Hot topics: What panellists will be discussing at this year's Canadian Mortgage Awards

The CMAs have evolved. Here's a sneak peek at one of the most exciting changes

Hot topics: What panellists will be discussing at this year's Canadian Mortgage Awards

The Canadian Mortgage Awards are back, in virtual form, on August 27, so bust out the top half of your tux and pour one of those at-home manhattans you’ve perfected during quarantine.

In an unprecedented year that has seen struggles and successes across the Canadian mortgage industry, Mortgage Broker News and Canadian Mortgage Professional feel it’s more important than ever to bring the industry together for a chance to connect, network and celebrate at what has consistently been the industry event of the year.

Scaling up the event, we’ll be showing the awards component in a format that will bring the glitz and glamour of the event directly to you. We’ll also be offering panel discussions with finalists, interview discussions, and more.

In anticipation of the event, some of our panel moderators have shared their hopes, goals, and expectations for their in-depth discussions.

One-on-one with TransUnion Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Todd Poberznick
Interviewer: Paul Sy, VP and Head of Solutions Groups, TransUnion. 

MBN: What insights do you expect to gain from your interview with Mr. Poberznick?

Paul Sy: I’m excited to talk to him about the changes he’s seen in the mortgage industry over his 35 years, how he sees things evolving, and his keys to success in this exciting and dynamic field.

Award-Winning Career Advice from Female Mortgage Trailblazers
Moderator: Krista Valadao, Business Development Manager, Home Trust

MBN: Why should all attendees listen to your panel’s discussion?

Krista Valado: There are career challenges in the mortgage industry that are specific to women. This panel provides an opportunity for both women and men in our industry to learn from the best possible source: women who have personally overcome these challenges to become inspirational leaders in their field.

B lending: The Latest Opportunities for Brokers
Moderator: Grant Armstrong, National Director of Sales, Community Trust

MBN: What do you hope attendees take away from your panel?

Grant Armstrong: Diversification in today’s marketplace is key, and alternative lending is playing a more important role. Attendees will gain valuable insights on how to navigate the alternative lending landscape from a distinguished panel of experts, allowing to help more of their clients become financially successful and secure.

How Can Brokers Gain a Competitive Edge in a Crowded Market
Moderator: Chris Turcotte, president and COO, CENTUM Financial Group

MBN: What lessons do you expect attendees to learn from the panel discussion?

Chris Turcotte Your ability to stand out in a crowded market is so much easier than you think because there’s very few people doing it right. My hope is that we can highlight those that are marketing and providing value that’s relevant to 2020. Like many things in the Canadian mortgage industry, marketing is in the dark ages. The strategies for standing out these days are no different. Let’s change that with a chat with the pros. 

Meet the Top Commercial Brokers
Moderated by Matthew McWatters, principal and senior vice president at Avison Young

MBN: What insights do you expect attendees to gain from your panel?

Matthew McWatters: I’m hoping to understand not only the challenges the panellists have faced in the past six months but the solutions they have come up with. The panel is made up of some of the top mortgage brokers in Canada, and I would like to get a pulse on deal activity throughout each major market. Lastly, I want to find out what the new norms are. What are the lenders asking from appraisers in this new landscape? What should we expect in Q4 and beyond?

Award Winning Sales Strategies
Moderated by John Bargis, principal and CEO, CIMBC

MBN: Why should brokers and lenders alike tune into your panel discussion at the CMAs?

John Bargis: I have the opportunity to explore the activity of the experienced Business Development Managers of our industry lender partners, which I’m certain many brokers and agents could benefit from. My approach will be to ask the panel of professionals some candid questions about what they do to build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their broker and agent partners, and what steps they take to deal with more challenging relationships. Broadly speaking, there’s always something to be gained from attending sessions involving those who do it best that focus on improving one’s sales strategies regardless of which business they’re in, and this panel discussion will be no exception.