BOMEX 2025 will kick off with some informed cross-border perspective, as David Cohen, former United States Ambassador to Canada, delivers the opening keynote address to Canadian commercial real estate professionals attending the annual conference. This year, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada takes the event to the host city of Halifax, home base of one of 11 vibrant regional BOMA associations that will congregate under the national umbrella from September 15 to 17.
“At this pivotal moment in Canada-U.S. relations, we are honoured to welcome Ambassador David L. Cohen to BOMEX 2025,” says Benjamin Shinewald, president and chief executive officer at BOMA Canada. “His breadth of experience in diplomacy, corporate leadership and civic engagement brings a unique perspective to our discussions on the future of commercial real estate in a rapidly changing global economy.”
Lisa Baroldi, president and chief executive officer of BOMA Edmonton and North, will lead the discussion, drawing out Cohen’s insight from both his 2020-2025 ambassadorial term and a distinguished business and legal career. Just prior to his appointment to Canada, he was a senior executive and the inaugural chief diversity officer with the Fortune 50 global media and technology company, Comcast NBCUniversal.
Cohen comes to his BOMEX audience with a deep grounding in government and regulatory affairs, public policy, corporate real estate and security and community impact. As Ambassador, he played a pivotal role in fostering Canada-U.S. relations during the Biden administration, further honing his relationship-building skills around issues of trade, infrastructure, climate action and cross-border security. He also has a track record of service in the non-profit sector, as a corporate board member and in local government.
Anne Belliveau, chief customer experience with Cirque du Soliel will deliver the closing keynote, focusing on finding new possibilities in times of changes. She’ll illustrate that topic with insight on Cirque’s transformation from under the Big Top canvas to a larger canvas of digital and physical performances, while drawing on her own experience as a triathlete, community leader and advocate for the arts.
Belliveau’s outlook and expertise were additionally shaped in her previous tenures as chief marketing and revenue officer at Tennis Canada, where she oversaw both unprecedented revenue growth and an elevation of the organization’s global brand. Her career trajectory also includes serving as chief marketing officer for the Just For Laughs Group and as vice president, business brand and marketing communications, at Telus.
Other highlights on the BOMEX schedule include the debuting Women in CRE Breakfast and roundtable discussion and the venerable Executive Roundtable. BOMA’s Emerging Leaders will again provide assurance that the industry’s future is in good hands, presenting a panel discussion and a deeper delve into findings from BOMA Canada’s survey of the cohort’s ambitions, needs and skillsets on offer.
Jeff Douglas will keep all proceedings rolling as conference host. That’s a role he likewise fills with CBC radio in Halifax, as host of afternoon show, Halifax Mainstreet. He’s also known as the actor behind Joe Canadian — first emerging as a popular figure at the turn of the millennium and more recently returning to the national stage to offer encouragement for the current times.
Three days of BOMEX learning and networking will again culminate with a celebration of the Canadian commercial real estate industry’s accomplishments at the National Awards Gala. Retailer and floral designer, Neville McKay, proprietor of My Mother’s Bloomers, will serve as master of ceremonies.
