AMBA’s 2026 Development Summit brought Alberta’s mortgage community together in Kananaskis for a full day of learning, connection, and fresh perspective.
Held at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, this year’s Summit leaned into the theme New Heights of Possibilities — and the setting made that easy to feel. With mountain views, practical sessions, and a more relaxed atmosphere than a traditional conference, the day gave attendees a chance to step away from the everyday, reconnect with their industry, and bring new ideas back to their businesses.
From disruptive thinking and authentic networking to AI, economic insight, and digital marketing, the day was designed to give mortgage professionals real takeaways they could use right away.
Starting the Day with Connection
The day began with a wellness session led by AMBA Member and MPC Director Bhavna Basin, sponsored by Capital Direct, giving attendees a calm and energizing start before the program officially began.
From there, members gathered for breakfast, checked in, connected with colleagues, and settled in for a day of professional development in true Kananaskis style — a little more relaxed, a little more scenic, and full of great conversations.
Opening Keynote: Graham Sherman
Session: Unleashing Your Disruptive Behaviour
Speaker: Graham Sherman, Owner, Tool Shed Brewing Company
Graham Sherman opened the Summit with an energetic and inspiring keynote on what it really means to be disruptive in business.
Through stories from his own entrepreneurial journey, including how Tool Shed Brewing adapted during major challenges and continued to grow in big ways, Graham encouraged attendees to think differently, move quickly, and look for opportunity even when circumstances shift. His session was a reminder that disruption is not just about being new or different — it is about being willing to act, adapt, and find creative ways forward.
And, as Graham shared with the room, Tool Shed’s story continues to reach new heights, with the Calgary brewery recently taking its craft beer experience to the skies through a major national partnership.
Main Stage Session: Sophie Warwick
Session: Career Boost: Authentic Networking for Impact
Speaker: Sophie Warwick, The Thoughtful Co.
Sophie Warwick led a practical session on networking with confidence and purpose.
Instead of focusing on surface-level introductions, Sophie encouraged attendees to build meaningful professional relationships that support long-term growth. From crafting a strong elevator pitch to following up thoughtfully and making the most of industry events, her session gave attendees useful tools to strengthen their networks in a way that feels natural and authentic.
Panel Discussion: The AI Tightrope
Session: AI and the Legal Implications of Using It in Your Mortgage Business
Moderated by Ryan Spence, with panelists Tracy Regier, Kim Howe, and Zach Cranny
The AI Tightrope brought an important and timely conversation to the main stage.
Moderated by Ryan Spence, the panel explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in the mortgage industry and the legal considerations that come with it. Panelists Tracy Regier, Kim Howe, and Zach Cranny shared insights on responsible use, risk, compliance, and what mortgage professionals should be thinking about as AI continues to evolve.
The conversation gave attendees a lot to consider, especially as technology becomes a bigger part of day-to-day business.
Economic Update: Mark Parsons
Session: Economic Update
Speaker: Mark Parsons, ATB Financial
Mark Parsons of ATB Financial provided a clear look at the economic trends shaping Alberta’s mortgage, housing, and real estate landscape.
His update helped attendees better understand the broader forces influencing clients, markets, and business decisions. From rate trends to the economic outlook, Mark’s session offered timely context that mortgage professionals can use when planning ahead and supporting their clients through the rest of 2026.
Closing Keynote: Darian Kovacs
Session: The Digital Homestead
Speaker: Darian Kovacs, Founding Partner, Jelly Marketing
Darian Kovacs closed the day with a forward-looking and practical session on digital marketing.
His presentation focused on low-cost and accessible tools that brokers can use to strengthen their online presence, simplify marketing, and create more consistent content. Darian shared ideas for using digital platforms more strategically, helping attendees think about how they can stand out, save time, and reach the right audiences in a busy marketplace.
It was a strong way to close the Summit — practical, creative, and full of ideas attendees could take back to their businesses right away.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Development Summit would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and partners.
From breakfast and lunch to the coffee break, wellness session, lanyards, notebooks, water bottles, Wi-Fi, charging station, door prize, and main stage sessions, our sponsors helped create a smooth and memorable experience for attendees.
Thank you to all of our 2026 Development Summit sponsors for supporting professional development and helping bring Alberta’s mortgage community together in Kananaskis.
A Day to Reset, Refocus, and Reconnect
Development Summit 2026 was more than a day of sessions. It was a chance for members to reset, spend time with their teams, connect with peers, and look ahead with fresh ideas.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Kananaskis. We hope you left feeling inspired, recharged, and ready to reach new heights in the second half of 2026.
Photo Gallery
Relive the day through our Development Summit photo gallery below.
