OREA retires the ‘young’ from YPN: ‘An inclusive space for everyone’

photo: OREA

The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has rebranded its Young Professionals Network (YPN), saying the change is intended to create a more inclusive community for members at every stage of their careers, while continuing to develop the profession’s future leaders.

The rebrand to Ontario Realtors Engagement Network (OREN), announced last week, reflects what OREA says is an effort to make its events and educational sessions feel more welcoming to all, without losing what’s made it successful.

“The idea of YPN being rebranded to OREN really stemmed from making sure everyone felt like this was an inclusive space for diversity across the province,” OREA president Kim Fairley, whose leadership journey started with YPN, told Real Estate Magazine.

Looking beyond age

Since its launch, the Young Professionals Network has largely focused on members aged 40 and under, although its events have always been open to all members.

Fairley said the branding sometimes left some feeling the network was not intended for them, even if they were new to organized real estate or looking to become more involved.

“I’m almost 50, do I fit under the YPN brand? Absolutely not. But if they threw something on, I would go,” she said.

Fairley said she doesn’t foresee a shift in OREN’s programming compared to what YPN offered. 

She said the group will continue working with OREA’s education committee to help shape webinar topics and events. Recent virtual education sessions have attracted between 400 and 1,300 registrants, with one of the most popular focusing on the federal HST rebate, she said.

Building future leaders

Fairley said OREA has also seen growing interest from local real estate boards in encouraging newer registrants to become involved in leadership, with more members licensed for five years or less stepping into volunteer and governance roles.

Her own path to leadership started the same way with YPN.

Fairley joined YPN after it launched in Sault Ste. Marie in 2012 and credits the experience with giving her the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities within organized real estate.

“It was an instrumental part of how I gained confidence over time to volunteer locally, then sit on my board locally, and have the courage to volunteer for OREA and be in this position today,” she said.

Fairley said she hopes that the culture of encouraging young agents doesn’t fade.

“I’m hoping that doesn’t get lost in the mix,” she said. “We have some great ambassadors out there under the YPN name, and I know they are just as dedicated to making sure OREN is as successful, if not more.”

Preserving YPN’s purpose

Matt Richling, team lead at New Purveyors, brokered by Remax Hallmark Realty Group Ltd., served on the committee before becoming its vice-chair and later chair in 2024.

He said broadening the network’s focus beyond age reflects the reality that many people enter real estate later in life and are looking for the same opportunities to build connections and leadership skills.

“Someone entering real estate at 45 or 55 may have many of the same needs as someone entering at 25,” he said. “In that sense, career stage may be more relevant than age.”

At the same time, Richling said he hopes the group maintains a clear identity for newer professionals.

“Broadening the audience can be positive, but broader should not mean less defined,” he said. “There still needs to be a clear community and pathway for emerging professionals.”

Canada Real Estate Association’s 2022 membership survey found 18 per cent of Canadian members were under 40, while one-third were 60 or older. 

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