Celebrating 60 Years of Professionalism

By Eugene Korneluk, CPM®

Gorgeous Vancouver served as this year’s backdrop to REIC’s 2015 Annual Conference and AGM, Celebrating 60 Years of Professionalism. Streamlined into a new three-day format, the event was packed with workshops, speakers, networking, knowledge exchange, and fun.

Building strong chapters was the topic at the IREM Chapter Best Practices workshop led by IREM President-elect Chris Mellen, CPM®. The session included a panel discussion on successful chapter initiatives. We heard about the Saskatchewan Chapter’s use of webinar technology to overcome travel cost funding restrictions that have affected members and consequently chapter events; the Manitoba Chapter’s successful annual Forecast Luncheon which draws over 230 guests and generates $6,500 in profit; and the Toronto Chapter’s Industry Leader Series which brings in big-name industry executives to talk about their leadership and career successes.

Successful leaders are those that skillfully manage people, not tasks. The IREM Leadership workshop identified sixteen core leadership competencies and key behaviours that real estate industry professionals need to master to be effective leaders. Workshop leader, IREM Past President Joe Greenblatt, CPM also provided insight into what it takes to be a good leader and how to get started on the leadership development journey.

The conference provided attendees with opportunities to share information, and regional news and updates at a Sector Roundtable session (where members broke into groups by designation) and at Chapter Chat Live.

We were entertained, motivated and inspired by keynote speaker Ryan Walter. A former NHL player and coach for over 25 years, Ryan shared his secret to success. He described how channelling your emotional energy to fuel your passion can bring incredible results. Ryan encouraged us to frame-in what you want more of and frame out what you want less of. We were thrilled when Ryan let us try on his Stanley Cup ring. Of course it was too big for most of us!

Real estate investment forecaster, Ozzy Jurock, FRI, provided us with the ins and outs of real estate investing and market forecasts. Ozzie’s position is that the flow of foreign investors to Canada and rising immigration are pushing up demand, process and inflation. He also entertained us with stories of his own investment journey. Social media guru Rebecca Mountain covered the four pillars of social media for building your business. There’s no denying that social media has become an essential business tool.

At the Annual General Meeting the new 2015-2016 National Board of Directors was sworn in. We were given a preview of a new REIC video reminding REIC members that we are part of a trusted referral network that crosses geographic regions and all real estate sectors. We can use our network for information sharing and business referrals to advance our business / careers. Everyone was encouraged to update their online profile at REIC with pictures and professional details.

The conference provided many opportunities to informally network with fellow attendees at breaks, dinners, and lunches. The main social event included a trip to the top of Grouse Mountain and a ride on the gondola that gave us spectacular views of Vancouver. Delegates enjoyed free time to walk and tour the many attractions on this popular tourist destination. We also marked REIC’s 60th anniversary at a reception atop the mountain with refreshments and a fun quiz on REIC’s history. Winson Chan, FRI, won the prize for getting the most right answers!

We dressed up and put on the glitz for the REIC Pursuit of Excellence Awards gala on the last night of the conference. Formal attire and jewels complemented the diamond anniversary theme. The awards gala was hosted by Kate Gajdosik of Global News TV who was both gracious and entertaining. Congratulations to all the award recipients. You make me proud to be an REIC member.

Vancouver and the conference may be miles away now but the learning and connections we made live on. I’ve already marked my calendar for next year’s annual conference taking place in Ottawa June 7-9, 2016. Mark your calendars too! •