Mortgage Broker is the magazine of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association and showcases the multi-billion dollar mortgage-broking industry to all levels of government, associated organizations and other interested individuals.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/309414
tradeshow MortgageBroker mbabc.ca spring 2014 | 23 The Main Event – A Knockout! What do you get when you bring together mortgage brokers, great speakers, wonderful food, drink, entertainment, prizes, and significant awards? e Main Event – this year's two-day Mortgage Brokers Association of British Columbia conference and trade show at the River Rock Hotel in Richmond. Right from the opening bell, master of ceremonies Casey Archibald from Canada Guarantee injected energy and enthusiasm into the boxing-themed event held in February. e speakers covered a range of topics (some academic, some practical, and others inspirational) – all beneficial to those striving to be top mortgage brokers. Russ Syme of First National Financial delivered a workshop on best practices in submitting commercial borrowing requests to underwriters, while John Lynch covered CMHC lending policies and guidelines, providing practical advice about how they might be applied in various scenarios. Ajay Soni, president of MBABC, highlighted MBABC's current efforts to enhance the branding of the association and noted the importance of the mortgage brokering industry in B.C. For example in 2013 more than $15 billion was funded in B.C. through the efforts of mortgage brokers and more than 50 per cent of first-time homebuyers used a mortgage broker. Be part of the change MBABC CEO Samantha Gale also underlined the importance of mortgage brokers to the B.C. economy and referenced self-regulation possibilities for the industry. She invited mortgage brokers, who had not yet joined the association, to sign up and be part of the industry's transformation. Peter Legge, chairman of Canada Wide Media Ltd., weaved his life experiences into practical working advice in his address, Wake Up! Get Up! Get Dressed! Go to Work – and Know It's Hard Work. Renowned real estate marketer Bob Rennie spoke of the importance and future of the condominium market in Vancouver. He explained why Vancouver homeowners are equity-rich and why the local market is not as exposed to subprime meltdowns as other areas. Peri Shawn, author, presented the importance of connecting with prospective clients by telling stories. She focused on studies that support the notion that story telling triggers certain parts of the brain and better engages the client. Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist with CIBC World Markets Inc., provided a detailed analysis of the world economy and its future prospects. He demonstrated how events – such as the failure or success of the Euro Zone, the strength of the US dollar, and Asian money investment decisions – in faraway markets have strong impacts on the health of the local real estate market. He predicted home prices will remain about the same for the next 10 years. Dragon tales Arlene Dickinson, a member of the popular television show Dragons' Den, delivered the keynote address. She recalled the difficult life experiences that moulded her into an investor and that continue to impact her investment decisions. She charted the path that took her from a poor immigrant child of a dysfunctional family to her current position of strength. She knows effort can overcome challenges. Reflecting the theme, about 60 exhibitors set up their stands around a regulation boxing ring in the trade show area. Sponsors ranged from lenders to mortgage brokers and others with related interests. Attendees could recoup a large portion of the event's ticket price from the swag alone. Mortgage brokers were given the opportunity to add to their take through a coupon book that provides for increased commissions for brokers on future deals and discounts on future services. ere was little down time: Aer busy days each evening included a well-attended cocktail party with live music. e gala dinner wrapped up the event and along with great food and service, Giovanni Amenta, an original member of e Canadian Tenors and Destino, performed. e prizes were also a knockout!. e annual trade show delivered some big punches BY Ray Basi • p22-25_Tradeshow.indd 23 14-05-08 2:33 PM