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Our Partners
09.13 - 09.15 2026 | ottawa, caNADA
Leadership Exchange 2026
Leadership Exchange brings together leaders from across the Engel & Völkers network to explore business development in a new era—where performance, purpose, and long-term value creation intersect. Join us for inspired conversation, strategic insight, and forward-thinking perspectives designed to elevate how you lead and grow.
300+
Industry Experts
LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE 2026
Business development in a new era
Driving performance and creating value should be at the heart of your business strategy. This year’s event delivers actionable workshops, expert insights, and proven strategies to help you strengthen and scale your real estate business.
Best Practice Sharing
Invaluable Networking
Expert Insights
Pre-Event Activities
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm ET
Engel & Völkers Outaouais Shop Drop-in
Kick off your trip with a visit to our Engel & Völkers Outaouais Shop at 38 Chemin Scott in Chelsea, QC. Just a 15-minute ride from the hotel, this is a great opportunity to connect.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 | 10:00 - 11:30 am ET
Ottawa City Bus Tour
Discover Ottawa through a curated, guided bus tour led by local experts John King and Larry Mohr. This 1.5-hour experience offers a unique perspective on the city’s neighborhoods, landmarks, and history. The bus will be departing from Fairmont Château Laurier.
Space is limited. Advance RSVP required.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm ET
Engel & Völkers Ottawa Open House
Gather at “The EV Manor” for their Open House at 292 Somerset St. W, walking distance from the hotel. Come experience the space, meet the team, and enjoy some time networking with one another.
Event Overview
Sunday, September 13th, 2026
Day One
10:00AM - 11:30AM | Ottawa & Gatineau Sightseeing Tour (Pre-Event Activity)
2:00PM - 4:00PM | Engel & Völkers Ottawa Open House (Pre-Event Activity)
5:00PM - 7:00PM | Welcome Reception
Reconnect with colleagues while enjoying refreshments, entertainment, and an evening of connection.
Monday, September 14th, 2026
Day Two
8:00AM - 9:00AM | Breakfast
9:00AM - 12:30PM | General Session
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Vision: Where Do We Fit in Today's World?
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Workshop: Do You Know Who You Are?
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Who Are We Presentations
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The Engel & Völkers Vibe & Roadmap
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Panel: The Fate of the Lowest Producers
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Market Spotlight
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Panel: How Do We Retain Value in Talent Attraction Conversations?
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The Leadership Trifecta: Operations + Talent Attraction/Retention + Profitability
12:30PM - 2:30PM | Lunch & Discover Ottawa
Enjoy lunch at your leisure and experience Ottawa's vibrant downtown—from local restaurants and cafés to shops and historic landmarks.
2:30PM - 5:00PM | Interactive Workshops
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Interactive Workshops: Profitability, Talent Attraction & Retention, and Operations
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Panel: The Best of Breakouts
7:00PM - 9:00PM | Dinner Reception
Tuesday, September 15th, 2026
Day Three
8:00AM - 9:00AM | Breakfast
9:00AM - 12:30PM | General Session
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The Economic Outlook: What Brokerage Leaders Need to Know
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AI for Brokerage Leaders
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Shop Talk: Vision to Application
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Bring Your Challenge
12:30PM - 2:30PM | Lunch & Discover Ottawa
Take time to enjoy lunch, connect with fellow attendees, and continue exploring everything downtown Ottawa has to offer.
2:30PM - 5:00PM | General Session
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Panel: Market Share Moves
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Market Spotlight
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Steal My Idea: Profitability Edition
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A Look Ahead: License Partners Share Their Focus for the Next Six Months
7:00PM - 9:00PM | Closing Dinner Reception
Additional Experiences
St. Helena Shop Visit
Join Engel & Völkers St Helena for a meet and greet hosted by Co-Founders, Will Densberger and Pavi Micheli and CEO, Paul Benson, to learn more about the town of St. Helena and our wonderful wineries, restaurants, shops and community. There will be drinks, wine and charcuterie for your enjoyment.
1111 Main Street, Suite A
St. Helena, CA. 94574
9.14.25 11:00 AM-- 1:00 PM
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A True Napa Valley Insider
For over two decades, Karen Williams of ACME Fine Wines has been at the forefront of Napa’s wine scene—debuting cult brands through her curated wine clubs and helping shape the legendary status they hold today. Known among winemakers as a tastemaker, Karen is often the first stop for rare releases and debut labels crafted by the valley’s finest.
She doesn’t just follow the future of wine—she helps create it.
Interested in a unique tasting or personalized wine experience? Contact Karen today to curate something unforgettable.
Napa Shop Welcome
09.14, 1-3pm | Napa, CA
Join us for a special experience hosted by the Engel & Völkers Napa shop as we welcome our Leadership community to the heart of wine country. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with:
A curated wine tasting from the Napa Valley
Light bites to complement your glass
Live music to set the mood
A guided tour of our beautiful shop
A local map of must-see spots in Napa
Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
One Hope Winery Tour
09.13 & 09.17 | Napa, CA
We've Saved You a Seat!
Our winery is the physical manifestation of our vision. It's a place where we invite people to gather, find inspiration, and join us on our mission to share great wine and give hope to many.
Designed by acclaimed Napa Valley architect, Howard Backen, our winery embodies our purpose to nourish the future with world-class wines crafted by Isadora Frias.
Enjoy memorable food and wine experiences at ONEHOPE Winery while taking in picturesque views of the Mayacama Mountain range
Geoffrey Bray is Co-Owner and Managing Broker of Engel & Völkers Minneapolis, where he has helped build one of the brand's top-performing shops in the Americas. A respected industry leader and frequent national speaker, Geoffrey is recognized for his collaborative leadership, commitment to advisor success, and active role in shaping the future of real estate.
Geoffrey Bray
License Partner
Engel & Völkers Minneapolis
Paul Benson is Co-Founder and CEO of Engel & Völkers Gestalt Group, overseeing 55 offices across the western United States. A globally recognized luxury real estate leader with more than $2.8 billion in career sales, Paul is known for his market expertise, collaborative leadership, and building one of the industry's most successful brokerage organizations.
Paul Benson
License Partner
Engel & Völkers Park City
Jennifer Ames is a Licensed Partner of Engel & Völkers Chicago with nearly 30 years of experience and more than $2.5 billion in career sales. A recognized industry leader, she is known for her strategic approach to luxury real estate, advisor development, and building high-performing businesses through collaboration, mentorship, and exceptional client service.
Jennifer Ames
License Partner
Engel & Völkers Chicago
Debby Doktorczyk is a respected luxury real estate broker and business leader based in Montréal. With a background spanning interior design, project management, and brokerage leadership, she is recognized for her strategic approach to luxury real estate, exceptional client experience, and deep expertise in building and leading high-performing real estate businesses.
Debby Doktorczyk
License Partner
Engel & Völkers Montréal
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Geoffrey Bray is Co-Owner and Managing Broker of Engel & Völkers Minneapolis, where he has helped build one of the brand's top-performing shops in the Americas. A respected industry leader and frequent national speaker, Geoffrey is recognized for his collaborative leadership, commitment to advisor success, and active role in shaping the future of real estate.
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Geoffrey Bray
License Partner
Engel & Völkers Minneapolis
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Paul Benson is Co-Founder and CEO of Engel & Völkers Gestalt Group, overseeing 55 offices across the western United States. A globally recognized luxury real estate leader with more than $2.8 billion in career sales, Paul is known for his market expertise, collaborative leadership, and building one of the industry's most successful brokerage organizations.
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Paul Benson
License Partner
Engel & Völkers Park City
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Jennifer Ames is a Licensed Partner of Engel & Völkers Chicago with nearly 30 years of experience and more than $2.5 billion in career sales. A recognized industry leader, she is known for her strategic approach to luxury real estate, advisor development, and building high-performing businesses through collaboration, mentorship, and exceptional client service.
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Jennifer Ames
License Partner
Engel & Völkers Chicago
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Debby Doktorczyk is a respected luxury real estate broker and business leader based in Montréal. With a background spanning interior design, project management, and brokerage leadership, she is recognized for her strategic approach to luxury real estate, exceptional client experience, and deep expertise in building and leading high-performing real estate businesses.
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Debby Doktorczyk
License Partner
Engel & Völkers Montréal
Sunday, September 14th
Welcome Reception: Kickoff & Connection
5:00PM to 7:00PM
Start the Leadership Exchange experience with a relaxed welcome reception at a Napa vineyard. Enjoy local wine, entertainment, and meaningful connections with peers from across the network. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for two days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
Monday, September 15th
We begin with a high-impact general session covering today’s top trends in recruiting, retention, and market positioning—all focussed on driving meaningful business results. Expect sharp insights, a dynamic crisis panel, and practical tools to refine your leadership approach.
In the afternoon, shop-size breakouts offer a collaborative space to tackle real-world business challenges with fellow leaders. We wrap up the day with a general session recap and a memorable dinner inside a cave.
8:00AM to 9:00PM
Day 1: Strategy, Trends & Connection
Tuesday, September 16th
Day two is focused on implementation. From succession planning and mergers & acquisitions to maximizing brokerage tools and coaching approaches, this is where vision meets action.
Breakout sessions give you hands-on time with your P&L, leadership strategies, and market specialization tools. A closing town hall will spotlight the top takeaways, followed by one final evening to celebrate progress and potential.
8:00AM to 9:00PM
Day 2: Planning for Growth & Long-Term Success
Sunday, September 14th
Start the Leadership Exchange experience with a relaxed welcome reception at a Napa vineyard. Enjoy local wine, entertainment, and meaningful connections with peers from across the network. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for two days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
Welcome Reception: Kickoff & Connection
5:00PM to 7:00PM
Monday, September 15th
We begin with a high-impact general session covering today’s top trends in recruiting, retention, and market positioning—all focussed on driving meaningful business results. Expect sharp insights, a dynamic crisis panel, and practical tools to refine your leadership approach.
In the afternoon, shop-size breakouts offer a collaborative space to tackle real-world business challenges with fellow leaders. We wrap up the day with a general session recap and a memorable dinner inside a cave.
Day 1: Strategy, Trends & Connection
8:00AM to 9:00PM
Tuesday, September 16th
Day two is focused on implementation. From succession planning and mergers & acquisitions to maximizing brokerage tools and coaching approaches, this is where vision meets action.
Breakout sessions give you hands-on time with your P&L, leadership strategies, and market specialization tools. A closing town hall will spotlight the top takeaways, followed by one final evening to celebrate progress and potential.
Day 2: Planning for Growth & Long-Term Success
8:00AM to 9:00PM
Testimonials
What attendees are saying about this conference
Discover valuable insights from past attendees. Hear their experiences, success stories, and how this conference made a difference in their journey.
Great networking opportunities
The conference provided excellent networking opportunities with industry leaders. The discussions were insightful, and the strategies shared are definitely applicable to real-world business growth.
Paul Benson
Park City, UT
Amazing Connections
I gained valuable insights into innovative business solutions. The sessions were engaging, and the speakers shared actionable tips that I can immediately implement in my company to drive growth.
Andrew Carros
Vancouver, BC, CA
Our Partners
Travel
An Insider's Guide: Napa, California
We’re pleased to host this year’s Leadership Exchange at the Meritage Resort
in Napa, California. Located in the heart of Northern California’s wine country, Napa is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, award-winning wineries, and world-class hospitality. For everything you need to know—from top tasting rooms to local favorites—explore our guide
Ottawa, Canada
We are delighted to host this year’s Leadership Exchange at the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario. As Canada’s capital, Ottawa offers a sophisticated blend of historic European charm and modern urban energy. Our venue sits at the city's cultural heart, flanked by the Gothic grandeur of Parliament Hill and the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal. Just steps beyond our doors, the historic ByWard Market awaits with its vibrant mosaic of artisanal boutiques, world-class dining, and a distinguished nightlife scene.
An Insider's Guide: Napa, California
We’re pleased to host this year’s Leadership Exchange at the Meritage Resort
in Napa, California. Located in the heart of Northern California’s wine country, Napa is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, award-winning wineries, and world-class hospitality. For everything you need to know—from top tasting rooms to local favorites—explore our guide
Where to Stay
Room Block
Fairmont Château Laurier - Experience the soul of the capital from a legendary landmark. Located just steps from Parliament Hill, the historic "castle on the river" has defined luxury in downtown Ottawa for over 110 years. From the unparalleled vantage point, you can feel the city’s pulse before retreating to the timeless elegance of their premier accommodations.
The room block has closed, room availability and rates will be subject to change.
Air Travel
Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Fairmont Château Laurier offers convenient access for both domestic and international travelers.
The closest airport is Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW), located approximately 20 minutes (9 miles / 14 km) from the hotel. The airport is serviced by major Canadian and U.S. airlines, with direct flights from key hubs including Toronto, Montreal, New York, and Chicago.
How to Get There
Getting Around
Ground Transportation
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Taxis & Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available from the airport (approx. $30–$40 CAD).
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Public Transit: OC Transpo (bus and light rail) connects the airport to downtown, stopping within walking distance of the hotel.
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Car Rentals: All major agencies operate at the airport.
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Walking: Our prime location puts Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and ByWard Market just steps away.
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Valet Parking: $60 CAD/day (plus tax) for registered guests.
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Details: Includes in/out privileges. Parking is on-site and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rates are subject to change.
What to Wear
Lookbook
Take a sneak peek into the excitement with our exclusive lookbook, filled with outfit inspirations for every moment of Leadership Exchange. From the elegance of the winery to days packed with learning and networking, bring your own comfort and style to Napa.
Lookbook coming soon.
Moments From Leadership Exchange 2025
Our Partners
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