Conference October 4–6, 2021

Finding Silver Linings Through Adversity – Let’s Move Forward Together

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GFOA Alberta Conference to Transition
to Full Virtual

Hello GFOA Members,

 

Every year, we look forward to connecting with our GFOA member community at our annual conference and tradeshow. But given the growing concerns around COVID-19, increasing hospitalizations, and a potential 4th wave, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person component of this year’s conference that was scheduled to take place in Banff, Alberta.

 

This was a tough call to make — our conference is an incredibly important event for GFOA and we are disappointed with this outcome — but we must prioritize the health and safety of our members, sponsors, and the communities in which we reside. We explored other ways to keep the in-person part of the conference, but we feel that the best decision is to move to a full virtual format. We know that GFOA members always look forward to our semi-regular mountain retreats and we are working on rebooking the beautiful Banff Springs Hotel for another conference in the near future.

 

Registered in-person delegates will be receiving emails with further information on transferring to the virtual format so keep an eye on your inboxes.  We’ll also be sharing additional details on our plans for the virtual event shortly. We are looking forward to a great lineup of speakers at the event which will take place from October 4–6. We will also be launching our conference app soon to assist you in navigating the conference schedule, sponsors, and speakers.

 

Remember to check out www.gfoa.ab.ca/events/ over the next few days for schedules, sessions, speaker information and other updates.

In the meantime, thank you for your patience and understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming virtual event!

 

Sincerely,

David Johnson
Executive Director, GFOA Alberta 

Speakers

HS
Harnarayan Singh Keynote Speaker

Known for his friendly and charming persona, Harnarayan Singh is a well-respected broadcaster, musician, and community leader, whose passions have taken him to levels where he has become a recognizable face across the country. 

MK
Michael Kerr Keynote Speaker

Michael Kerr, CSP, Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame inductee, is an international business speaker, very funny motivational speaker, workshop trainer, and the author of six books.

Tina-Varughese-web
Tina Varughese Keynote Speaker

Named one of Canada’s 10 Notable Speakers by Ignite magazine, audiences describe Tina Varughese as ‘dynamic, highly energetic, relevant and hilarious’.

Corey-Hirsch-Square
Corey Hirsch Keynote Speaker

Corey Hirsch is a Stanley Cup Champion and Olympic silver medallist. Corey is using his life experiences to help raise awareness about mental health issues in the hockey community.

Stay Tuned: More Speakers Will
Be Added Soon!

Sponsors

CIBC-WG-2020
Hobson Chahal Advisory Group - CIBC Wood Gundy Diamond Sponsor

Our experience working with Canadian municipalities and municipal districts dates back to 1983.


Using an investment philosophy rooted in the Prudent Investor Rule, portfolios are designed to be more-strict than the MGA allows, prioritizing return of capital over return on capital.


We have a wealth of experience creating and advising on municipal Investment Policy Statements and have created policies for over 100 Albertan municipalities since 1983, many of which are still in use.


Currently, we manage over $2.0 billion in assets and have a proven ability to protect and grow portfolios through various market cycles. Our approach is typically the lowest-fee solution, as we leverage economies-of-scale to create bonds from scratch. This approach leads to lower fees and higher portfolio yields. By accessing products and new-issue investments not available elsewhere, we believe we have the widest inventory of bonds available of any firm in Canada. CIBC is ranked as the strongest bank in North America and third-strongest in the world by Bloomberg Markets.


James Hobson, CFA – Investment Advisor, Portfolio Manager and Chairman’s Council Member

Charet Chahal, CFA – Investment Advisor, Portfolio Manager and Chairman’s Council Member

Phone:  800-665-MUNI

Contact:  james.hobson@cibc.ca OR charet.chahal@cibc.ca

aumaamsc
AUMA / AMSC Gold Sponsor

The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) is proud to support Alberta’s communities.


The AUMA represents urban municipalities which represent more than 85% of Albertans. It is a dynamic and evolving association, driven to enhance the stability and capacity of its members.

The Alberta Municipal Services Corporation (AMSC) has developed a range of solutions-based services designed to meet the needs of Alberta’s communities including: property and casualty insurance, pension plans and savings plans, employee benefit services, utilities including electricity and natural gas, short-term investment options, and a purchasing program.


Address:  300, 8616 – 51 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6E 6E6

Phone:  780-433-4431
Contact: info@auma.ca
CIBC Commercial Banking Gold Sponsor

CIBC Commercial Banking’s Public Sector and Not-for-Profit Group is a leading provider of credit, cash management and other banking services to the Public Sector. Our team consists of highly experienced relationship managers who have extensive knowledge, expertise, and a proven track record in advising organizations in this sector.


CIBC recognizes that the strategic and financial objectives of public sector organizations, and the environments within which they operate, are very different from those of for-profit commercial businesses. Our objective is to provide effective financial solutions for our clients while recognizing the various challenges and constraints under which they operate.


Contact: Dan Mikita, Director and Team Leader

Phone: 403-221-5621

Email: daniel.mikita@cibc.com


Contact: Robert Opara, Senior Manager

Phone: 780-969-3434

Email: robert.opara@cibc.com

RMA Insurance and Canoe Procurement Group Gold Sponsor

RMA Insurance is a member-owned, non-profit organization, with one central goal: to help your organization gain the safety and service you need, while helping you control and reduce long-term risk-related costs. Since 1955, RMA Insurance has helped build and strengthen municipal, public sector, and non-profit organizations throughout Alberta.


The RMA has partnered with municipal associations across the country to form the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada – one of the largest public sector group buying groups of its kind. Tracing its roots to a handful of Western Canadian municipalities combining their purchasing power to procure common necessities in 1936, Canoe now represents over 5,000 public and non-profit organizations from coast to coast to coast.


Learn how the RMA – through RMA Insurance and its participation in Canoe – can help your organization.

CPA Alberta Silver Sponsor

Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) are world-class strategic business experts, helping organizations succeed in every industry and level of business.

 

CPA Alberta is the professional organization representing more than 28,500 CPAs across the province, with the goal of protecting the public interest and promoting the value of the CPA designation. CPA Albertaprovides a variety of services and programs for its members and the next generation of designated accountants. For more information, visit our website.

 

Contact:  bwebster@cpaalberta.ca

Website:  http://cpaalberta.ca

Registration Info

In-Person registration is now closed. All delegates who have registered for the In-Person conference will be automatically moved to Virtual registration and refunded the difference. All supplemental activities will also be fully refunded. If you wish to cancel your Virtual registration, please contact Robin Lee at robin.lee@gfoa.ab.ca by September 22, 2021.

Save your spot

Virtual Conference

$ 325
  • Cohort pricing: 6–9 delegates 5% off; 10+ delegates 10% off
Register

Sponsorship Opportunities

$ 400+
  • Become a proud sponsor and support GFOA! Your sponsorship allows us to continue providing high-quality events and programs. GFOA values every paternership and fosters a collaborative relationship beneficial to all parties.
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