Tuesday, October 29, 2024Tuesday, 29 October 2024 - MT (Mountain Time, GMT-07:00)

Sponsor: Haskayne School of Business | University of Calgary

Amid a lagging national economy, Alberta’s story is a brighter light. With steady population growth and a stable oil and gas market, the province’s economy is expected to outpace most other provinces this year.

Join us for an important update on Calgary and Alberta’s outlook for 2024 and beyond that will cover key economic fundamentals such as GDP, employment growth, inflation, interest rates, and immigration. Discover how Calgary is performing compared to other major Canadian cities, with robust job creation and a stabilizing real estate market.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the path forward and strategic insights to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Sponsor: BGO

Join us for an insightful discussion on the latest trends shaping the global and national oil & gas markets, with a specific focus on their impact on commercial real estate. This session will delve into the intersection of energy trends and real estate dynamics, providing valuable perspectives from industry experts on current global energy consumption, production trends, and the geopolitical factors driving market changes. Learn how these trends influence commercial real estate investment and development.

Sponsor: Altus Group

As Calgary continues to emerge as a vibrant hub for business and innovation, panelists explore the latest trends and opportunities shaping the city's commercial real estate market. Discover why Calgary is becoming a prime destination for commercial real estate investment, with discussions on market strength, competitive pricing, and institutional interest. Panelists will cover the economic factors driving investment in Calgary, from GDP and employment rates to immigration and infrastructure development.

Sponsor: Lawson Lundell

After a long period of underperformance, Calgary’s office market seems to be looking up, with a declining overall availability rate and a good performance from class A and AA assets.

Which submarkets are performing better than others? How can class B and C assets improve their performance? What does the changing landscape of work mean for downtown? With high inter-provincial and immigration to Calgary, how will the influx of workers affect demand for space? How is the City’s Conversion Program changing the face of the office market? Join us to find the answers to these questions and more.

Sponsor: Dentons Canada LLP

What has changed in financing over the last 12 months? Panelists will explore the dynamics of rising land prices, and evolving debt financing strategies. Explore the impact of the bid-ask spread on market activity and investment decisions. What makes Calgary different to other major Canadian markets? Panelists will also examine the effects of office conversions, sustainable building practices, and the challenges of securing financing in a high-interest environment.

Sponsor: Laurentian Bank

AI is making significant strides in commercial real estate, revolutionizing various aspects of the industry; streamlining application processes, lease management, property management and tenant communications, and more. What other digital innovations are shaping the way we work? Panelists will explore these practical applications and make predictions for digital innovation in commercial real estate.

What are the key trends and opportunities shaping markets such as Airdrie, Okotoks and Cochrane? We’ll explore the impact of population growth, rising inter-provincial migration, economic shifts, and infrastructure developments on these emerging areas. Gain valuable perspectives on investment opportunities, market dynamics, and the future outlook for these vibrant neighbouring markets.

Sponsor: Cameron Stephens

Dive into the latest trends shaping Calgary’s commercial retail real estate market. Panelists will discuss the rise of experience-based retail, the integration of e-commerce with physical stores, and the increasing focus on sustainability. Discover how retailers are adapting to changing consumer behaviors, the impact of technology on shopping experiences, and the evolving landscape of retail space utilization. Where are vacancy rates sitting? What are the fundamentals of this rising market?

Calgary is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of development in purpose-built rental to meet surging demand. Despite the addition of 3000 new units in 2023, according to Re/Max, rising levels of inter-provincial migration and immigration are straining supply. How will the market adapt? Panelists will discuss development strategies, and effective urban planning. Discover how Calgary is balancing growth with affordability and trying to avoid the supply challenges faced by cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Panelists will also evaluate the performance of Calgary’s Downtown Conversion program and its impact on the need for housing.

Sponsor: Alberta Real Estate Foundation

What are the dynamic advancements in Calgary's infrastructure, driving the city's transformation and growth? Panelists will discuss key projects shaping the urban landscape. How do labour shortages and cost challenges effect project timelines? Discover how Calgary is enhancing the landscape to meet the demands of a growing population.

A detailed examination and insights on some of the notable investment deals in the apartment, industrial, office, and retail markets in Calgary over the past twelve months. How much leasing and investment momentum has the Calgary market experienced in 2023 and the first half of 2024? What is the outlook for the remainder of 2024 and beyond? Who is buying and selling when transaction volumes are low? What are the market fundamentals at this time, e.g. vacancy rates, absorption rates, and cap rates? How much development is in the pipeline? What were some of the notable investment transactions in the year so far?

Sponsor: Brookfield Properties

Sponsor: Marcus & Millichap - IPA, Shape Capital

As Calgary’s downtown evolves, the focus on creating a vibrant, secure, and thriving urban environment has never been more critical. This panel will explore how strategic development, public safety initiatives, innovative urban planning, and private initiatives are working together to drive the resurgence of Calgary’s downtown. Join industry leaders from real estate and public safety as they discuss key projects and initiatives fostering economic growth, and the essential role of safety in attracting businesses and residents back to the city core. The conversation will highlight how collaboration between real estate owners and operators, public safety officials, and the City is crucial to ensuring downtown remains both dynamic and secure.

Sponsors: Excel Homes, iQ Commercial Mortgage Strategy, PwC

Explore actionable strategies to affordable housing in Alberta. This panel focuses on concrete investment opportunities in existing housing stock, effective partnerships between the commercial real estate industry and non-profits/cooperatives, and innovative approaches to protect and enhance rental supply for the benefit of all stakeholders. Join industry leaders to discuss practical steps forward in achieving sustainable and inclusive housing solutions.

Sponsor: EY Canada

Discover the latest trends and challenges in alternative asset classes in Calgary. Panelists will discuss the rising demand for purpose-built student accommodations, the integration of mixed-use developments, and innovative solutions to address affordability and sustainability. Learn about the growing need for diverse senior living options, from independent to continuing care communities, and the emphasis on accessibility, wellness, and community integration. Explore the potential unlocked by developer enthusiasm for data centres and government commitment to expanding this industry in the province.
Sponsor: Calgary Airport Authority

In Calgary's dynamic market, costs present significant challenges and opportunities. This panel will explore creative solutions and their impact on the city’s real estate landscape. What are the main factors contributing to rising construction costs, like materials, labor, and regulatory requirements? How is a shift to sustainability affecting the bottom line? What soft costs have changed, like insurance or development fees? How have pro formas changed over the last 24 months?

Sponsor: CIBC

As Canada’s “in-land port”, industrial in Calgary is a wealth of opportunity. In an evolving market, explore the growing demand for distribution centers driven by e-commerce, the shift towards sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, and the impact of rising construction costs. We’ll also examine the expansion of industrial parks, the integration of smart technologies, and the evolving interests of institutional investors. How is industrial growing opportunity in markets like Balzac? Gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping Calgary’s industrial landscape and how infrastructure development and regulatory changes are influencing the sector's future.

Sponsor: CanFirst Capital Management

Join us for an insightful roundtable with senior real estate executives as they share their perspectives on Calgary’s real estate market for 2025 and beyond. This discussion will explore upcoming trends, strategic considerations, and what to anticipate in the next year.

- What major challenges, trends, risks, and opportunities will investors and property owners face in Calgary in 2025?

- Where is Calgary positioned in the investment cycle as 2025 begins? What are the expectations for investment activity, deal flow, and returns across different property types?

- How does Calgary’s real estate market stack up against other Canadian markets in terms of opportunities and challenges?

Sponsor: Zonda

Sponsor iA Global Asset Management