Introduction of the Conference Chair: 
Tara Steell, Development Manager to Brookfield Residential & President-Elect, CREW Calgary

Conference Chair:
Paul Skeans, Senior Vice President, Dream Office REIT

The dramatic fall in crude oil prices over the last 12-months has created a great deal of anxiety and change in Calgary’s market. Hear from one of Canada’s leading oil and gas analysts for a review of what led to the collapse, what it means and what the next 24 months could look like. How will oil and gas companies respond to recent economic developments around the world? Is Alberta heading for a recession and what does that mean? Is the drop in oil part of a cycle? How does this time compare to previous price drops?

Speaker:
Randy Ollenberger, Managing Director, Oil & Gas Equity Research, BMO Capital Markets

As recently as late 2014, Alberta was the fastest growing economy in the country with predictions from economists that this trend would continue. With the decline in the price of oil most are predicting Alberta to fall behind Central Canada & B.C. and some are predicting a possible recession. For seasoned members of the real estate industry in Alberta this is par for the course – in Calgary’s cyclical market, but for others it feels catastrophic. What tools can be applied to survive a tough economy? What lessons can be learned? What makes this time different – or perhaps not so different?

Moderator:
Alex Wong, Executive Vice President, Avison Young

Panel:
Scott Hutcheson, Chairman, Aspen Properties
Jennette Leyland, Vice President of Leasing, H&R REIT
Paul Vander Schaaf, Vice President, Industrial, KingSett Capital

As the reality that the price of oil has in fact had a big impact on Calgary’s economy, this session will discuss ways in which to manage potential tenant bankruptcy and insolvency of the lease, dealing with a receiver, and recent case law that addresses these issues. What are the latest concerns in tenant default remedies? Does the landlord have the right to cancel the lease? Does the tenant? What about the trustee? What happens to the letters of credit, deposits and guarantees when the tenant goes bankrupt or seeks the protection of insolvency laws? How can lease provisions manage sublease activity without unduly penalizing the tenant? When can the landlord’s consent be reasonably withheld?

Moderator:
Kendra Pinder, Principal, Cresa

Panel:
Greg Liakopolous, Partner, Bennett Jones
Jeff Oliver, Partner, Gowlings
David Simpson, General Manager, Oxford Properties

Not all business has come to halt, however in a challenging market tenants demands and expectations often change. Balancing cost conscious and focus on lease flexibility more than ever, while trying to maximize rents and occupancy can be a delicate balancing act. This session will examine key strategies and techniques that landlords, tenants, lawyers and brokers should consider in negotiating a lease in a tenant driven market. Will tenants trade-up into space they are not naturally suited for over the long term? What sections of the lease are open for negotiation? What is the ideal timing for renewing leases in the current market? What are the typical discussion points that will be difficult, and what are the issues that should be easily resolvable?

Moderator:
Sean McCullough, Executive Vice President, Strategic Group

Panel:
Irene Au, Vice President, Leasing, Dream Office Management Corp.
Kevin Keyes, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Shannon Potter, Director, Leasing, Morguard Investment Limited
Cody Watson, Associate, Colliers International

As vacancies increase, what strategies and best practices should be applied in these market conditions? What tools can be used to market vacant and soon-to-be vacant space? Are landlords keen to “extend and blend” and to renew tenant leases for as long as possible while tenants are seeking much shorter terms? What’s the best way to get a deal signed, sealed and delivered in a challenging market? Do short term leases save money or create more hassle down the road? This panel will tackle key points that all brokers should understand to market, negotiate and close deals in what is a changing market.

Moderator:
Paul Skeans, Senior Vice President, Dream Office REIT

Panel:
Cody Clayton, President, Remington Development Corporation
Greg Guatto, President & CEO, Aspen Properties
Greg Kwong, Regional Managing Director, CBRE Limited
Steve Smith, Managing Director, Western Canada, Manulife Real Estate