Looking Ahead to 2026

As we look ahead to the year to come, CSAE’s President & CEO reflects on the strength of our community and how CSAE is supporting Canadian association leaders with timely insights, resources, and events designed to help you lead with confidence. Read the full message and learn what’s ahead for 2026.

NEW BLOG: Build a Smarter Membership Recruitment Engine

Growing membership takes more than one-off campaigns. This blog, by Jeff Hanlan, shows how associations can use data, clear value propositions, and optimized join journeys to turn recruitment into a repeatable, scalable growth system using the ROAR Method™. Check it out!

Make a Resolution to Grow

Registration is now open for the Winter 2026 term of professional learning courses (Jan 12 – Apr 6)! Whether you want to earn the full CAE designation or take individual courses with micro-credentials, our flexible, fully online format lets you learn on your own schedule. **Please Note** - If you're currently enrolled on the Original Program, the Winter Term is your last opportunity to register for CAE 300 – Association Operations.

Exhibitor Booths Sold Out for CSAE Tête‑à‑Tête 2026!

We’re thrilled to announce that exhibitor booths for CSAE Tête‑à‑Tête 2026 on February 25 at the EY Centre in Ottawa are officially sold out! Thank you to all organizations that secured a spot — your support helps make this Canada’s premier association and not‑for‑profit networking event. Attendee registration opens in January – don't miss out!

New Program Launch – Coming Soon!

We’re excited to let you know that we’ll be launching a new program in the New Year! If you’re passionate about the association sector and want to help other professionals in our industry, then we need you! More details to come!

Unlock the Power of Connections with Associations Connect

The Associations Connect platform is where meaningful connections happen. Members are discovering career-changing opportunities, sharing insights that elevate leadership, and building a supportive community that drives innovation. Join today and see how connecting with peers can strengthen your association and your professional journey.

Be Part of the CSAE Community

Being part of a like-minded community has never been more important, as we stand stronger together. CSAE membership has many benefits, including access to exclusive member-only content, discounts on in-person events and the ability to work towards the professionally recognized CAE designation.

By Lori Prospero, CAE

Strategic plans outline where an association wants to go—but the future rarely follows the script. Every objective faces uncertainty, and that uncertainty is risk. Recognizing and managing it is essential for real strategic success.

Explore content on the key competencies of governance, organizational direction, leading people, operations and value to membership: 

Employers...
Leverage CSAE’s relationship with over 15,000 association executives to fill your next position. Post your job to AssociationJobs.ca now! CSAE members save 40%.

Job Seekers...
Interested in finding the latest career opportunities in the association sector? Click here to find the most recent postings, such as:

Title: Executive Director
Organization: Manitoba Association of Architects
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Get more details

Title: Chief Executive Officer & Registrar
Organization: Architectural Institute of British Columbia 
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Get more details

Title: Executive Director
Organization: London Property Management Association (LPMA)
Location: London, Ontario
Get more details

Association Governance Survey

Calling all Association Leaders! Participate in OnBoard’s 2025 Association Governance Survey to help uncover key trends and common challenges in the association boardroom.

Offered by:
 

Webinar: How to Improve Employee Wellbeing and Engagement
January 15, 12:00 PM ET

Hosted by The Benefit Code — CSAE’s new group benefits partner. In this actionable session, The Benefit Code demystifies the drivers of employee health and shows you how to turn your plan ito a proactive wellbeing engine one that boosts utilization, improves outcomes, and strengthens culture within your existing plan.
Offered by:

The Purpose-Driven Future: Leading Associations in an Era of Unprecedented Change
For association leaders, the choice is stark: either become architects of the future or be rendered obsolete by it. The challenge is no longer simply to adapt, but to lead with purpose, harnessing innovation not just for survival, but to build more resilient, relevant, and impactful communities.
Boardroom

How Unified Financial Management Reshapes Multi-Chapter Orgs
When chapters share one financial structure, associations can strengthen accountability and free up time and funds to invest in their mission.
ASAE

What Meeting Planners Miss About Attendees
Association meetings push quality content, but a new report suggests that cost has a stronger influence on who attends.
Associations Now

Even if you’re not using AI – or aren’t sure it’s right for your organization – your peers likely are. The CSAE–Bramm Research Generative AI Survey Report reveals how Canadian associations are experimenting with AI, the benefits they’re seeing, and the risks they’re managing. See real adoption rates, common use cases, and policy approaches so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

This interactive guide introduces associations, their role in society, and common types. It also covers the structure of Canadian associations, detailing the roles and duties of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers. With detailed explanations, case studies, and examples, “Intro to Associations” is an essential resource for professionals and volunteers new to the association world.

Other publications:

Guide to Better Meetings for Directors of Non-Profit Organizations

Benchmarking and Best Practices for Associations

Guide to Positive Staff-Board Relations for Directors of Non-Profit Organizations - 4th Edition

Media Relations for Canadian Associations: How to Be the Voice of Your Members in the Media

Guide to Effective Committees for Directors of Not-For-Profit Organizations, Third Edition

Stuff Happens... But you can sleep at night by making your association reputation resilient

Succession Planning: Succeeding at Succession Planning

Government Relations for Canadian Associations: How to be the Voice of Your Members with Government

Road to Relevance: 5 Strategies for Competitive Associations

What Makes an Effective Association: Benchmarking for Performance

CSAE's partners are best-in-class companies that deliver quality products and/or services to the association sector.