Association will host industry members for annual educational and networking event on April 13-14
Canada’s housing and mortgage markets are in the midst of a huge shift – one that Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association – British Columbia (CMBA-BC) chief executive officer Carla Giles (pictured top) describes as far from a “business as usual” moment for the mortgage industry.
The mortgage outlook today couldn’t be more different than it was five years ago: then, rock-bottom interest rates spurred a homebuying surge and one of the most lucrative markets for mortgage brokers in living memory.
Fast-forward to 2026, and that picture has changed dramatically. Rising borrowing costs poured cold water over the buying frenzy and put the squeeze on homeowners, while the stunning rise of artificial intelligence is presenting new challenges – and opportunities – for the broker profession.
Against that backdrop, CMBA-BC’s annual conference and trade show (April 13-14) will focus on helping brokers navigate their way forward in a challenging climate, staying ahead in an industry that’s evolving more rapidly than ever.
For Giles, the event will allow brokers to adapt and grow in an uncertain environment and identify new ways to stay at the forefront of the mortgage discussion.
“Our message is simple,” she said. “If you want to stay relevant, competitive, and more knowledgeable about what’s ahead, you need to be in the room.
“The 2026 CMBA-BC conference and trade show is designed to give brokers clarity, perspective, and practical direction, while also creating an experience that reflects the energy and evolution of our industry.”
The event will take place at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, with a two-day schedule including panels on the BC housing outlook, an economic update with top economist Brendon Ogmundson, and fireside chats with mortgage expert Rob McLister and Tolga Yalkin of the British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA).
Connecting the bigger picture with day-to-day decisions
Giles said the itinerary was constructed to give brokers clarity, perspective, and practical direction, as well as creating an experience reflecting the industry’s energy and evolution.
“We’ve designed the program to connect the bigger picture with day-to-day decisions,” she said. “From the housing panel, where we bring together perspectives across policy, development, and economics, to hands-on sessions like the interactive workshop with Dr. Greg Wells and Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, attendees will gain both strategic insight and practical tools to thrive.
“Just as importantly, I want people to leave feeling energized. This industry can be demanding and creating space for connection, reflection, and even a bit of fun helps people come back to their businesses with renewed focus.”
That session with Wells and Hanley-Dafoe is part of a more interactive format this year, Giles said, designed to be “engaging, reflective, and directly applicable” to how mortgage professionals operate under pressure.
The event will also feature moments designed to bring the community together in a different way: a Dating Show-style session, for instance, adding a lighter and engaging format while still connecting brokers with lenders and solutions in a meaningful way. “It’s a balance of insight, interaction, and energy,” Giles said.
Event aims to ‘create space to step back and think more strategically’
Industry networking and education events have become more important than ever in the current climate, Giles said, because of the uncertainty – but also innovation and opportunity – at play.
“We’re navigating a combination of market uncertainty, regulatory change, and rapid technological evolution,” she said. “In that kind of environment, it’s easy to become reactive.
“Events like this create space to step back and think more strategically, while also learning from others who are navigating the same challenges. They also reinforce something that’s often overlooked: this is a relationship-driven industry. The ability to connect with peers, lenders, and partners is a real competitive advantage – especially right now.”
Ultimately, the event reflects where CMBA-BC sees the profession going – and that means a focus not just on transactions, but also on delivering long-term value.
“That’s why the program blends market intelligence, housing policy conversations, behavioural insight, and technology,” Giles said. “At CMBA-BC, our role is to support brokers in building sustainable, future-ready businesses. The conference is one of the ways we bring that to life.”
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