Posted by Canadian Real Estate Forums on 13 October 2026
10 trends industry leaders will be discussing at the Calgary Real Estate Forum
What are the biggest forces influencing Calgary's commercial real estate market in 2026? At this year's Calgary Real Estate Forum, some of the industry's leading investors, developers, advisors and policymakers will explore the market trends, investment opportunities and economic drivers shaping Calgary's future. From demographic growth and energy sector performance to downtown revitalization, industrial expansion, and infrastructure investment, conversations throughout the forum will offer valuable insight into where the market is headed next.
"Calgary hasn't been this energized since the mid-2000s – 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year in many ways for us and the forum will showcase that." – Co-chair Matt Rachiele, President & CEO, Twenty Three Capital
Calgary Real Estate Forum at a glance
- Who: Senior commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, lenders, asset managers, occupiers, policymakers, economists, and industry advisors operating across Calgary, Alberta, and Western Canada.
- What: A full-day forum examining economic conditions, energy markets, population growth, downtown revitalization, office performance, industrial expansion, capital markets, data centres, and transit-oriented development.
- Where: BMO Centre Expansion, Stampede Grounds
- When: Thursday, October 22, 2026
What are the top 10 trends industry leaders are watching?
1. Economic outlook and market fundamentals
The agenda begins with an assessment of Alberta's and Canada's economic trajectory, including employment, inflation, interest rates, housing affordability, immigration, and evolving policy decisions impacting commercial real estate investment and development.
2. Energy markets and economic growth
Calgary's economy remains closely linked to the performance of the oil and gas sector. Industry experts will examine commodity pricing, geopolitical volatility, exploration activity, and Alberta's long-term growth potential within global energy markets.
3. Population growth and demographic change
Sessions explore how Alberta's rapid population growth is influencing housing demand, retail expansion, workforce availability, and broader commercial real estate requirements. Attendees will gain insight into how migration trends are reshaping market demand.
4. Downtown revitalization and office conversions
The forum reviews Calgary's nationally recognized office-to-residential conversion program, including lessons learned, development outcomes, housing creation, and the impact of incentive programs on downtown renewal.
5. Data centres and energy infrastructure
A dedicated discussion examines the growing relationship between data centre development, energy infrastructure, and commercial real estate investment, assessing Alberta's role in supporting future digital infrastructure growth.
6. Municipal leadership and city-building
A featured conversation with Jeromy Farkas, Mayor of The City of Calgary, explores strategies for attracting investment, supporting commercial expansion, and planning for a city approaching two million residents.
7. Office market dynamics
Industry leaders will evaluate Calgary's increasingly divergent office market, including downtown vacancy challenges, suburban market resilience, tenant demand, leasing strategies, and the impact of ongoing conversions.
8. Industrial real estate and logistics
Sessions examine Calgary's evolution as an inland port, analyzing supply chain advantages, industrial demand, speculative development, transportation infrastructure, and occupancy trends.
9. Capital markets and investment structures
Investment professionals will discuss transaction activity, valuation trends, capital deployment, and deal structures including joint ventures (JV), GP/LP partnerships, and co-development arrangements across asset classes.
10. Transit-oriented development
The agenda concludes with a review of Calgary's Transit-Oriented Communities (TOCs) strategy, including opportunities created by the Green Line LRT, transit infrastructure investment, density planning, and mixed-use development.
“The Calgary Real Estate Forum is an important opportunity to bring together the people and ideas shaping Calgary’s next chapter. As our city continues to grow and evolve, these conversations help build the relationships, confidence and shared ambition needed to unlock investment and create great places. At CMLC, city-building is at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to be part of a forum that brings our industry together around Calgary’s continued growth and potential.” – Kate Thompson, President & CEO, CMLC
Why is this forum important for commercial real estate professionals?
Access to market intelligence
Attendees receive current analysis on the economic indicators, demographic forces, and investment trends most likely to influence commercial real estate performance through 2027.
Investment and capital deployment insights
The forum provides practical guidance on acquisition opportunities, valuation trends, capital structures, and market conditions across office, industrial, residential, and mixed-use sectors.
Understanding Alberta's growth story
As Alberta continues to attract residents and businesses, the conference offers valuable insight into how population growth, energy investment, and infrastructure expansion support long-term market demand.
Urban development and policy intelligence
Participants gain firsthand perspectives from municipal leaders, planners, and developers on downtown revitalization, infrastructure investment, housing initiatives, and future development priorities.
Emerging opportunities
The agenda explores high-growth areas, including data centres, industrial logistics, transit-oriented communities, and adaptive reuse projects that are attracting growing investor attention.
Networking with senior decision-makers
The event brings together executives, owners, investors, lenders, occupiers, public-sector leaders, and advisors who are actively shaping Calgary's commercial real estate market.
This year's lineup includes
Economists and market experts
- Andrew Grantham, CIBC Capital Markets
- Jeremy McCrea, BMO Capital Markets
- Todd Hirsch, Economist, Author and Speaker
Government and civic leadership
- Jeromy Farkas, Mayor, The City of Calgary
- Deborah Yedlin, Calgary Chamber of Commerce
- Thom Mahler, The City of Calgary
Developers, owners and investors
- Rob Blackwell, Aspen Properties
- Sarah Itani, Cidex Group of Companies
- Maxim Olshevsky, Astra Group & Peoplefirst Developments
- Taylor Brown, Salthill Capital
- Kendal Harazny, Wexford Developments
Commercial real estate advisors
- Damien Mills, JLL
- Richie Bhamra, CBRE Limited
- Paul Marsden, Colliers
Energy and infrastructure leaders
- Gillian Barnett, AESO
- Vlad Oujegov, Western Canada Data Centre Alliance
- Andrew Plaunt, Kineticor
Join hundreds of commercial real estate leaders at the Calgary Real Estate Forum 2026 to hear directly from the experts, gain valuable market intelligence, and position yourself at the forefront of the opportunities shaping the region's future. Register today to secure your spot.
