Tuesday, May 7
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Registration Open
Location: Belfountian
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Location: Belfountian
Reconnect with fellow Aventure members and get acquainted with some new faces, while enjoying cocktails and canapés at this informal networking event.
Wednesday, May 8
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Registration Open
Location: Royal Cambridge Foyer
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Enjoy an energizing networking breakfast before sessions begin.
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Hear how the shared vision to support the success of independent firms has led to new opportunities for the Aventure Realty Network, as we set the stage for fruitful discussions and productive relationships.
Speaker: Chris Dietz, LeadingRE | Paphos, Cyprus
Speaker: Chris Dietz, LeadingRE | Paphos, Cyprus
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Market Update Discussion
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Come prepared to share what’s happening in your market and hear about trends in your fellow Aventure members’ markets.
Facilitator: Billy Ekofo, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
Facilitator: Billy Ekofo, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Morning Break
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Keynote Presentation: Strategies to Help Your Agents Scale Their Business
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
The key to elevating your business and gaining a competitive edge lies not just in attracting top talent but in effectively training and retaining them. Recognizing this vital aspect, this dynamic and engaging session is tailored specifically for real estate brokers.
The presentation focuses on the pivotal role of agent training in driving a real estate business's success. Participants will gain insights into innovative training strategies, essential tools, and practical tips aimed at enhancing agents' skills and performance. This segment is crafted to not only boost the brokerage's market standing but also to sharpen its competitive edge for recruitment and retention. Drawing from extensive experience and knowledge, Kiran Gandhi will outline the steps to implement an effective training program that is equipped to meet the evolving demands of the real estate market.
Speaker: Kiran Gandhi, Agent Consulting | Toronto, Ontario
The presentation focuses on the pivotal role of agent training in driving a real estate business's success. Participants will gain insights into innovative training strategies, essential tools, and practical tips aimed at enhancing agents' skills and performance. This segment is crafted to not only boost the brokerage's market standing but also to sharpen its competitive edge for recruitment and retention. Drawing from extensive experience and knowledge, Kiran Gandhi will outline the steps to implement an effective training program that is equipped to meet the evolving demands of the real estate market.
Speaker: Kiran Gandhi, Agent Consulting | Toronto, Ontario
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Morning Takeaways
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Join an open dialogue on top takeaways from the morning sessions.
Facilitator: Robin LaSure, LeadingRE | Chicago, IL U.S.
Facilitator: Robin LaSure, LeadingRE | Chicago, IL U.S.
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch, followed by business break
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Continue the conversation during a casual networking lunch.
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Keynote Presentation: The Art of Branding - Building a Strong Local Real Estate Brand
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Join us for an insightful exploration into the art of building a strong local real estate brand. Led by marketing and industry expert, Melissa Lewandowski, this keynote event distills over two decades of branding expertise into actionable insights that will elevate your brokerage's presence in the community. Going beyond your visual identity, your brand must be interwoven into the very fabric of your business. Discover the pivotal role of consistency to create a cohesive brand identity that resonates with your target market. From messaging alignment, visual consistency and building branded client experiences, learn to cultivate a narrative that establishes you and your brokerage as a trusted local authority.
Melissa will delve into the nuances of internal branding and team alignment, empowering your agents to embody your brokerage's values and mission. By fostering a unified culture, you'll strengthen your brand's connection with the local community and drive client loyalty. Unearth the secrets of multi-channel communication, from social media to in-person interactions. Armed with strategies for maintaining a harmonious brand voice across diverse platforms, you'll elevate your brokerage's visibility and impact. Armed with practical techniques for amplifying your brand voice locally, you'll expand your brokerage's reach and relevance within your target neighborhoods.
Speaker: Melissa Lewandowski, The Real Estate Source | Burlington, Ontario
Melissa will delve into the nuances of internal branding and team alignment, empowering your agents to embody your brokerage's values and mission. By fostering a unified culture, you'll strengthen your brand's connection with the local community and drive client loyalty. Unearth the secrets of multi-channel communication, from social media to in-person interactions. Armed with strategies for maintaining a harmonious brand voice across diverse platforms, you'll elevate your brokerage's visibility and impact. Armed with practical techniques for amplifying your brand voice locally, you'll expand your brokerage's reach and relevance within your target neighborhoods.
Speaker: Melissa Lewandowski, The Real Estate Source | Burlington, Ontario
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Innovation Workshop with Kiran Gandhi
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Dive deeper into the application of the agent training and retention strategies from Kiran's morning presentation. Participants will have the opportunity to explore practical tools related to training delivery, ensuring accountability, and tracking the overall progress of their agents. This hands-on session is designed to encourage engagement, allowing participants to work through real-life scenarios, share experiences, and discuss challenges and solutions in implementing successful training programs.
Facilitator: Kiran Gandhi, Agent Consulting | Toronto, Ontario
Facilitator: Kiran Gandhi, Agent Consulting | Toronto, Ontario
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Afternoon Break
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
3:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Hot Topic: The Current and Future Application of Tech in Real Estate
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Explore new and emerging tech, including real-world examples showcasing how tech is reshaping the real estate tech landscape. Learn about specific tools for the real estate industry and how they can help transform your company.
Moderator: Mike McAra, REACH Canada | Calgary, Alberta
Panelists: Al-Karim Khimji, Propra | Calgary, Alberta
Friedrich Klaus, Iluminai | Vancouver, British Columbia
Stefan Gunnarsson, PropTexx | Toronto, Ontario
Moderator: Mike McAra, REACH Canada | Calgary, Alberta
Panelists: Al-Karim Khimji, Propra | Calgary, Alberta
Friedrich Klaus, Iluminai | Vancouver, British Columbia
Stefan Gunnarsson, PropTexx | Toronto, Ontario
4:50 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Recap: Top Take-Aways from Day 1
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Share what you learned from the day’s discussion that you plan to implement in your business.
Facilitator: Beth Kinsella, LeadingRE | Chicago, IL U.S.
Facilitator: Beth Kinsella, LeadingRE | Chicago, IL U.S.
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Networking Reception and Dinner
Location: Victoria & Albert Ballroom
Enjoy an evening of food, fun, and relaxed conversation in our beautiful host hotel.
Thursday, May 9
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Start the final day of the event with a nourishing breakfast and informal conversation.
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Aventure Network Updates and Member Alignment
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
This is your time to influence how Aventure can best support your success into the future. Learn about available resources for referrals, marketing and branding, vendor relationships and more — and share your ideas on what you want and need from your Canadian network.
Speakers: Chris Dietz, LeadingRE | Paphos, Cyprus
Billy Ekofo, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
Elizabeth Kinsella, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
Robin LaSure, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
Speakers: Chris Dietz, LeadingRE | Paphos, Cyprus
Billy Ekofo, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
Elizabeth Kinsella, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
Robin LaSure, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Canadian Real Estate Trends to Watch
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Explore business, market and consumer trends impacting the business, with a focus on how you can adapt to thrive.
Speaker: Lindsey Smith, CIR Realty | Calgary, Alberta
Speaker: Lindsey Smith, CIR Realty | Calgary, Alberta
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Canadian Real Estate Legal Update
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Hear important insights during this update on the Canadian real estate legal landscape.
Speaker: Mark Weisleder, Real Estate Lawyers.ca LLP | Vaughan, Ontario
Speaker: Mark Weisleder, Real Estate Lawyers.ca LLP | Vaughan, Ontario
11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Morning Break
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
The Way Forward for the Canadian Real Estate Brokerage
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Member brokers lead the discussion on trends and opportunities in today’s market.
Speakers: Lindsey Smith, CIR Realty | Calgary, Alberta
Meredith Kennedy, Royal Service Real Estate, Inc. | Millbrook, Ontario
Speakers: Lindsey Smith, CIR Realty | Calgary, Alberta
Meredith Kennedy, Royal Service Real Estate, Inc. | Millbrook, Ontario
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
World of Canadian Real Estate
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Dive into a wide range of topics impacting the Canadian real estate market, including industry and regulatory updates and brokerage compliance guidance. Following brief presentations, join the discussion on what keeps you up at night, best practices and idea sharing.
Speaker: Kevin Skipworth, Dexter Realty | Vancouver, British Columbia
Speaker: Kevin Skipworth, Dexter Realty | Vancouver, British Columbia
12:45 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wrap-Up
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
We'll wrap up the event with discussion on next year’s event and share final remarks.
Speakers: Chris Dietz, LeadingRE | Paphos, Cyprus
Billy Ekofo, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
Speakers: Chris Dietz, LeadingRE | Paphos, Cyprus
Billy Ekofo, LeadingRE | Chicago, Illinois U.S.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch
Location: Royal Cambridge Ballroom
Our final lunch is a great time to discuss your top insights from the event and explore potential new collaborations with fellow members.
2:00 p.m.
Adjourn
Speakers
Kiran Gandhi
Owner & Founder
Agent Consulting
Agent Consulting
Melissa Lewandowski
Owner & Founder
The Real Estate Source
The Real Estate Source
Stefan Gunnarsson
CEO & Founder
PropTexx
PropTexx
Meredith Kennedy
Broker
Royal Service Real Estate, Inc.
Royal Service Real Estate, Inc.
Al-Karim Khimji
Co-founder & CEO
Propra
Propra
Friedrich Klaus
CEO/Founder
Iluminai
Iluminai
Mike McAra
Director
REACH Canada
REACH Canada
Kevin Skipworth
Managing Broker
Dexter Realty
Dexter Realty
Lindsey Smith
CEO and Co-Owner
CIR Realty
CIR Realty
Mark Weisleder
Partner, Speaker & Notary Public
Real Estate Lawyers.ca LLP
Real Estate Lawyers.ca LLP
Chris Dietz
President, Global Operations
LeadingRE
LeadingRE
Billy Ekofo
Vice President, Global Business Development
LeadingRE
LeadingRE
Elizabeth Kinsella
Senior Manager, Global Member Services
LeadingRE
LeadingRE
Robin LaSure
Vice President, Global Communications
LeadingRE
LeadingRE
Kiran Gandhi
Owner & Founder, Agent Consulting
Owner & Founder, Agent Consulting
Kiran is no stranger to real estate. Coupling an extensive history in real estate with professional experience teaching business studies, Kiran’s passion lies in training agents on marketing and growing their businesses by using the latest systems, tools, and technologies. Having successfully built a top producing real estate team with her business partner and having seen the industry from various facets, Kiran's true passion lies in empowering agents to succeed in their businesses. Her goal is to deliver training that is implementable and in alignment with the reality of our day to day business and the ever-evolving digital world. When she is not busy strategically planning and delivering training sessions, you can often find Kiran speaking at conferences and other real estate events throughout North America. Aside from her passion for the real estate business, Kiran is well traveled, fluent in 5 languages and has lived in 4 different countries before settling in Canada 12 years ago.
Melissa Lewandowski
Owner & Founder, The Real Estate Source
Owner & Founder, The Real Estate Source
Melissa brings a 360-degree approach to supporting agents, brokers, and owners in the real estate sector. With over 20 years of experience, she has held various roles at local, provincial and national levels, including with the Ontario Real Estate Association, Royal LePage Canada and Coldwell Banker Canada, formerly owned by Realogy, now Anywhere Real Estate. Melissa has led multiple national rebranding projects, and her and her team’s work has been recognized with two Canadian Marketing Association awards and Webby awards. After two decades in corporate real estate, Melissa started her own company to provide hands-on, advisory services to clients in a personalized and customized manner.
Stefan Gunnarsson
CEO & Founder, PropTexx
CEO & Founder, PropTexx
Stefan is a seasoned tech entrepreneur with two successful exits under his belt, in 2003 and 2012. As the founder and CEO of PropTexx, they continue to drive innovation and disruption in the real estate sector through cutting-edge technology.
Meredith Kennedy
Broker, Royal Service Real Estate, Inc.
Broker, Royal Service Real Estate, Inc.
Meredith is a seasoned Realtor with over a decade of experience, boasting a diverse background that includes roles as a Team Lead, Broker/Owner, and now as the esteemed Broker of Record for Royal Service Real Estate, covering Durham Region, Northumberland, Peterborough, and the Kawartha’s. Her leadership extends beyond her brokerage, having served as President of both the Durham Region Association of Realtors and the Central Lakes Association of Realtors, playing a pivotal role in their amalgamation. Elected as the Central Ontario Director for OREA, Meredith continues to shape the real estate landscape. Outside of work, Meredith treasures family time with her wife, two daughters, significant others, and their beloved one-year-old grandson, often dedicating their efforts to rescuing four-legged friends.
Al-Karim Khimji
Co-Founder & CEO, Propra
Co-Founder & CEO, Propra
Al-Karim Khimji is the Co-founder & CEO of Propra. Al-Karim brings his years of entrepreneurial and real estate experience, combined with his background in management consulting at McKinsey & Company and in private equity. His real estate perspective spans over two decades including development, operations and asset management of a mid-scale hotel portfolio and managing his own portfolio of rental properties. His mission at Propra is to use technology to remove the administrative burden of rental operations so that owners can focus on growth.
Friedrich Klaus
CEO/Co-Founder, Iluminai
CEO/Co-Founder, Iluminai
Friedrich has 15 years’ experience of high-level B2B Sales and Advisory work in the Risk, Regulatory and Compliance space.
Mike McAra
Director, REACH Canada
Director, REACH Canada
Mike McAra is the Director at REACH Canada bringing over a decade of data-driven leadership in scaling high-growth firms across North America. Mike holds an MBA, Summa Cum Laude, from the EDHEC Business School and is a former REALTOR®.
Kevin Skipworth
Managing Broker, Dexter Realty
Managing Broker, Dexter Realty
Born and raised in Greater Vancouver, Kevin recognizes what a great place this is. His passion for real estate and the real estate industry permeates throughout all his day to day activities. As Owner/Managing Broker with Dexter, Kevin works with the team of REALTORS® at Dexter to provide first class, professional service. Kevin is involved with BCREA developing standard forms and at the Real Estate Board on the Arbitration Committee. Professionalism is extremely important in Real Estate, and Kevin works hard to ensure that is provided to his clients. With one son and a love of the outdoors, Kevin enjoys getting out cycling.
Lindsey Smith
CEO and Co-Owner, CIR Realty
CEO and Co-Owner, CIR Realty
For more than two decades, Lindsey Smith has obsessed over better ways to build, grow, and operate businesses. After running a successful real estate team and consulting company, Lindsey joined CIR REALTY in 2008 and is now CEO and co-owner. If Lindsey is not in the office, he is likely on the golf course, studying business books, getting some exercise or hanging out with his wife and son. CIR REALTY is the #1 producing independent real estate brokerage in Alberta, Canada, with over 900 Realtors and staff. CIR's driving purpose is simple: We Make Real Estate Easy. By offering Realtors more support and giving them the best exposure opportunities for their clients' homes, CIR Realtors outperform and are positioned to live better lives. Real estate is hyperlocal, and we are proud of our local roots. CIR REALTY has now expanded to markets across Alberta and British Columbia. With our affiliations with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International, we offer worldwide exposure and relocation services. We are Local. We are Global.
Mark Weisleder
Partner, Speaker & Notary Public, Real Estate Lawyers.ca LLP
Partner, Speaker & Notary Public, Real Estate Lawyers.ca LLP
Mark is recognized as a real estate industry expert on real estate issues, having spoken for real estate associations, boards and brokerages across Canada. Mark is a regular guest expert on BNN, Global News, CIty TV and CTV Your morning news programs and has written columns for the Toronto Star and Real Estate Magazine on real estate issues. Mark has written best-selling industry books for real estate agents, buyer, sellers and landlords.
Chris Dietz
President, Global Operations, LeadingRE
President, Global Operations, LeadingRE
Chris Dietz heads LeadingRE’s expansion plans by growing and managing its international footprint, including global marketing and brand awareness initiatives. He has 20 years of executive-level relocation management experience, with deep insight into diverse real estate and business practices around the world. Before joining LeadingRE, he managed the Europe/Middle East/Africa and Asia Pacific regions for a U.S.-based company, and prior to that, he was responsible for European relocation business development for a large U.S. real estate franchise company.
Billy Ekofo
Vice President, Global Business Development, LeadingRE
Vice President, Global Business Development, LeadingRE
Born in the USA, but of Congolese origins, Billy’s life and aspiration continues to be marked by his relentless pursuit for meaning in his professional and personal life. At the age of 17 years old, he fled the Democratic Republic of The Congo (DRC) due to the civil unrest and begin his life anew in the US. Billy began his career in Real Estate as a newly licensed with a local real estate firm in Northern Virginia shortly after completing his MBA at the College of William & Mary, and eventually managed the firm’s lead generation department, and later its development and growth in some of its key markets. He now serves as Vice President of Global Business Development for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ® focusing on Network growth in select global markets, and membership engagement in Africa, Canada, and parts of the European Union. Billy is married to Karen (a real estate attorney), and resides in Lovettsville, VA with their two sons.
Elizabeth Kinsella
Senior Manager, Global Member Services, LeadingRE
Senior Manager, Global Member Services, LeadingRE
As Senior Manager of Global Member Services for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, Elizabeth (Beth) manages the network’s cross-border referral program. With extensive connections around the world, she helps forge successful partnerships by making personal introductions to members as well as the global business development team. Part of LeadingRE (formerly RELO) for over 20 years, working previously in both marketing and events, Beth is based in Chicago.
Robin LaSure
Vice President, Global Communications
Vice President, Global Communications
As Vice President, Global Communications for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, Robin LaSure oversees the company’s public relations and social media programs and leads select strategic marketing initiatives, including industry relations and global communications. Working closely with LeadingRE’s global team serving member firms in 70+ countries, she is experienced in marketing to a diverse international audience. Named a 2024 Inman Marketing All Star, she has been with LeadingRE (and its legacy networks) for 30 years, working in various roles relating to marketing, public relations, events, and vendor relations.
Cancellation Policy
A full refund is available for cancellations received in writing to events@LeadingRE.com by 11:59 p.m. PST April 7, 2024.
Cancellations received in writing from April 8, 2024 through April 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PST will incur a $250 cancellation fee.
No refunds after April 19, 2024.
Payment Options
Payment for the 2024 Aventure National Meeting should be made by credit card online or via wire transfer. Please contact events@LeadingRE.com to receive complete wire transfer information.
Confirmation of Registration
Confirmations will be emailed once your registration is processed and payment is received; please save a copy for your records.
If you do not receive an email confirmation within 48 hours of registration, contact LeadingRE Events at +1 312-424-0400 or events@LeadingRE.com.
Dietary Considerations
If you have dietary restrictions, please notify events@LeadingRE.com at least two weeks prior to the event.
Hotel and Travel
Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-On-The-Lake
Our host hotel for the Aventure National meeting is the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, where you can journey to a Victorian era hotel and stay like royalty in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Decorated with bespoke art and featuring ornate architectural details throughout, the Prince of Wales hotel is just steps away from vibrant Niagara boutiques, theatres and restaurants, and offers the renowned Secret Garden Spa and Noble Restaurant.
Luxurious Rooms
Uniquely decorated rooms combine comfort and luxury to make your trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake unforgettable. Prince of Wales Hotels offers a range of guest rooms and suites, all of which are elegantly furnished and feature a nightly turndown service.
All accommodations are uniquely decorated with art and décor that was handpicked to suit the space.
Room Rates & Reservations
$239 CAD per night, plus taxes
To reserve your room at our group rate, call
1-888-669-5566 or book online at
www.vintage-hotels.com/reservations.htm
or using the link below.
Use Group ID #3743336
Reservation Deadline: April 7, 2024.
Rooms are available in our block for May 7 and May 8. If you wish to extend your stay, book first using our group rate; then call the hotel to extend your reservation at the current rack rate.
RESERVE YOUR ROOMTransportation
Niagara-on-the-Lake is approximately a 1 hour 27 minutes drive from Toronto Airport (YYZ).
The hotel offers on-site parking to guests.
See other useful FAQs here.
6 Picton Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake
ON, L0S 1J0, Canada
+36 1 886 6111
vintage-hotels.com/prince-of-wales
Contact
Please contact us if you have any questions about the Aventure National Meeting: events@LeadingRE.com.
229 Yonge Street, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1N9, Canada
London WC2N 5BW UK
+1-202-679-0956