Part #1, Meet our Notable Headline Guest Speaker and Keynotes.
BUZZ Greatness 2026, A Defining Moment for Canadian Real Estate, with Presenting Sponsor RE/MAX Canada. See full schedule here SCHEDULE
As the Canadian real estate industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, professionals from coast to coast are preparing to gather for one of the most influential events of the year. BUZZ Greatness 2026, taking place January 28–29, 2026, at the Mississauga Convention Centre. The 2026 Event promises to deliver two full days of insight, leadership, innovation, and meaningful connection. Recognized as Canada’s premier real estate conference, BUZZ Greatness has become a trusted platform for REALTORS®, brokers, team leaders, executives, and industry partners who are serious about growth, professionalism, and navigating change with confidence.
From the moment doors open at 7:30am sharp each morning, the atmosphere is buzzing, intentionally designed to foster conversation and collaboration. Attendees are welcomed with light continental breakfast, coffee, and curated networking spaces that encourage organic introductions before sessions begin. A pre-conference networking event on January 27 sets the tone, offering a relaxed environment where speakers, sponsors, and delegates connect ahead of the main program. With complimentary parking, a vibrant sponsor lounge, a carefully selected exhibitor circle, and thoughtfully designed social spaces, BUZZ Greatness balances education with genuine relationship-building.
The speaker lineup for 2026 reflects the depth and diversity of today’s real estate ecosystem. Headlining the event is Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, who brings a compelling keynote focused on leadership, culture, and sustained performance at the highest levels in The Pursuit of Hope. His perspective, shaped by years of executive leadership in professional sports and business, offers valuable lessons that translate directly into brokerage leadership and team development. Michael will be introduced by RE/MAX President & Presenting Sponsor, Don Kottick and the discussion will be lead by Joyce Paron, CEO EXIT Realty Corp. International.
Complementing the morning of Day 1 is a keynote from the extraordinary Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, whose message centres on the power of presence, intentional leadership, and the human side of success in an increasingly digital industry. Leo will be flying in from the United States to share his philosophies on Day #1, and we are very grateful he will be representing eXp Realty, a Global Real Estate Enterprise, our Premium Ruby Sponsor of BUZZ Greatness 2026.
Economic insight remains a cornerstone of BUZZ Greatness, and the 2026 agenda delivers clarity where it is needed most. Respected voices such as Katherine Judge, Senior Economist, CIBC, Ted Tsiakopoulos, Senior Economist, CMHC, and Fred Cassano, Partner and National Real Estate Leader, PwC Canada take the stage to unpack economic signals, housing trends, and what recovery and opportunity may look like in the year ahead. Their session will be led by Steve Tabrizi, COO RE/MAX Hallmark. It is designed to move beyond headlines, offering practical context that professionals can use to guide business decisions with greater confidence.
Leadership across organized real estate is also well represented, with relevant to the year perspectives from Janice Myers, CEO of CREA, Scott Neil, CEO of REALTOR.CA, Cathy Polan, OREA President, John DiMichele, CEO of TRREB and Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone. These conversations explore advocacy, technology, MLS evolution, and the role of trust and data in shaping the future of the profession. Brokerage leaders from across the country add further dimension, sharing candid insight into culture, recruiting, and strategic positioning in a highly competitive environment, yet one filled with tremendous opportunity.
The conference agenda spans two full days, with content thoughtfully curated to reflect the realities of 2026, you can view the entire agenda at www.thebuzzconference.com. Topics range from leadership and legacy building to marketing systems, AI integration & new efficiencies in technology, listing strategies, and team growth. Mix in motivation and inspiration, well, you WILL be ready, educated, informed and equipped with the right tools for 2026. Sessions emphasize not just innovation, but discernment, how to adopt technology in ways that support, rather than replace, human connection. Day two deepens the focus on trust, professionalism, advocacy, and high-performance habits, culminating in practical frameworks attendees can apply immediately in their businesses. Stay tuned for more on Day 2 next.
A significant anchor of BUZZ Greatness 2026 is its presenting sponsor, RE/MAX Canada. The brand’s continued involvement underscores its commitment to leadership, education, and industry advancement. With strong representation throughout the conference, RE/MAX Canada’s presence reinforces the calibre and credibility of the event while highlighting best-in-class practices from one of the most recognized names in real estate. We are grateful to have them a part of BUZZ Momentum and sharing with our industry.
BUZZ Greatness 2026 is a reflection of where the industry is headed and a gathering place for those who intend to lead that future. By bringing together established thought-leaders as Ryan Serravalle, Founder & CEO of REVEL Realty Inc., one of our industry’s fastest growing independent companies, creates a powerful environment where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and momentum is built for the year ahead. And when Ryan shares, he shares big and with heart.
This year’s conference arrives at a particularly interesting moment, as new brokerage models and international brands continue to enter the Canadian market. LPT International, widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing cloud-based brokerages in history, is expanding its footprint across several Canadian provinces. With a strong emphasis on agent autonomy, technology, and scalable business systems, LPT’s presence signals growing confidence in Canada as a market for innovation and growth, led by CEO Michael Valdes.
EPIQUE Realty is also gaining attention and growing exponentially, as it establishes itself in Canada, bringing a modern, tech-forward approach that appeals to agents seeking elevated tools, training, and support with an extraordinary list of agent perks. While still emerging, EPIQUE’s entry reflects a broader shift toward brokerages that prioritize flexibility, innovation, and agent experience. We are grateful to have Joshua Miller, CEO speaking on a panel.
Adding further momentum is Corcoran Horizon Realty, an affiliate of the globally recognized Corcoran brand. With its first Canadian offices in Toronto & Kitchener Waterloo, Muskoka and expansion into surrounding Ontario markets, Corcoran Horizon introduces a luxury-focused model built on brand heritage, marketing excellence, and international reach. Its presence at BUZZ Greatness underscores the growing global interest in Canada’s real estate landscape. Oh, and to mention, their Espresso Bar at BUZZ Greatness 2026 in the Sponsor Lounge always sets an elevated standard for real-life conversations.
And one of our favourite speakers and industry leaders, Sam Hewit, Executive Vice President of Royal LePage Signature Realty. Sam is one of Canada’s leading real estate Executives who is at the helm of one of the largest Franchise at Royal LePage Canada with an impressive ownership and leadership team with the Slightham Family. Sam’s talk, The Anatomy of Trust will set the tone for the year, after trust was broken in the past.
Ultimately, BUZZ Greatness 2026 is the only room to be in this year. We begin the year with BUZZ, so you can work hard the rest. It is a reflection of where the industry is headed and a gathering place for those who intend to lead that future. By bringing together established leaders, emerging brands, economists, and innovators under one roof, the event creates a powerful environment where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and momentum is built for the year ahead.
For professionals committed to relevance, resilience, and long-term success, BUZZ Greatness 2026 is where the conversation truly begins.
This is the only room to be in in 2026. Why? All great conversations and ideas begin at BUZZ, the heartbeat of Canadian Real Estate.
Stay tuned for what’s next…in Part #2
