Embracing Global Innovation – Impact on Valuation Professionals
January 27–28, 2026 | 💻 Virtual Event
A Time of Change—And Opportunity
Valuation professionals across Canada and around the world are embracing innovation like never before. Advances in artificial intelligence, automated valuation models (AVMs), and new data applications are redefining how we assess property, manage risk, and deliver value to our communities.
The 2026 Innovation Symposium is your opportunity to explore these changes and take part in the conversations shaping the future of our profession.
Register Now
Global Innovation. Canadian Impact.
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This two-day virtual event, co-hosted by the Institute of Municipal Assessors (IMA) and the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI), brings together valuation leaders from Canada, the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia to share best practices, explore cutting-edge tools, and reflect on where our industry is headed.
You’ll hear from thought leaders and practitioners discussing:
· 🌐 Global Advancements in property valuation
· 🤖 AI and AVMs in real-world applications
· 🏘 Innovation Across Jurisdictions – from large urban centres to smaller communities
· 🔐 Ethics, Data Privacy & Compliance in the age of automation
· 👥 The Future of the Profession – What skills, roles, and tools will define tomorrow's assessors
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CPD Recognition
Participants will earn:
✔ 6.5 IMA Learning CPD Hours
✔ 0.5 IMA Ethics CPD Hours
✔ Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) : 4.0 Credits
✔ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): 6.5 Credits
✔ International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO): 6.0 Credits
This event is also being registered with:
· ✅ Canadian Assessment Associations (AAA, SAAA, AAOM)
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Registration
· CAD $265 + HST – IMA and IPTI Members
· CAD $325 + HST – Non-Members
Includes full access to both days of programming, live Q&A sessions, and access to post-event recordings.
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Topics at a Glance
· Global and Canadian perspectives on valuation advancements
· AI and automated valuation models
· Innovation in smaller jurisdictions
· Data quality, transparency, and ethics
· The evolving skill set of valuation professionals
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What Attendees Said Last Year:
“Very impressed with the quality of presentations and the depth of opinions expressed.” — 2025 Symposium Attendee
“A valuable window into how the assessment function is evolving” — 2025 Symposium Attendee
“Great topics and discussions. This is the kind of content that challenges and inspires.” — 2025 Symposium Attendee
Registration Information

​Full Event Registration (IMA & IPTI Members) CAD $265 + HST:
Full Event Registration (Non-Members)
CAD $325 +HST:
**IPTI Members please reach out to the IPTI Team for event discount code.
Registration Process
  • Simple online registration through the IMA website. Secure payment options available.
  • All payments are charged in Canadian Dollars
Access Details
  • Will be provided 48 hours in advance of the event.
Event Agenda
DAY ONE - Tuesday, January 27th, 2026
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9:30 AM EST - Opening Remarks and Symposium Objectives
Drew Samuels, M.I.M.A., President, IMA
Paul Sanderson, President, IPTI
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09:45 am AM EST - Advancements in Property Valuations: Global Perspective
Paul Bidanset , Center for Appraisal Research and Technology, USA
Paul will provide a global perspective on advancements in property valuations and mass appraisal practices. Drawing on insights from the Center for Appraisal Research and Technology, he will explore current trends, emerging innovations, and what the future holds for the valuation profession worldwide.
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10:20 AM EST - Break
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10:35 AM EST - Automated Property Valuations: Experience Sharing - Singapore - The Netherlands - Canada
Davian Soh, Singapore
Ray Guang Gan, Singapore
Marco Kuijper, The Netherlands
Ruud Kathmann, The Netherlands
Ashley Wu, Nova Scotia, Canada
Panelists from progressive valuation and oversight agencies in Singapore, the Netherlands, and Nova Scotia, Canada, will share their experiences in developing and implementing automated property valuation systems. The discussion will highlight recent innovations, challenges, and lessons learned from their respective jurisdictions.
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12:15 AM EST - Evolution or Revolution: Innovation in technology and Practice
Jeff Grad, PwC, Canada
Technological innovations are transforming not only public assessment agencies but also private appraisal practices. This session will examine how technology is reshaping the valuation landscape, offering new tools, efficiencies, and approaches for both institutional and independent professionals.
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12:45 PM EST - Q&A– All Participants
1:00 PM EST - Closing Comments
DAY TWO - Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
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9:30 AM EST - Enhancing Property Valuations with AI
Joseph Wehrli, Tyler Technologies, Inc., USA
Technological innovations are transforming not only public assessment agencies but also private appraisal practices. This session will examine how technology is reshaping the valuation landscape, offering new tools, efficiencies, and approaches for both institutional and independent professionals.
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10:00 AM EST - Does One size Fit All? Use of Innovation and Valuation Technology in smaller jurisdictions
Chair: Uche Obi, Cayman Islands
Panelists:
Hyacinth Picart, NLA, Jamaica
Don Hearn, M.I.M.A., Newfoundland, Canada
While technological innovation offers many advantages, its implementation can vary greatly across jurisdictions. Panelists from smaller regions will discuss how they have adapted new tools and methods to meet their unique challenges, sharing insights into the flexibility and scalability of innovation in practice.
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11:15 AM EST -BREAK
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11:30 AM EST - Challenges and Ethical Considerations - Data Quality and Privacy - Regulatory Compliance - Transparency
Drew Samuels, M.I.M.A., President, IMA
New technologies bring both opportunities and challenges, including issues related to data quality, privacy, regulatory compliance, and transparency. This session will explore these challenges and examine how the IMA’s ethics and standards can help guide responsible innovation within the valuation profession.
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11:50 AM EST - Changing Skill Sets: Can AI Replace Property Valuers?
Chair: Greg Martino, M.I.M.A., Ontario, Canada
Panelists:
Lisa Dionne, New Brunswick, Canada
​​​​​​Jason Grant, British Columbia, Canada
Cate Watt, Alberta, Canada
As technology transforms valuation practices, it also reshapes the skills professionals need to succeed. This panel will discuss the evolving competencies required in the age of AI, how agencies are preparing their teams for the future, and what this shift means for the profession as a whole.
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1:15 PM EST - Q&A– All Participants
1:30 PM EST - Closing Comments
Symposium Speakers