Speakers
We are working on finalizing the list of conference speakers. Please check our website regularly for updates and speaker information.
Forecast Breakfast Keynote Speaker
Jeremy Gutsche
Founder, TrendHunter.comJeremy Gutsche is the founder of TrendHunter.com, the world's largest network for trend spotting and innovation. An expert in innovation and a maverick speaker, at age 28, he was one of Capital One's youngest business directors and innovation leads. With a relentless focus on innovation, he led his team to grow a $1 billion portfolio of market leading products.
Mr. Gutsche studied innovation at Stanford University and holds an MBA from Queen's University. He is a chartered financial analyst and a former management consultant. Mr. Gutsche has been described as "a new breed of trend spotter" by The Guardian, "an eagle eye" by Global TV and "on the forefront of cool" by MTV.
Mr. Gutsche recently published a new book "Exploiting Chaos – 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change", an eye-catching visual book filled with colourful stories and rebellious ideas. Already named one of CEO Read's '2009 Books to Watch', the English version is now available in bookstores.
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Session Speakers
Heather Bonnycastle
Lawyer, McLeod & Company LLPMs. Bonnycastle's practice has concentrated primarily in multi-family development and condominium work. Her practice also includes general real estate matters. Ms. Bonnycastle received her Bachelor of Laws Degree in 1971 from the University of Alberta and practiced in Edmonton for two years prior to moving to England for two years. In 1975 she received her Master of Laws Degree from the University of London, England and returned to law practice in Calgary in 1975. Ms. Bonnycastle has practiced law in Calgary since 1975 and in October, 2007, joined McLeod & Company LLP. She received her Queens Counsel designation in 1996 from the Province of Alberta.
Ms. Bonnycastle is a past Associate Editor of the Alberta Law Review (University of Alberta), Past Chairman of the Wills and Trusts Subsection of the Canadian Bar Association, Professional Associate of the Canadian Condominium Institute and an honorary director of the Board of Directors, South Alberta Chapter of that Institute. She was a Sessional Instructor with the University of Calgary, Faculty of Law for Real Estate Law for the Fall Term, 1995. Ms. Bonnycastle has also lectured frequently at legal, bar admission and business seminars.
Amy Chorew
National Speaker & Trainer on Technology Trends and StrategiesAn exciting leader in real estate training, Amy Chorew has been teaching REALTORS® to use technology for over 15 years. As an experienced salesperson and successful marketing director for some of Connecticut's most prestigious brokerages, Ms. Chorew puts her talents to use by creating fun learning environments. Ms. Chorew's straightforward approach to education is backed by real field experience that brokers and agents appreciate as they learn new technology skills.
As a widely respected and approved instructor in many states, Ms. Chorew teaches a variety of CE, GRI and skill-development courses for REALTOR® Associations and large brokerages internationally. Ms. Chorew's skills and credentials include social media marketing, web communications, and much more.
Jim Dewald, B.Sc., P.Eng., MBA, PhD
Associate Dean, Haskayne School of Business, University of CalgaryJim Dewald is Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) of the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. He holds a PhD (Strategy) from the University of Calgary, and B.Sc. (Civil Engineering) and MBA (Organization Theory) degrees from the University of Alberta.
Prior to pursuing an academic career, Dr. Dewald held many senior management positions, including associate vice-president, Carma Developers Ltd.; president & CEO, Walker Newby & Partners Inc.; president & CEO, Hopewell Residential Communities Inc.; president & CEO, StoneCreek Properties Inc.; and managing partner, Peters- Dewald Land Company Inc.
Dr. Dewald has been on many private and public boards, he is currently the lead trustee of Boardwalk REIT, director of the Real Estate Development Institute, and a board member of Alberta Global Forum.
Dr. Dewald has several published academic articles to his credit, along with two book chapters, and two published books. He is frequently interviewed for news stories and was the Calgary Eyeopener (CBC Radio) real estate columnist for several years.
Don Dickson
Manager, Business Practices, CREB®Originally recruited by the 4th largest Real Estate board in Canada, served as a member of the board, and was subsequently appointed to oversee the overall business practice including defining the regulatory standards for a board with 5400 members.
Visionary advocate and strategist with 35+ years of verifiable leadership success in one of the largest trade associations in Canada, including experience defining the regulatory framework for the CREB® as Manager of Business Practices. Designs, shapes, influences, and champions standards, legislation, policies, and codes of ethics that have fundamentally shaped the regulatory and business landscape of Real Estate practice in Calgary. Instrumental in improving member confidence and protection while reducing barriers to trade. Brings a blend of strategic and tactical planning talents to translate business visions and missions into detailed action plans that provide measurable results and deliverables. Draws on thorough understanding of Real Estate best practices in process design and continuous improvement to ensure that individuals & corporations derive maximum benefit from their membership.
Charles Drouin
Director of Business Development, Prospects SoftwareCharles Drouin drives Prospects' leadership vision and since founding the business in 1999, and has shaped the company's direction and strategy.
Mr Drouin brings a passion for developing solutions to help real estate agents succeed, while facilitating their lives. Mr Drouin continues to lead Prospect's North American expansion through the development of innovative, customer-focused features and commitment to customer service.
Mr. Drouin is an established salesman and has a successful track record in creating and growing game-changing sales strategies while working major national accounts for Nokia and Rogers.
Bill Fowler
Director of Industry and Government Relations, Alberta Real Estate AssociationBill Fowler began his real estate career as an agent for J. Ross Real Estate Ltd. in High River. Mr Fowler then started up CREB®'s Rural Division and later became the board's Commercial Real Estate and Facilities manager. Mr Fowler has been with AREA since September 2006.
Todd Hirsch
Senior Economist, ATB FinancialTodd Hirsch received his BA Honors in Economics from the University of Alberta, and an MA in Economics from the University of Calgary.
Since completing his education in 2003, he has held a series of economist positions at a variety of for-profit and public sector organizations, including the Canada West Foundation, Canadian Pacific Railway, and Bank of Canada.
Mr. Hirsch joined ATB Financial in May 2007 as senior economist where he provides economic information and intelligence to the various lines of business. He also tracks current developments in Alberta's and North America's economy and delivers presentations to both internal and external audiences.
Mr. Hirsch appears regularly as an economic commentator on CBC radio, various TV programs, and in the press. He also teaches two economics courses at the University of Calgary, acts as a mentor for the Economics Society of Calgary’s student mentorship program, and serves on the board of directors of the Calgary Arts Academy.
Elizabeth Huculak
Principal and Founder of E. Huculak Consulting ServicesMs. Huculak's company provides expert consulting services in business start-up, strategic and market analysis, strategic advice and business planning, and development proposals for clients in housing, financial services, non-profit services and academia.
Ms. Huculak is also partner and founder of E5 Projects, a private non-profit development company engaged in the research and adoption of innovation in energy efficiency and affordability in residential development. E5 Projects created and now shares models, concepts, processes and tools with industry and the community. The company will build, train or provide services to industry or consumers to facilitate the industry transformation. Projects will be conducted on a business like, revenue generating manner, where at, or near market returns on investment are distributed back to investors in the specific projects or reinvested in future projects.
Ms. Huculak has built her business on over 25 years of experience in senior and executive positions in private and public sector businesses. Ms. Huculak is former general manager of CMHC-Prairies and Territories, general manager-Homes by Avi Calgary; and, vice-president strategy and HR-Jayman Masterbuilt.
Ms Huculak is a graduate of the University of Alberta and lives in Calgary with her husband, Terry, and their 2 sons.
Warren Jestin, Ph.D.
Senior Vice-President & Chief Economist, ScotiabankDr. Jestin is Scotiabank's chief economist and has been with the bank for 31 years. He also has worked at Bank of Canada and taught at several Canadian universities. Dr. Jestin is on advisory boards for the University of Guelph Heritage Fund and the Sobey School of Business at Mary’s University. He has served on the C.D. Howe Institute's Monetary Policy Council and has been involved with policy committees of the Canadian and Ontario Chambers of Commerce and the Toronto Board of Trade. Dr. Jestin also has served on the Board of Markham-Stouffville Hospital Foundation. As chair of Scotiabank's Sponsorship and Donations Committee, Dr. Jestin works closely with a wide variety of charitable institutions.
Gregory Klump
Chief Economist, The Canadian Real Estate AssociationMr. Klump has been Chief Economist of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) since 2005. Mr. Klump is also a member of the National Housing Research Committee, a group organized by Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC); and a contributor to the Economic Research Committee of the Canadian Homebuilders Association. In summary, Mr. Klump knows the economics of Canada's housing market. Mr. Klump's analysis and forecasts for the Canadian resale housing market are covered on a regular basis by news media across Canada.
Mr. Klump joined CREA in 1992, and has also served as both senior and staff economist for the Association. Prior to joining CREA, Mr. Klump was a Market Analyst in the national office of Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC). Mr. Klump started his career as an economist at the Institute for Research on Public Policy before joining the National Liberal Caucus Research Bureau as a Policy Analyst when Jean Chretien was the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Klump has a graduate degree in economics from Carleton University in Ottawa.
Monica E. Kohlhammer
President and Senior Consultant, MK Strategy Group Inc.Ms. Kohlhammer's desire to make a difference in organizations and in society led her to establish MK Strategy Group, Inc. in 2000. To this strong commitment, she brings her exceptional abilities as an energetic team leader, insightful strategic thinker and inspiring community developer. She is passionate for creative thought.
With more than 25 years of experience including senior management positions, Ms. Kohlhammer has demonstrated expertise in administration, planning and evaluation across a broad spectrum of community and social service programs, health and wellness systems, business environments and the community at large.
The entrepreneurial spirit that led her to establish MK Strategy Group, Inc. is reflected in her work with clients. She thrives on listening and understanding, outside-the-box thinking, and energizing others. She and the Group are dedicated to providing custom work and quality outcomes.
Adam Legge
Vice President and Chief Economist, Research, Workforce and Strategy, Calgary Economic DevelopmentAdam Legge joined Calgary Economic Development, (CED) in 2004, and now oversees the research, workforce development, and creative industries activities of the company. Mr. Legge regularly delivers analyses on the local economy, including an annual Economic Outlook, and two semi-annual State of the Economy reports (done in partnership with the Calgary Herald). Mr. Legge also served as project manager for the City of Calgary Economic Development Strategy.
Mr. Legge participates in a variety of community-based initiatives supporting economic development including AlbertaFirst.com, the imagineCALGARY Partnership, and the Calgary Regional Partnership. Mr. Legge serves on the board of directors for WordFest and the TELUS Calgary Community, and is the chair of the United Way's Economic Well Being Committee.
Mr. Legge holds a Master of Environmental Design in Planning from the University of Calgary, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Urban Land Economics from the University of British Columbia. Prior to joining CED, Mr. Legge worked in the Real Estate Advisory Services practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he provided consulting services to clients in the areas of economic development, real estate, land-use availability and growth. He is a full member of Canadian Institute of Planners.
Greg Luedtke
REALTOR® and Condo Specialist, Rolex Real Estate Ltd.Mr. Luedtke has been actively involved in the real estate industry in Calgary for the past 35 years, and is currently the broker / owner of Rolex Real Estate Ltd. A past president and Honorary Life Member of the Calgary Real Estate Board, a past director of the Alberta Real Estate Association and currently a member of the Real Estate Insurance Exchange's Advisory Board. Mr. Luedtke's passion is training and delevery of numerous courses for all levels of organized real estate through private company seminars. He has been active in condominium sales from the beginning of his career and facilitates numerous courses on condominiums. Mr. Luedtke has also written a series of articles on condominiums for CREN®.
Lou Pesta
Lawyer, Walsh Wilkins Creighton LLPLou Pesta has over 25 years experience of helping clients with their real estate and mortgage transactions.
In addition to a busy practice with Walsh Wilkins Creighton LLP, Mr. Pesta is legal counsel to Alberta Real Estate Association's (AREA) Forms & Practice Committee, instructs law classes for AREA, and provides professional development for AREA and the Calgary and Edmonton real estate boards.
Mr. Pesta is an active member of the Real Property Section of the Canadian Bar Association, a frequent contributor to continuing education seminars of the Legal Education Society and an Editorial Board member for the Alberta Residential Conveyancing Guide. Mr Pesta was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1996.
Dave Nicholson
REALTOR® Re/Max House of Real EstateSince becoming a REALTOR® in 1996, Mr. Nicholson has always prided himself on being at the top of the technology pile. Mr. Nicholson's commitment to using technology to better serve his clientele is unparalleled. A Top Producer in his office for years, Mr. Nicholson has proven that working smarter, not harder, allow you to reach your full potential yet still have time for yourself and your family. Since 2007 Mr. Nicholson has been a Technology Instructor with the Calgary Real Estate Board.
Iris Talbot
REALTOR® Re/Max Real Estate Central and Public Speaking CoachIris Talbot is a successful REALTOR® with Re/Max Real Estate Central. Ms. Talbot started her career in Real Estate in 1991 and currently serves as the president of the Critical Illness Benefit Society (CIBS). Ms. Talbot also served for two and a half years as the host of "The Real Estate Show," a weekly radio show sponsored by the Calgary Real Estate Board.
Ms. Talbot is one of the founding members and past president of CREBTALKERS, a Toastmasters club created in October 2006 at CREB® to encourage Calgary REALTORS® to develop their public speaking and leadership abilities. Ms. Talbot currently serves as the area governor of "C 5" for Division 42 Toastmasters in Calgary.
As a Toastmaster, Ms. Talbot has used her improved communication skills in every area of her life. Ms. Talbot believes that communication is never an option. It is the foundation necessary for all relationships and successful businesses. Ms. Talbot is committed to helping others find their voice and grow as competent real estate professionals.
Ron Thibeault
LeClaire Thibeault Barrister & SolicitorsAs a graduate of Dalhousie University's combined MBA/Law program Mr. Thibeault brings a commonsense, business approach to the practice of real estate conveyance and law. Practicing almost exclusively in the area of real estate since 1993, Mr. Thibeault joined forces with Bill LeClair in 2001 to form LeClair Thibeault. Mr. Thibeault has spoken to a number of trade-related and to industry-specific groups on a number of current and topical issues. With a particular interest in technology and how it can and will affect real estate conveyance, Mr. Thibeault has been actively involved in the development of real estate related software and in the development of information media to assist clients and agents through the real estate conveyance process.
Ian Watt
REALTOR®, Ian Watt Personal Real Estate CorporationMr. Watt is internationally recognized as one of the leaders in real estate marketing and is ranked in the top 1% of 9,400 REALTORS® in the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board.
Specializing in luxury condominiums in Vancouver, Mr. Watt has a thorough knowledge of Yaletown, Coal Harbour and Downtown's new urban markets. As a leader in marketing Vancouver's most luxurious condominiums, Mr. Watt has achieved unparalleled success due to a focused digital marketing plan, a powerful "organic" web presence, and an unmatched level of traditional customer service.
A member of the Medallion Club (Top 10% of All Realtors in Greater Vancouver) since his first year of real estate, Mr. Watt has gradually taken his business to another level. Mr. Watt was nominated for 2006 Realtor of the Year throughout the Century 21 system, and in 2008 Inman News Agency in the United States ranked www.ianwatt.ca as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Blog Sites Globally.
Mr. Watt has been featured in the New York Times, Inc. Magazine, The Vancouver Sun, The Province, 24 Hours, Inman News, Better Homes and Gardens and The Future of Real Estate Marketing. He has appeared on Global TV, CBC Television, CityTV, Inman News, REM Real Estate Marketing, Business in Vancouver, and various other web, print and radio programs.
Mr. Watt has spoken about internet marketing to real estate professionals and other small business professionals throughout Greater Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, San Francisco and New York. Furthermore, Mr. Watt consults for a number of real estate related product and service companies throughout the world.
Bernice Winter
C.E.O. of Condo-CheckMs. Winter is currently the founder and owner of Condominium Support Services Inc. (Operating as Condo-Check), whose mission is to provide perspective, expertise and experience in assisting with the evaluation and review of the operation and function of a condominium corporation through, examining their documents. Condo-Check representatives assess the condition of the capital items and the financial viability of a condominium corporation for the discriminating condominium buyer, seller or lender. Ms. Winter currently advises both CREB® and AREA on matters relating to condominiums.
Ms. Winter is also a licensed instructor with RECA, Appraisal Associate of Alberta, and ARTI and undertakes writing, marketing and presenting seminars on condominiums. Ms. Winter She has also written a series of seminars called "Mind Your Life", and published the book "10 secrets to Surviving Life in a Condominium – live the dream, not the nightmare", as well as featuring as a writer for both The Calgary Herald and CREN®.
Ms. Winter has been on committees and the board of managers for many institutes including The National Education Committee, The National Board of the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI), and the joint CMHC-CCI task force. Ms. Winter is the recipient of the ACCI designation, the FCCI award – the highest honor available for achievement in Condominium in Canada, and in 2002 was awarded "Woman of Vision distinction in Calgary".