On the Road to Green and Gold  -BOMEX® 2008 in Vancouver
July, 2008

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All eyes are focused westward as preparations continue for BOMEX®, BOMA Canada's national conference, taking place in Vancouver September 30 - October 2, 2008. The agenda for this exciting three-day event will exemplify this year's chosen theme of "On the Road to Green and Gold," which highlights the significance of environmental initiatives for the continued success of the commercial real estate industry. 

"The education sessions and roundtable discussions will provide fresh insight on both the achievements that our industry has collectively made towards increased sustainability as well as the opportunities for the future," says Ian M. Stewart, Chair of BOMA Canada.  "It's very appropriate that Vancouver is hosting BOMEX® 2008, given that this city has truly embraced environmental sustainability as a core value." 

BOMEX® organizers are delighted to announce the participation of Alan Whitson, President of Corporate Realty, Design and Management Institute. He will be featured in the first plenary session on the program and will also moderate the Corporate Sustainability Roundtable, which will include top visionaries representing owners, tenants and service providers who have chosen to implement green measures into their management practices. Their discussion will cover the benefits of investing in green capital as well as environmental and energy efficiency programs.

The popular Executive Roundtable, discussing current trends and economics within the commercial real estate industry, will be moderated by Michael Brooks, Executive Director of REALpac. The session is sure to be lively and informative with participants such as: Paul Campbell, President and CEO of SITQ; Stephen Taylor, President and COO of Morguard Investments Ltd.; Geoff Harrison, President and CEO of Arcturus; and Tim McGrath, Assistant Deputy Minister at Public Works and Government Services Canada. This esteemed panel will discuss the key issues that all real estate organizations face today, expected market changes moving forward, the effect of technology on operations delivery, energy efficiency programs and sustainability.

BOMEX® 2008 will deliver a wealth of relevant educational opportunities. The lineup focuses primarily on issues relating to the environment and sustainability, including sessions on such topics as Carbon Footprinting, Carbon Tax, and the Future of Energy.  Additional offerings will include Human Capital, Pandemic Management, BOMI education programs and much more. In addition to the keynote speakers and roundtable sessions, BOMEX® will once again include a two-day exposition structured to be accessible to delegates at times that do not conflict with the educational program.

In support of the sustainability theme, this year's edition of BOMEX® promises to be the most environmentally friendly to date. BOMA Canada is pleased to have partnered with the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre (VCEC), a BOMA Go Green Certified building, to come up with a comprehensive set of strategies to make BOMEX® 2008 a truly green conference experience. These measures include selecting hotels with energy and environmental management programs in place, and which are located within close walking distance of the convention centre, eliminating the need for shuttle service. You are encouraged to check the BOMEX® 2008 website for complete details on the greening initiatives.

BOMEX® kicks off on Tuesday, September 30th, with the annual delegate golf tournament, taking place at the acclaimed Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, regarded as BC's most scenic golf course. The opening reception that evening will be held at the beautiful Vancouver Lookout, atop Harbour Centre, which, as one of the tallest buildings in Vancouver, offers a spectacular panoramic view.

Following the full agenda on Wednesday, the evening will be dedicated to recognizing excellence in the Canadian commercial real estate industry at BOMA Canada's prestigious National TOBY Awards Gala. Following a comprehensive slate of activities on Thursday, BOMEX® 2008 will finish with a splash at the closing event - an evening of fun, food and aquatic adventure at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Visit the conference web site at www.bomex.ca for more information and to register today.