Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani practices his speech during a mic check at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Monday. Photo: Mike Drews.

Getting to a national convention as a spectator is a big deal.

Getting to sit with the delegates is an even bigger deal.

This floor pass gives the bearer permission to sit with the delegates at the Republican National Convention.

Illinois REALTORS® were in prime position Monday night to see opening night speeches at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. The day started with general admission seating at Quicken Loans Arena, which gets you seats in the proverbial rafters, but still inside the venue where all the biggest events take place.

But through some behind-the-scenes work, Illinois REALTORS® President Mike Drews and Doug Carpenter were upgraded from a general election ticket to an alternate delegate pass to a delegate pass so they could sit down on the floor with the rest of the state’s delegation.

The prime vantage point wedged between New Jersey and Virginia gives them clear view of the podium where all the action takes place.

Illinois REALTORS® Greg St. Aubin and Geraldo Rivera.

Meanwhile, REALTORS® met with other members of the state’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Reps. Randy Hultgren, John Shimkus and Rodney Davis.

And reinforcing the fact that you never know who you’ll run into at one of these events, Greg St. Aubin reported a chance encounter with Geraldo Rivera at the hotel. Of course, he immediately took a selfie.

Just another day at the office…