I am beyond thrilled to have been invited to participate in the CENTURY 21 Canada, ONEC21 National Conference, taking place in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., from March 9, 10, 11, 2026, at the Westin Bayshore. This event is more than just another date on the calendar, it’s a defining moment to connect with the remarkable people who are building momentum, innovation and community throughout one of the strongest real estate networks in Canada, Century 21 Canada.
Over the decades, I met several of their leadership, Gary Zalepa, Todd Shyiak, and Leigh Kjekstad with Century 21 Canada, I was proud by the genuine commitment of its leadership and system members.Their professional acumen stands out, but also their character, their dedication to service, and their desire to help others thrive. There’s no better testament to that than the ongoing guidance and support we receive from Leigh Kjekstad, Vice President, Marketing at Century 21 Canada, whose leadership in shaping strategic communications and elevating the brand has been instrumental to the company’s growth and profile across the country.
ONEC21 brings together agents and leaders from across Canada to learn, network and prepare for the dynamic year ahead. It’s a conference designed on purpose with purpose, a place where ideas collide, best practices are shared, and professionals of all experience levels leave with real tools for growth. Attendees will explore cutting-edge technologies, marketing innovations and critical industry trends that are shaping real estate in 2026 and beyond.
But ONEC21 is much more than education. It’s about connection. With over 10,000 REALTORS® in the Century 21 Canada network, the opportunity to build referral relationships is enormous, and ONCE21’s networking environment is the ideal setting to activate those opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced broker or an emerging real estate agent leader, the conversations you have here can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Century 21 Canada’s story is one of growth, resilience and deep Canadian roots. Since first opening their doors in Richmond, B.C., in 1976 as a family-run business, they have consistently evolved while remaining grounded in values of community and service. Today, with over 400 offices in more than 270 cities and more than 10,000 REALTORS® across the country, the Century 21 family stretches from coast to coast. And because of its global system, with nearly 147,000 members in more than 12,600 offices across 84 countries, this brand stands as one of the largest real estate organizations in the world.
At the heart of this Canadian network is a leadership team that blends vision with authenticity and purpose with innovation:
- U. Gary Charlwood, Executive Chairman, whose legacy and stewardship help preserve Century 21 Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit.
- Martin Charlwood, President & CEO, leading the organisation with strategic clarity and a commitment to the long-term success of every C21 office and agent.
- Tracy Bartram, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, guiding financial strategy that supports sustainable growth.
- Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President, a leader deeply invested in network development and operational excellence.
- Sébastien Bonnerot, Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth, championing new revenue pathways and strategic expansion across Canada.
- Gary Zalepa, Senior Vice President, Network Development, prioritizing the network’s strength and future readiness.
- Tony Mayall, Vice President, Operations, ensuring seamless support for franchises across the country.
- Leigh Kjekstad, Vice President, Marketing, whose work amplifies Century 21’s message with clarity and creativity.
- Deborah White, CPA, CGA, Vice President, Finance, reinforcing fiscal responsibility across strategic initiatives.
- T3 Sixty, Technology Advisor, bringing critical technology insights to support modern real estate tools and platforms.
Together, this leadership team drives a bold but grounded vision, to be the most sought-after real estate brand in the world, and to define and deliver the gold standard in Canadian real estate. At every level, Century 21 Canada lives these principles, through innovation, trust, collaboration and a relentless focus on client and agent success.
As one of the largest national real-estate organizations, Century 21 Canada’s referral pipeline is truly extensive. Agents from diverse regions bring unique market insights and local expertise, all backed by a shared commitment to excellence. ONEC21 accelerates that collaborative spirit. When you gather thousands of professionals with diverse backgrounds but a shared drive to be better, remarkable things happen. New friendships are formed, fresh ideas are sparked, and new business grows organically because relationships, real human connections, matter.
The ONEC21 conference is a gathering of the best of Century 21 Canada, a celebration of shared achievement and future promise. I’m honoured to be part of it and look forward to the vibrant conversations, learning moments and opportunities ahead.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Virginia Munden
BUZZ BUZZ MEDIA INC.
