for large vessels. Furthermore, the tie-in with the annual Boat Show is also among Drum's strong suits, particularly notable this year as the event celebrates its 50th Anniversary. About Drum Realty Drum family business holdings include Drum Realty (est. 1953), Lauderdale Marina (est. 1948), a Boston Whaler and Pursuit boat dealership, a Boston Whaler boat rental company, Yacht Auction Group, the 15th Street Fisheries historic seafood restaurant at the marina, Boathouse of Fort Lauderdale offering covered slips for mega-yachts, and a large waterfront commercial property situated in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's bustling marine mecca.