Industry Connections, New Technology and the Future of Real Estate
- By Alex Burns
It was great to see RE/MAX Activate 2026 come to Victoria, BC, bringing together agents, brokers and industry leaders from across the RE/MAX network to exchange ideas, reconnect with colleagues and discuss the future of real estate.
Having spent many years with RE/MAX, I’ve always appreciated these opportunities to connect with people who share a passion for the business. There is a tremendous amount of experience within the network, and events like Activate provide an opportunity to learn from one another, explore new technology and hear how others are adapting to an industry that continues to change.
This year’s event was particularly interesting given the developments involving RE/MAX and Real, which have naturally brought new questions and conversations about what the future could look like for agents, teams and brokerages.
Technology was a major focus throughout the event, but what stood out to me was how closely those discussions connected to the everyday needs of agents. Whether we’re talking about better systems, more effective lead generation, training or brokerage support, the goal remains the same: helping agents build stronger, more successful businesses while providing great service to their clients.
Taking Those Conversations Further
As I make my own transition from RE/MAX to Real, I’ve been spending a great deal of time learning about the technology, business models and opportunities available through both organizations. It’s an interesting time to be making this move, particularly after so many years with RE/MAX and the relationships I’ve built throughout my career.
It’s also part of what inspired me to create The Brokerage Shift, a platform where I can share what I’m learning, pass along some of the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and invite others to contribute their own experiences and perspectives.
Through articles, interviews and upcoming podcast conversations, I hope to connect with agents, team leaders, brokers and industry professionals who are willing to share their insights into how our business is evolving.
RE/MAX Activate 2026 was a great reminder of how much we can learn from the people around us, and I appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people and hear different perspectives on where the industry is heading.
I’m looking forward to continuing those conversations and sharing more of what I learn as this next chapter unfolds.
Thank you to RE/MAX Canada and everyone involved in bringing Activate 2026 to Victoria.
Join the Conversation
If you’re an agent, team leader, broker or industry professional with a perspective on the future of real estate, I’d welcome the opportunity to connect and hear your story.