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BOMA Canada News
November, 2008
BOMEX® 2008, BOMA Canada's National Conference and Exposition was a tremendous success again this year! Held in Vancouver, British Columbia, from September 30 to October 2, 2008, participants from all across Canada came together to enjoy timely education topics, informative panel discussions and several outstanding networking opportunities.
This year's theme was On the Road to Green and Gold, which represented striving for excellence. Whether the goal is to win a gold medal or to reduce our carbon footprint, it is important to be the best we can as individuals, organizations and communities. With environmental sustainability for commercial real estate on the forefront of the agenda, this year's event was the most environmentally friendly BOMEX® to date.
BOMA BESt
The next evolution of BOMA Canada's Go Green program, BOMA BESt, was launched on the first morning of BOMEX® by Chairman Ian M. Stewart. BESt stands for Building Environmental Standards, and represents the direction of the commercial real estate industry in Canada and BOMA Canada's role in providing the mechanisms for common practices across the industry.
The BOMA BESt certification builds on Go Green and Go Green Plus by harmonizing these separate certifications into one program. For more information on the BOMA BESt program, please visit www.bomabest.com.
EDUCATION
One of the key purposes of BOMA Canada's national conference is to provide high level education relevant to today's commercial real estate industry, and offer delegates information and tools that they can use, for the benefit of their firms and for their own personal growth. This was indeed achieved at this year's BOMEX®. These outcomes could not have been delivered, without the effort, energy and expertise of our many education panelists, Keynote and Plenary speakers.
Delegates discovered the BOMEX® Spirit with esteemed Keynote Speakers: Olympic Hero Silken Laumann and Executive Vice President of Construction for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Dan Doyle. Plenary sessions were insightful and informative with focuses on building technology, costs and benefits of going green and economic trends in real estate. The unparalleled education sessions highlighted environmental sustainability, pandemic preparedness and the state of the real estate industry in Canada and globally.
WELCOME RECEPTION
BOMEX® is a fantastic opportunity for us to network with our colleagues from across the country. And 2008 was no exception with venues that showcased what makes Vancouver unique. On the first evening of BOMEX®, delegates enjoyed the Welcome Reception at The Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre. The Lookout sits atop Harbour Centre, which is one of the tallest buildings in Vancouver and British Columbia and provides a spectacular 360º view of Metro Vancouver's cosmopolitan downtown, bustling Coal Harbour and the majestic North Shore Mountains. It was the perfect backdrop to meet and greet old and new colleagues.
EXPOSITION
New for the 2008 Exposition was the opportunity for exhibitors to position themselves on the Green Road. By demonstrating a commitment to sustaining the environment through their products and services, these exhibitors are working towards a greener tomorrow. With more than 70 of Canada's leading product and service providers, the BOMEX® 2008 Exposition was a great success.
GALA
Congratulations to all BOMA Canada Office Building of the Year (TOBY) Award, Earth Award and Pinnacle Award recipients. The Annual BOMA Canada National Awards were handed out at the prestigious Gala evening on October 2. The national awards program recognizes the very best of the dynamic Canadian commercial real estate industry. These awards acknowledge the special efforts made by those in the industry whose leadership and hard work set new benchmarks and define the shape of things to come.
A special congratulations is extended to Sue Ziemski. Sue was the surprised and honoured recipient of the coveted Chairman's Award. The elegant gala evening included an interactive cocktail reception, exceptional fine dining, awe-inspiring entertainment and a dynamic master of ceremonies.
Winners of this BOMA Canada's National Awards may be eligible to compete in the International Awards, which will be presented at BOMA International's Annual Convention on June 28-30, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Read more about the BOMA Canada National Award Winners in our BOMA Canada Award Supplement in this issue of Canadian Property Management.
CLOSING PARTY
The Vancouver Aquarium was the venue for the BOMA Canada Closing Party. Delegates had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Aquarium's 70,000 amazing marine creatures while mingling with colleagues and enjoying the many gourmet food stations located throughout the galleries. It was the perfect setting in which to wind down after a busy week at BOMEX®.
Throughout BOMEX®, BOMA BC conducted a 50/50 draw with the proceeds going to benefit the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. The winner, Rob Trimble of Innovation Place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was drawn by Mike Bishop, President of BOMA BC. A special event will take place to present the Paralympic Foundation of Canada with the donation.
The BOMA Canada Board of Directors and the BOMEX® 2008 Management Committee would like to extend a thank you to all who participated in BOMEX® 2008 and to those who worked tirelessly to make it a huge success. We look forward to seeing you in Montreal for BOMEX® 2009, September 22-24. Please contact BOMA Quebec for more information. www.boma-quebec.org
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding any element of BOMEX® 2008, please contact info@bomacanada.ca. Feedback from the industry is extremely important in the planning of future events and programs.
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