In its centennial year, BOMA Toronto (Building Owners and Managers Association) will celebrate industry accomplishments and showcase its vibrant home city as the host of BOMEX, BOMA Canada’s national conference. The two-day event, September 27-28, will focus on excellence in Canadian commercial real estate with a leading-edge educational program, tours of iconic Toronto landmarks and awards to recognize Canada’s top buildings and owner/manager teams for 2017.
“We are very proud to host BOMEX 2017 in Toronto as we celebrate our 100th anniversary as the second largest BOMA association in the world, and one of the most influential driving forces in Canada’s commercial real estate industry,” says BOMA Toronto president and CEO, Susan Allen. “BOMA Toronto has crafted a conference that will inform, inspire and connect you. It provides a high value proposition for you and all your team members, from emerging leaders, to seasoned industry professionals.”
As always, the 27th edition of BOMEX will provide ample opportunities for professionals from across the country to brainstorm on critical industry issues, network, share experiences and have some fun. This year’s conference introduces a streamlined day-and-a-half agenda beginning with Wednesday’s building tours and opening night party and moving into Thursday’s intensive immersion in best practices and performances.
Prominent senior real estate executives will set the tone for the day in a kick-off interactive conversation about key influences — both physical and human — that drive value for their multi-billion-dollar portfolios. Michael Brooks, CEO of REALPAC, will prompt the discussion before turning it over to attendees for an open-mic Q&A.
Keynote luncheon speaker, Mark Shapiro, president and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, reinforces the BOMEX message with his midday address, Building a High-Performance Culture. Meanwhile, four overarching themes create the framework for this year’s education program, which will tackle some big-picture concepts and drill down to many of the finer details of building operations and management.
Delegates can choose from a pool of 16 seminars in total, presented in concurrent streams addressing: Smart and Connected; Real Performance; Risks and Opportunities; and The People Connection. Panels drawn from BOMA’s knowledgeable, multidisciplinary membership and visiting experts will provide informed perspective on new trends and ongoing concerns that drive asset value and affect buildings and the enterprises they accommodate.
Noted featured speakers include Stephen Selkowitz, a senior advisor with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, who will discuss how the Internet of Things is revolutionizing property management; and Alex K. Lam, Director, Global Development, with Aviemore, who will outline strategies for identifying, nurturing and effectively deploying the interplay of personalities on a property management team. Other sessions offer primers on: leveraging data analytics, real-time monitoring and standby generators; heightening cyber-vigilance; preparedness for severe weather and disruptive events; and real estate law.
Off-site activities showcase some of Toronto’s dynamic venues, as well as prized properties in the portfolios of BOMA Toronto members. There are three options for Wednesday’s building tours. Delegates can take a closer look at historic properties repurposed for the 21st century, premier entertainment facilities or the city’s burgeoning new office district south of the traditional financial core. From there, the opening night party will unfold swimmingly at Ripley’s Aquarium, where networking delegates can enjoy a colourful backdrop of sea and freshwater creatures.
BOMEX 2017 closes with the annual BOMA Canada National Awards Gala, set for the venerable Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Ben and Jessica Mulroney will act as co-hosts, as the TOBY, Earth, Pinnacle and President’s Awards are presented.
“Whether you’re interested in expanding your network, enhancing your skills and knowledge in the latest industry trends and practices, or celebrating with your team on the national awards stage, BOMEX 2017 will provide some truly valuable insights, experiences and opportunities to connect, engage and improve your business,” Allen says.
