Open only to members of the Executive Committee.

Open only to members of the Research Committee for the NAIOP Research Foundation.

Open only to Trustees for the NAIOP Research Foundation.

Open only to members of the NAIOP Corporate Board of Directors.

Location: Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street, 8th floor, Toronto

Join the NAIOP Greater Toronto chapter for this special event – part of their popular breakfast series – held alongside the opening of CRE.Converge. A panel of experienced real estate executives will share their insights on how ongoing global trade challenges are impacting their investment strategies domestically and abroad, offering views that cover all the major asset classes from both an equity and debt perspective. The session will be preceded by a market overview by Carl Gomez, Chief Economist and Head of Market Analytics, Canada, CoStar Group. A light breakfast will be served.

Moderator:
Matt Picken, Head of Capital Markets at JLL Canada

Panelists:
Sarah Esler, Managing Director and Head of Mortgage Investments at Alberta Investment Management Corporation
Kevan Gorrie, President and CEO of Granite Real Estate Investment Trust
Eric Plesman, Head of Global Real Estate at the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

Free for the first 50 CRE.Converge registrants! Follow the instructions on this page to add the event to your registration.

Tours depart from Sheraton Centre Toronto.
Ticketed event; $125 USD / $169 CAN. $50 USD / $68 CAD for National Forums members.

Explore one of North America’s most ambitious urban transformations on this tour of Toronto’s East Bayfront and newly created island, Ookwemin Minising. Once an industrial port, this area has been transformed into a dynamic waterfront community. From mass timber construction and inclusive housing at Bayside, to the climate-resilient infrastructure and expansive parkland on the new island, you’ll get an inside look at how Waterfront Toronto is redefining what’s possible in urban redevelopment. See firsthand how Toronto is integrating climate resilience, architecture and public space into a world-class waterfront.

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Tours depart from Sheraton Centre Toronto.
Ticketed event; $135 USD / $184 CAN. $50 USD / $68 CAD for National Forums members.

Fifth Line and James Snow Business Parks represent the future of industrial development in Greater Toronto: smart, sustainable and thoughtfully planned. At Fifth Line, BGO is delivering four state-of-the-art industrial buildings, ranging from 93,000 to 330,000 square feet, including Canada’s first ZCB-Certified industrial facility featuring all-electric HVAC, rooftop solar and advanced insulation systems. Oxford Properties’ James Snow Business Park offers next-generation infrastructure with 400,000 square feet of solar panels, EV-ready parking, motion-sensor LED lighting and biophilic landscaping. Together, these future-focused developments are setting a new benchmark for high-performance industrial environments built for efficiency, tenant wellness and long-term impact. Lunch will be provided.

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Tours depart from Sheraton Centre Toronto.
Ticketed event; $125 USD / $169 CAN. $50 USD / $68 CAD for National Forums members.

The CF Toronto Eaton Centre is one of North America’s most dynamic shopping destinations, attracting over 50 million visitors annually. With 3.7 million square feet of top-tier retail, dining, and entertainment and impressive sales of $1,465 per square foot, it’s a true magnet for shoppers and brands alike. From international flagship stores to unique local favorites, Eaton Centre defines retail excellence. We’ll access this retail hub via a short walk through the PATH, Toronto’s extensive 30-kilometer underground network that links the city’s key landmarks and provides a comfortable, weatherproof route through downtown.

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Open only to members of the NAIOP Corporate Board of Directors.

All conference attendees and NAIOP members are invited to as we show our appreciation for the excellent service and leadership of 2025 Chair Alex Thomson, Prevail Consultants, and welcome the 2026 Executive Committee led by Celeste Tanner, Confluent.

Open only to Foundation Governors and members of the Industry Trends group.

Open to Chapter Presidents and Presidents-elect.

Tours depart from Sheraton Centre Toronto.
This tour is sold out.

Bloor-Yorkville is transforming into Toronto’s ultimate luxury retail destination, poised to redefine high-end shopping with new mixed-use developments and a growing footprint. With plans to add 270,000 square feet to its already impressive 2.2 million square feet of retail space, this iconic area solidifies its status as a global luxury hub. Renowned brands like Bulgari, Lululemon and Saint Laurent are expanding their presence, elevating the neighborhood’s appeal. Alongside top-tier retail, Bloor-Yorkville is embracing experiential shopping and a curated food and beverage scene, creating an unparalleled destination where shopping, dining and luxury intersect.

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Tours depart from Sheraton Centre Toronto.
Ticketed event; $125 USD / $169 CAN. $50 USD / $68 CAD for National Forums members.

Richmond-Adelaide Centre is a 2.5-million-square-foot office and retail complex in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, owned and managed by Oxford Properties Group. Spanning five interconnected buildings and directly linked to the PATH retail network, the complex supports approximately 10,000 daily customers and visitors and offers seamless connectivity. The highly amenitized complex features more than 75,000 square feet of retail premises including Oxford’s LEVEL Wellness facility and “The Terrace”, an outdoor public event space anchored by Dreaming, Toronto’s largest cast stone sculpture by international artist Jaume Plensa. With its blend of workspace, amenities, public art and connectivity, the Richmond-Adelaide Centre offers a distinctive experience in the downtown core.

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In any industry, the ability to develop internal and external business relationships is important. In commercial real estate, it’s an absolute necessity. Join Cassie Wells, owner of Modern Business Development, as she guides attendees through the Business Relationship Gardening Method. Using this proven process, Wells has defined the stages required to help users build lasting business relationships that bring them recurring business. Leave with useful tips and tricks to help you “harvest” success. If your 2026 goals include revenue growth, you won't want to miss this!

Sheraton Toronto Centre

Build meaning into your meeting! NAIOP is kicking off CRE.Converge by bringing attendees together for this hands-on event benefiting a great cause. Join your colleagues, friends and new connections as we assemble delicious dry soups ingredients a jar, helping to address food insecurity in the local community in partnership with WholeHearted.

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us! RSVP for the event when you register for the conference.

A photo booth with a tech twist! Look for the photo booth in the Exhibit Hall on the Lower Concourse level where you can take a complimentary photo and have fun letting AI generate a new version. In turn, a professional headshot session is provided to a local organization that supports women re-entering the workforce.

By invitation only.

Location: CRAFT Beer Market, 1 Adelaide Street E, Toronto
Ticketed event; $75 USD / $100 CAN
Registration limited to NAIOP Developing Leader members (aged 35 and under) only.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as we kick off CRE.Converge with an exclusive event designed for Developing Leaders at Toronto’s iconic CRAFT Beer Market! Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s bustling downtown, CRAFT is the ultimate destination for beer lovers, boasting Ontario’s largest selection of draft beers with an impressive 160 taps.

We’ll gather in CRAFT’s outdoor beer garden, where the fun goes beyond just sipping incredible beers. Challenge your peers to a friendly game of lawn bowling or bocce ball while enjoying an open bar (beer, cocktails, wine, soda), delicious food, and a crowd of like-minded professionals from across the chapter network. This is more than just a social hour — it’s the perfect opportunity to expand your network, unwind, and make meaningful connections.

Ryan Severino is the Chief Economist and Head of Research at BGO, where he leads global and regional economic analysis, forecasting, and property market research across the firm’s investment strategies and geographies.

In addition to his professional work, Ryan is an adjunct professor of finance and economics at Columbia University and New York University, where he has taught courses in urban economics, portfolio and risk management, macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics. He also brings hands-on experience in real estate asset management, portfolio management, and acquisitions.

Ryan’s original research has appeared in journals including the Wharton Real Estate Review and The Real Estate Finance Journal. His commentary has been featured in The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Financial Times, as well as on CNBC and Bloomberg. He is a member of the CFA Institute, the American Economic Association, NABE, ULI, and NCREIF.

In 2025, he was named one of PERE’s 100 Most Influential People in Global Real Estate Over the Last Decade, recognizing his lasting impact on the industry worldwide.

A photo booth with a tech twist! Look for the photo booth in the Exhibit Hall on the Lower Concourse level where you can take a complimentary photo and have fun letting AI generate a new version. In turn, a professional headshot session is provided to a local organization that supports women re-entering the workforce.

Join Eric Schmutz, NAIOP’s Senior Director of Federal Affairs, for an exclusive insider briefing on U.S. policy and federal legislation shaping the future of the commercial real estate industry. This talk will cover key tax provisions, including bonus depreciation, opportunity zones and development incentives, along with other major elements of the new U.S. tax law. Gain essential insights to help you navigate what’s ahead for your business.

Gain a competitive edge with insights from leading North American investors and lenders navigating today’s rapidly evolving capital markets. This session unpacks how rising interest rates, inflation and macro trends are driving capital flows, shifting institutional priorities and reshaping cross-border dealmaking. Hear how major players are adjusting their strategies to manage risk and capture opportunity and what that means for your next move. If you want to stay competitive and make smart capital decisions, this is a session you can’t afford to miss.

Mass timber is making its mark on industrial real estate. In this real-world case study, hear how Prologis Evergreen is setting a new standard by integrating mass timber and cross-laminated timber panels into a modern industrial facility, cutting over 1,100 tonnes of carbon while enhancing design and tenant appeal. Join leaders from Prologis and Ware Malcomb as they detail the project’s execution, challenges and performance metrics. Learn why sustainable materials are gaining traction in industrial design and how this shift is poised to redefine value, responsibility and resilience in the market.

In today’s market, successful developments are defined not just by their buildings but by the communities they serve. This session explores the power of thoughtful retail as a catalyst for vibrant, authentic placemaking. Discover how integrating locally owned businesses and designing for walkability can elevate the tenant mix, boost foot traffic and create lasting value for investors and communities alike. Through real-world examples and proven strategies, you’ll learn how retail curation and human-centered design can transform spaces into destinations and developments into resilient, thriving neighborhoods.

Negotiating deals is a must-have skill for anyone building a career in commercial real estate. Hear from a NAIOP Developing Leader member who will break down how he navigated complex negotiations on Science Square, a dynamic mixed-use community adjacent to Georgia Tech's Midtown Atlanta campus, including working with a tenant who’s also a partner and ground lessor, handling public/private partnerships and managing corporate relocations. If you’re ready to level up your negotiation game, this talk is for you.

Commercial real estate is a major driver of employment and economic growth in Canada, but the sector's full potential hinges on smart policy and targeted investment. In this session, hear key insights from the NAIOP Research Foundation’s latest report, Economic Impacts of Commercial Real Estate in Canada, 2025 Edition, authored by Altus Group. Peter Norman, vice president and economic strategist with Altus Group, will explore the critical role commercial real estate plays in the national economy and offer practical policy recommendations to better align investment with emerging demand. He will spotlight urgent opportunities to convert underutilized office space and to support new, in-demand office development in urban cores. The session will also examine the broader macroeconomic landscape, including the impact of tariffs and trade dynamics on the sector.

Parking isn’t just about stall counts – it’s about untapped potential. This session explores how data-driven innovation is transforming parking from a passive utility into a strategic asset that drives value across office and urban developments. Learn how technologies like analytics, machine learning and smart property systems are helping owners and operators boost occupancy, increase revenue and improve tenant satisfaction. With practical insights from a panel of experts, discover how aligning parking strategies with broader business goals can unlock operational efficiencies and create more connected, high-performing properties.

As demand for AI-driven technologies surges, the global data center market is on track to reach $450 billion by 2027, bringing with it significant environmental and energy challenges. This panel brings together developers, designers and end-users to explore how the CRE industry can lead in building resilient, sustainable and high-performing data centers. Learn how strategic partnerships, forward-thinking design and responsible innovation can reduce carbon impact, protect communities and align with both market and environmental demands.

Leadership transitions in CRE firms can be complex. Effective succession plans often require years to prepare and implement but are crucial to ensuring a company will endure. Join this interactive talk to hear practical strategies for identifying and preparing successors, structuring and transferring ownership interests, and maintaining business continuity. Gain insights from peers and the NAIOP Research Foundation’s recent report on succession planning in CRE.

Mark Messier is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players in NHL history, boasting a legendary career that spanned 25 years and left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for his unparalleled leadership and tenacity, his contributions on the ice earned him a place among the top five players of all time. His career statistics are a testament to his greatness, ranking second all-time in regular-season points, playoff points, and regular-season games played. As a member of six Stanley Cup-winning teams and the only professional athlete to captain two different teams to championships, his legacy is cemented not just in records but in the hearts of hockey fans worldwide.

Mark’s skills in leadership, team dynamics, and strategic planning are highly regarded. His profound understanding of what it takes to succeed in high-pressure environments is an asset not just to hockey teams but to any organization seeking to cultivate a winning culture. His commitment to philanthropy, community leadership, and current role as special assistant to the New York Rangers showcase his continued influence in the sport and beyond.

Open to all conference attendees.

Discover NAIOP’s flagship professional development experience. The National Forums program connects select commercial real estate leaders from across North America for candid, confidential discussions on industry trends, project challenges and business strategy. Members build trusted, long-lasting networks in a small-group setting. Diana Schapiro, NAIOP’s Senior Director of the National Forums Program, will share how the program is structured, the value it delivers and how you can apply to join this exclusive peer group.

This is the must-attend session for developers and investors who want real, actionable strategies – not theory – on navigating today’s high-interest, tight-capital market. Hear directly from U.S. and Canadian dealmakers about how they’re creatively structuring capital stacks, sourcing financing and closing deals right now. Packed with practical examples and on-the-ground insights, this session will equip you to tackle today’s challenges head-on and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

As climate-related risks escalate, resilience is no longer optional; it’s a business imperative. This panel brings together leading sustainability experts to explore how resilience measures can protect property value, reduce insurance costs and improve tenant retention. Learn how forward-thinking owners and investors are leveraging global standards and resilience metrics to drive better financial outcomes, meet evolving regulations and future-proof assets. Walk away with actionable strategies to assess risk, enhance performance and unlock ROI in a rapidly changing environment.

Amid market headwinds, a subset of office properties is outperforming – fully leased, trophy assets in prime locations with strong retail and mixed-use components. This session dives into what’s working in the office sector and why, featuring insights from the developers, owners and capital partners behind today’s strongest-performing properties. From premium amenities to retail integration, placemaking and tenant mix strategies, learn what sets top-tier office apart in today’s bifurcated market and walk away with practical insights for repositioning, investing, or developing office that works.

A new prime minister, major housing initiatives and rising trade tensions with the U.S. are reshaping Canada’s policy landscape. Join this interactive session to unpack what recent political shifts mean for commercial real estate – from federal housing incentives to cross-border trade and energy policy. Bring your questions for a candid, timely discussion.

As primary data center hubs like Northern Virginia and Phoenix hit power and infrastructure limits, the spotlight is turning to emerging secondary markets. This expert panel explores where the next wave of data center development is headed and why. Gain strategic insight into rising markets like Birmingham, Alabama; Las Vegas; Richmond, Virginia; and San Antonio and examine how infrastructure, incentives and risk profiles stack up. Learn how developers, investors and local governments are navigating the power, fiber and economic development challenges that come with scaling new markets.

Location: Waterfall Garden at Sheraton Centre Toronto

This special reception, hosted and sponsored by CBRE, is designed to facilitate connections and foster collaboration with women at every stage of their careers. During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and network with women from a range of industries and backgrounds. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet and mingle with other professionals, expand your professional circle, and find opportunities to advance your career. We look forward to seeing you at the event!

This event is free, but we request attendees use the RSVP link to confirm attendance.

By invitation only.

Doors open: 5:30 p.m. Play ball: 7:07 p.m. 
Location: Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

Tickets are sold out for NAIOP's seat section. 

Join fellow CRE.Converge attendees in your field-level seats (section 112) to see the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Houston Astros at newly renovated Rogers Centre. The ballpark’s massive, $400 million CAD renovation changed two-thirds of the 36-year-old stadium, transforming the multipurpose venue’s layout into a ballpark designed specifically for baseball viewing.

Tickets include access to Heinz Club 328, an exclusive field-level bar area available only to select ticketholders featuring BBQ-inspired items, ballpark favorites and signature cocktails for purchase.

Tickets will be sent via email the week before the game. Attendees will need the MLB Ballpark App to access the mobile tickets.

Location: Chefs Hall, 111 Richmond St W, Toronto

Open to all conference attendees!

Step into the heart of downtown Toronto to experience Chefs Hall, a vibrant 18,000-square-foot culinary destination where bold flavors, creative chefs, and dynamic spaces come together under one roof. Located in the bustling Financial District, Chefs Hall is more than just a food hall – it’s a cultural hub for food lovers, professionals, and explorers alike. Explore the five distinct spaces, including chefs lounge, coffee bar and outdoor patio, all while savoring global cuisines from a curated lineup of top-tier vendors. Pair it with a craft cocktail or local brew.

Open only to National Forums members and their guests.

By invitation only.

A North American Union? The Future of Continental Real Estate

Parag Khanna is Founder & CEO of AlphaGeo, the leading AI-powered geospatial analytics platform. He is the internationally bestselling author of seven books including MOVE: Where People Are Going for a Better Future (2021), preceded by The Future is Asian: Commerce, Conflict & Culture in the 21st Century (2019), as well as a trilogy of books on the future of world order beginning with The Second World: Empires and Influence in the New Global Order (2008), followed by How to Run the World: Charting a Course to the Next Renaissance (2011), and concluding with Connectography: Mapping the Future of Global Civilization (2016). He is also the author of Technocracy in America: Rise of the Info-State (2017) and co-author of Hybrid Reality: Thriving in the Emerging Human-Technology Civilization (2012). Parag was named one of Esquire’s “75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century,” and featured in WIRED magazine’s “Smart List.”

He holds a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, and Bachelors and Masters degrees from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Born in India and raised in the UAE, New York and Germany, he has traveled to more than 150 countries and is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.

Open only to NAIOP Chapter Executives.

Open to Forums members only.

Tours depart from Sheraton Centre Toronto.
Ticketed event; $125 USD / $169 CAN. $50 USD / $68 CAD for National Forums members.

Join KingSett Capital for an insider's tour of the Fairmont Royal York, a landmark of Toronto’s skyline and symbol of timeless hospitality. The iconic hotel opened in 1929 and blends historic Art Deco elegance with contemporary upgrades following renovations that were completed in 2020. With 1,347 guest rooms, ample meeting and function spaces, and capacity for events of over 2,000 guests, the Royal York remains a cornerstone for both business and leisure. Unique features like a rooftop garden, Canada’s largest hotel kitchen, a new fitness facility and CAGBC Zero Carbon Certification set this property apart in scale, story and service.

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