Real Truths, Real Talk, Real Tactics from our Industry’s Most Experienced Broker Owners, for Real Growth in an Unpredictable Market.
The Brokers’ Playbook: Real Truths, Real Talk, Real Tactics, for 2026
In an industry where change is no longer seasonal but constant, Canadian real estate leaders are being called to think differently, act decisively, and lead with clarity. That is exactly where The Brokers’ Playbook at BUZZ Greatness 2026 steps in. Hosted at the Mississauga Convention Centre on January 28 – 29, BUZZ continues to set the standard for meaningful, industry-defining conversations. This session is not about theory or surface-level motivation. It is about truth, experience, and the real strategies some of the most renowned broker owners need to navigate an unpredictable market.
Presented within the larger framework of The BUZZ Conference, The Brokers’ Playbook reflects what BUZZ and Buzz Buzz Media Inc. have always stood form, honest dialogue, elevated leadership, and practical insight that moves the industry forward. At a time when volatility has become the norm rather than the exception, this session cuts through the noise to address what is truly impacting Canadian real estate today and what will matter most in 2026.
Broker owners are facing pressure on multiple fronts. Policy shifts happen quickly and often without clear guidance. Consumer behaviour continues to evolve as affordability, trust, and access to information reshape how buyers and sellers engage with REALTORS®. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is no longer a future concept but a present-day reality that is changing workflows, expectations, and competitive advantage. At the same time, profitability is under strain, both at the brokerage and agent level, forcing leaders to rethink traditional models, expenses, and value propositions.
The Brokers’ Playbook does not shy away from these realities. Instead, it brings them to the table with intention. This session asks the hard questions broker owners are already asking behind closed doors. What is really impacting recruitment and retention? How do brokerages protect culture while embracing technology? What does sustainability look like when margins are tighter and expectations are higher? And perhaps most importantly, how do leaders position their people to not just survive, but grow, in the year ahead?
The strength of this session lies in the experience of the panel itself. Featuring respected broker owners from across Canada, the discussion is grounded in lived reality, not speculation. Debra Bain of RE/MAX Hallmark brings decades of leadership perspective and a deep understanding of brokerage operations at scale. Carlo Racioppo of Royal LePage Realty Plus offers insight into adapting leadership strategies in rapidly shifting market conditions. Tania Artenosi of Coldwell Banker TREC adds a people-first lens, focusing on culture, accountability, and long-term growth. Trevor Evans of Century 21 Millennium rounds out the panel with a sharp focus on innovation, adaptability, and future-proofing brokerage models.
Moderated by Vivian Risi of RE/MAX Your Community, she brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, one guided with purpose, ensuring the discussion remains relevant, candid, and actionable. This is not a panel built for soundbites. It is a working session designed to leave broker owners and REALTORS® thinking differently about how they lead, how they structure their businesses, and how they support their agents.
What makes The Brokers’ Playbook especially timely is its focus on opportunity within uncertainty. While many conversations in the industry focus on what has been lost or what feels harder, this session reframes the narrative. It acknowledges the challenges without being defined by them. It highlights where smart leadership, clear communication, and decisive action can create advantage in 2026. In doing so, it reinforces a core BUZZ belief that progress is possible when leaders are willing to be honest, adaptable, and intentional.
Buzz Buzz Media Inc., the media force behind BUZZ, has long championed real conversations over recycled talking points. The Brokers’ Playbook discussion reflects that philosophy. It is built for broker owners and their agents who are tired of noise and hungry for substance. Those who understand that leadership today requires transparency, resilience, and a willingness to evolve.
As the real estate industry continues to reset, sessions like The Brokers’ Playbook are not optional. They are essential. They provide a space for leaders to reflect, recalibrate, and recommit to building businesses that are not only profitable, but sustainable. For broker owners looking to make 2026 a year of clarity, growth, and renewed confidence, this is one room they need to be in. For REALTORS® looking for edge, this is a discussion to hear how you too can plan your business for the year ahead.
At BUZZ Greatness 2026, The Brokers’ Playbook Panel is a reminder that real leadership begins with real talk and that the strongest strategies are built on truth, experience, and the courage to lead forward.
Are you ready for the truth? It will change your career.
Join us at BUZZ
