2011 Program

7:00 AM 
REGISTRATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:00 AM
OPENING REMARKS: PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Introduction of the Forum Chairman:
Colin Murray, President, BOMA BC

Forum Chairman:
Gino Nonni, President, Wesgroup Properties

Forum Chairman:
Brian McCauley, President & Chief Operating Officer, Concert Properties Ltd.

8:05 AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS – ECONOMIC OVERVIEW: THE OUTLOOK FOR THE U.S. AND CANADA

Another year has passed and there is still no clear consensus on how the recession and the economy are unfolding in North America. Many feel Canada came through the turbulent times somewhat unscathed but the US faces a much longer and tougher road ahead. Some also feel both Canada and the US may be in for some aftershocks before we see moderate and steady growth. Mr. Burleton will offer his insights and perspectives on the situation and conditions in North America for the next 12-18 months. He will analyze each of the major fundamentals comparatively between Canadian and the US markets, e.g. employment, GDP growth, bank rates, inflation, housing market and other economic drivers.

Derek Burleton

Speaker:
Derek Burleton, Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist (Canada), TD Bank Financial Group

8:30 AM
U.S. AND CANADIAN REAL ESTATE: WHERE IS SMART CAPITAL GOING IN AN IMPROVING ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT? WHERE ARE THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES? IS VANCOUVER STILL ATTRACTIVE?

Where are investors putting their capital in the short and long term? Who are the active buyers and sellers and how do attitudes vary from institutional vs. private and domestic vs. offshore? What trends are impacting local investment potential and confidence? Are the current opportunities in the US good deals or is this the new market? When can the US expect to see growth and see values improve? Reviewing recent global activity and some of the most significant transactions of the past year the panel identifies which property types are “top of mind” and why, providing an outlook for investment activity over the next 12-18 months.

Moderator:
John O’Bryan, Vice Chairman, CB Richard Ellis Ltd.

Panel:
Armin Martens, President & CEO, Artis REIT 
Darren Tangen, CFO, Colony Financial Inc. and Principal, Colony Capital, LLC 
Michael Turner, Senior Vice President, Investments, Oxford Properties 
Richard Weir, Vice President, Bosa Development Corporation

9:20 AM
LEGENDARY SERIES: A PANEL OF LEGENDARY PLAYERS IN THE VANCOUVER MARKET

Looking in the rearview mirror what does the panel of Vancouver icons have to say about the growth of Vancouver over the last 50 years and where do they see the city playing a role on the world map going forward? The legends will share some of their insights including their personal best deal and the one that they would rather not discuss.

Bob Rennie

Michael Audain

Robert Lee

David Podmore

Introductions:
Bob Rennie, Principal, Rennie Marketing Systems

Panel:
Michael Audain, Chairman, Polygon Homes Ltd.
Robert H. Lee, Founder & Chairman, Prospero International Realty Inc.
David Podmore, Chairman & CEO, Concert Properties Ltd.

10:10 AM
MORNING REFRESHMENTS
10:30 AM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (Select A1, A2 or A3)
Session A1:
THE RACE IS ON — WHO WILL BUILD THE NEXT OFFICE BUILDING?

What is the forecast for office space requirements in the downtown core? Currently lease rates are high but so is the demand for functional space. How will the addition of the next office tower affect vacancy rates? Join 4 major Vancouver developers as they highlight their position and how they see the landscape changing in downtown Vancouver.

Moderator:
Bart Corbett, Senior Vice President, Cushman & Wakefield Ltd.

Panel:
Tony Astles, Executive Vice President, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP
David Routledge, Vice President, Real Estate Management West, Oxford Properties Group Inc.
David Negrin, President, Aquilini Development & Construction Inc. 
Jon Stovell, Vice President & CEO, Reliance Holdings Ltd.

Session A2:
LAND & DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY IN VANCOUVER: HOW MUCH IS BEING DRIVEN BY MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT vs. TRADITIONAL ACTIVITY?

The panel discussion will examine the market fundamentals and dynamics driving land acquisition and development in the region. Where are current land values heading for 2011 and beyond? The panel will also debate the pros and cons of TOD (Transit oriented development) as well as the Metro Vancouver land policy. What impact does transportation and the ALR have on land values? Who are the current buyers and sellers of land today? What are the future trends for mixed use development and what are the main complexities of developing mixed use space?

Moderator:
Sandra Cawley, Principal, Burgess Cawley Sullivan & Associates

Panel:
Phil Christie, Vice President, Real Estate, TransLink 
John Conicella, Vice President, Development Strategy and Business Development, Wesgroup Properties 
Michael Geller, B. Arch, MAIBC, FCIP, The Geller Group 
Stephen Knight, President, Sitings Realty Group Ltd.

Session A3:
KELOWNA, WHISTLER, VICTORIA AND OTHER SECONDARY MARKETS: WHO IS BUYING AND WHO IS SELLING?

What are the trends and opportunities in some of these secondary marketplaces in BC? Some have suggested prices are off considerably in some areas. Are good opportunities available again or are today’s prices the new norm? Where is consumer confidence today with respect to recreational property? When will the market come back in places like Kelowna, Whistler and Victoria? Who are the players today and who is active? What creative opportunities exist for developers and investors?

Moderator:
Bob Tattle, Vice President, Business Development, Anthem Properties

Panel:
Bob Glass, Partner, MacDonald Development Corp.
Ward McAllister, President & CEO, Ledingham McAllister Properties Ltd.
Drew Meredith, Founder, Whistler Real Estate Co. Ltd.
Michel Tremblay, Managing Broker, Okanagan & Revelstoke, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
Andrew Turner, President, Invermay Real Estate Advisors

11:35 AM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (Select B1, B2 or B3)
Session B1:
MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL MARKET: WHERE ARE THE VALUES AND WHERE ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?

The residential real estate market has been a hot topic for many Vancouverites for the past few years. What is the story with the market, where has it been and where is it headed? Will interest rates play a role in what happens with the market over the next 5 years? Listen to a panel of residential experts discuss trends and their forecasts moving forward.

Moderator:
Cameron Muir, Chief Economist, BC Real Estate Association

Panel:
Ralph Archibald, Senior Vice President, Polygon Homes Ltd. 
John Lynch, Manager, Business Development, Multi-unit Housing, CMHC BC Region
Chris Philps, President, Fairborne Homes Ltd.
Jennifer Podmore Russell, Real Estate Advisory Leader, Deloitte

Session B2:
IS THE CONSUMER BACK WITH A VENGEANCE? HOW ARE U.S. RETAILERS IMPACTING THE VANCOUVER RETAIL SCENE?

How are retailers performing in the current economy? As shoppers become more discerning, could multiple sales platforms become the new normal in retail? What creativity and innovation can owners of retail space use to remain the most relevant attraction for the consumer? Hear a panel of retail executives share their insights into the evolution of retail. They will discuss trends in retail today, lease rates, impact of US retailers, trends in consumers and online shopping.

Moderator:
Mark Startup, President & CEO, Shelfspace – The Association for Retail Entrepreneurs

Panel:
Rick Amantea, Vice President, Park Royal Shopping Centre 
Terese Cairns, Associate Vice President, Retail Properties Group, CB Richard Ellis Ltd. 
Scott Lee, Principal, Northwest Atlantic (Canada) Inc.
Darryl Schmidt, Vice President, National Leasing, Western Portfolio, The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited

Session B3:
HOW IS THE BROKERAGE BUSINESS CHANGING?

Hear a panel of managing brokers discuss all asset classes for Vancouver and the surrounding area. How has the business changed over the last 10 years and what are clients expecting today? How are brokerage firms managing the growing international exposure and interest in Vancouver? The panel will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the market – and they don’t all agree on the sectors going forward. This session will open up to the audience for attendee interaction.

Moderator:
Remco Daal, President & CEO, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP

Panel:
Ron Bagan, Managing Director, Colliers International
Mark Hannah, Managing Director, Avison Young Canada Inc.
Mark Renzoni, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, CB Richard Ellis Ltd.
Hendrik Zessel, Senior Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield Ltd.

12:30 PM
RECEPTION

LUNCHEON

1:45 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (Select C1, C2 or C3)
Session C1:
BRANDING BUILDINGS BETTER: SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT

The world of real estate marketing is at a tipping point. From the old days when a few print ads, a brochure and some hoarding was all it took to create a line-up of buyers on opening day, to the new world where social media, digital media, and traditional media must be combined and filled with journalism-style stories to earn a prospect registration, the entire rule book has been re-written. How can you play-to-win in this new arena? How can you use new and old media to your advantage? How can you make sure your real estate development is getting noticed by the right prospects?

Ever since the recession, a “new normal” has been the hallmark of success. This session will provide concrete, tangible steps you can take back to the office and apply immediately to your marketing efforts, and a timely perspective on the new realities of new home marketing. Whether you are building residential urban towers, master-planned communities, suburban town homes or recreational offerings, you’ll leave this session with great ideas that can help you succeed.

Speaker:
David Allison, Co-Founder & President, Braun/Allison Inc.

Session C2:
THE OUTLOOK FOR THE INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET IN THE YEARS AHEAD

What will be the greatest sources of demand for this space? How strong is investor interest in this class? How much new industrial development is underway? Where do vacancy rates stand currently and what is the forecast for 2011-12? Has the softening economy over the last couple of years affected the price of land and the cost of construction or have prices started to rise again? The panel will also discuss the Government impact on the industrial land reserve on values and approval process.

Moderator:
Todd Yuen, Vice President, Industrial Development, The Beedie Group

Panel:
Ron Emerson, President, Emerson Real Estate Group Inc.
Jarvis Rouillard, Director of Developments and Acquisitions, Tonko Realty Advisors Ltd.
Andrew Tong, Senior Vice President, Aquisitions & Dispositions, Concert Properties Ltd.
Sean Ungemach, Senior Vice President, Industrial, Cushman & Wakefield Ltd.

Session C3:
HAS THE APARTMENT MARKET OUT-PERFORMED ALL OTHER REAL ESTATE ASSET CLASSES? WILL THIS CONTINUE TO BE THE STORY?

 

Many may suggest that the staple of any well-diversified real estate portfolio today is still the multi-family market. Investor confidence in this sector continues to attract funds from a broad range of investors. CMHC mortgage insurance has had a significant ongoing impact on the cost and availability of debt capital for financing apartment properties. The predictable yields and strong cash flows continue to keep this sector as the one of the most reliable of all the real estate asset classes. Why does this continue to be the case? How are occupancy rates in major markets across the country? Which cities are performing the best? Where are cap rates at this time and what direction are they likely to take in 2011? Is the condominium market making a competitive impact on apartments by either by offering alternative rental units at very competitive rates or by converting renters into homeowners in Toronto, Vancouver and several other cities?

Moderator:
Derek Lobo, CEO, ROCK Apartment Advisors Inc.

Panel:
Rob Greer, Principal, Avison Young Canada Inc.
Mark Kenney, Chief Operating Officer, CAPREIT
Brian McCauley, President, Concert Properties Ltd.
Phil Milroy, President, Westcorp Inc.

2:50 AM
AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
3:00 PM
FINAL COMMENTS ON THE RISKS, TRENDS, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT 12-24 MONTHS

Summarizing the broad range of issues raised during today’s conference and current economic challenges, a panel of well respected senior real estate executives will share their final insights and perspectives on what they believe are the most critical issues and market trends facing their business plans and the industry in general over the next year.

Moderator:
Gino Nonni, President, Wesgroup Properties

Panel:
Avtar Bains, Executive Vice President, National Investment Team, Colliers International
Andrew Bibby, President & CEO, Grosvenor Americas
Michael Cooper, Vice Chairman & CEO, Dundee Real Estate Management
Jon Love, Managing Partner, KingSett Capital

4:00 PM
CLOSING COMMENTS
4:00 PM
CHAIRMAN’S RECEPTION