CSAE Association Agenda
CSAE News

CSAE Tête-à-Tête 2026 – Next Week!

February 25 
EY Centre, Ottawa 

It’s not too late to join us next week at CSAE Tête-à-Tête 2026! This one-day event brings together association, not-for-profit, and government professionals for a powerful mix of education, insights, and connection.

Dive into sessions designed to expand your perspectives and skills — from building an inclusive culture to advancing mental health in the workplace — and leave with practical takeaways you can apply right away.



Last Chance: Apply to Be a CSAE Ambassador!

The deadline to apply for the CSAE Ambassador Program is Monday, February 23.

If you’re passionate about advancing Canada’s association community and want to raise your professional profile while giving back, this volunteer leadership opportunity is for you. Ambassadors promote CSAE within their networks, represent the Association locally and online, and help strengthen engagement across the sector.



The Western Summit 2026 Program is Here!

Join association professionals April 22–24 for two days of bold conversations, practical insights, and leadership strategies you can apply immediately. You’ll hear from sector leaders about building resilient organizations, designing engaging events, strengthening operational foundations, and leading with impact. Explore the program and register today!



Executive Insights: Risk Governance for Resilient Associations

March 18 | 12–1 pm ET | Online

Traditional risk management isn’t enough in today’s complex environment. Join Ming Pilz and Cameron Wilson of Watson Board Advisors for this Executive Insights webinar exploring how association boards can shift from risk management to risk governance—building resilience while supporting adaptability and long-term success. A must-attend session for CEOs, senior leaders, and directors looking to strengthen governance for what comes next.

 
Calling All Speakers! CSAE Summer Summit 2026

Are you ready to inspire Canada’s association and nonprofit leaders? CSAE is seeking dynamic presenters for our Summer Summit, where executives and business partners gather to discover practical strategies, fresh ideas, and actionable tools. Submit your proposal by March 15.



Apply Now for the 2026 CSAE Bursary

We’re excited to announce the 2026 CSAE Bursary, sponsored by Dion Strategic and CSAE Insurance Services! This professional development bursary awards $1,000 to help you pursue a single certificate course or put toward the CAE® pathway starting in September 2026. The award is open to both CSAE members and non‑members, and includes opportunities for visibility at CSAE’s signature events.



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.

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CSAE Events
25
Feb 2026
 
February 25, 2026
In-person – Ottawa
25
Feb 2026
 
Exclusive to CEOs and EDs of associations – pre-registration required
February 25, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
In-person – Ottawa
18
Mar 2026
 
March 18, 12.00 - 1.00 PM ET
Online
22
Apr 2026
 
April 22-24, 2026
In-person – Winnipeg, MB
Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
Quebec City Convention Centre
CSAE Blog

AI is reshaping how people search — and many associations are disappearing from the answers entirely. This blog reveals why AI-driven “zero‑click” search is threatening association authority, how it impacts member recruitment and credibility, and what organizations must do now to stay visible, trusted, and recommended.

Don’t Miss These Curated Perspectives on a Variety of Association-Focused Issues

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

Association Jobs

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: General Manager
Organization: Construction Association of Thunder Bay
Location: Thunder Bay (City), Ontario
Get more details

Title: Executive Director
Organization: PEI Cleantech Alliance
Location: Prince Edward Island
Get more details

Title: Manager, Policy and Partnerships
Organization: Ontario College of Family Physicians
Location: Toronto (City), Ontario
Get more details

Meet PEI
The Niagara Parks Commission
PARTNER OFFERINGS

Webinar: The State of Employee Health: Trends, Costs, and Smarter Spending
March 26, 2026 | 12PM EST 
Online - Free

The employee benefits landscape is evolving rapidly, with rising costs, shifting workforce expectations, and new approaches to health and wellbeing. This session provides a clear, current view of key health and benefits trends, what they mean for employers, and where dollars are best spent. Attendees will learn how to optimize their benefits investment, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure their programs remain competitive, relevant, and valued by employees.

Brought to you by:



Webinar: Beyond Benefits: Using Coverage to Deepen Engagement and Amplify Impact 
April 30, 2026 | 12PM EST  
Online - Free

Benefits can be a powerful differentiator—not just a necessity. This session looks beyond traditional coverage to explore how employee benefits can strengthen member engagement, reinforce organizational value, and support broader association goals. Learn how a strategic benefits offering can deepen relationships, drive participation, and enhance the overall impact of your organization. 

Brought to you by:



Resources: Discover the Member Engagement Guide

Keeping members engaged is essential for your association’s long-term growth, but it’s getting harder with shifting demographics and rising competition. In this guide, uncover strategies on building effective learning programs for members with real-world examples from the International Municipal Signal Association, (ISC)2, Canadian Marketing Association and the Irish Deaf Society.

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Will AI Recommend Your Association?

As members and prospects shift toward AI-driven search, associations risk becoming invisible. The Ways and Means has launched The AI SEO for Associations Initiative to help organizations protect their authority.

Download the free AI SEO Checklist for Associations to take the first step to ensure AI models like Gemini and ChatGPT recognize, verify, and cite your organization as the industry’s source of truth. You can also view the Blog here.

Offered by:

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Sector News

Smart, Safe and Strategic: How Associations Can Harness AI to Drive Impact
Adoption is only the first step. Learn how associations can align governance, tools, and workforce strategy to apply AI responsibly—and turn it into a true strategic advantage.
ASAE

Can a Past President Guide an Association’s Future?
Associations have a tough time figuring out how to engage former board chairs. One idea: Stop thinking about their role and start thinking about their talents.
Associations Now

Riding the Digital Wave: Why Associations Must Put Digital at the Center of Their Sponsor Strategy
The way members consume information has shifted dramatically in a short amount of time, and sponsor expectations have shifted right along with it. The traditional model built around print schedules, event cycles, and limited placements is being stretched beyond what it was designed to support. 
Association Adviser

Fairmont Banff Springs
Tourism Vaughan
Featured Publications
    
   

The 2026 CSAE Benefits & Compensation Report, developed in partnership with The Portage Group, is now available. This trusted resource offers Canadian association leaders high-level insights into compensation, benefits, and total rewards trends—designed to support informed planning and governance discussions. Explore the full report to see how your organization compares.

 

 
   

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.

 

 

River  
   

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.

Thank You to Our Corporate Partners

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