CSAE Leadership Team Update

After more than six years of dedicated service, Rhonda McIntyre, CAE, will retire at the end of 2025. Please join us in thanking Rhonda for her tremendous contributions as she steps into a new chapter with her family.

To support our evolving strategy, we will not refill her role directly. Instead, we’re introducing a Director, Membership & Operations to better align our services and structure. You can view the job posting below.

Registration for the 2026 Western Summit is Now Open! 🎉
April 22-24, 2026
Hotel Fort Garry, Spa & Conference Centre, Winnipeg, MB

Are you based in BC, AB, SK or MB? If so, this is YOUR event! We’re pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2026 Western Summit. Secure your spot, take advantage of EARLY BIRD pricing and get ready to connect, learn, and grow alongside association leaders from across the Western provinces!

Are you an Association Executive interested in helping build the Western Summit event program – for you, by you? Be a part of the Program Committee and create an unforgettable event! Email lexie@csae.com.
 

Marketplace Spotlight – Onboard
December 2, 1:00 – 1:30 PM
Virtual

Move meeting creation, distribution, and documents into a single secure system of record. With intuitive design, guided support, and closed-loop AI, cut the admin chaos with a board management platform that helps every leader walk in ready to decide.

Labour Mobility Legislation Webinar
December 9, 1:00 – 1:30 PM
Virtual

Discover what Ontario’s upcoming As of Right labour mobility legislation means for your association and the professionals you serve. Join us to explore practical solutions and learn how AATO is preparing for this national shift.

Small But Mighty Associations Meet Up
December 16, 2:00-3:00 PM ET
Virtual

The Mighty Ones online meetups bring together Executive Members who manage their associations on their own or with the help of one or two others. This month is a holiday celebration open forum discussion, with topics including holiday planning for small associations, celebrating successes, and looking forward to the year ahead! Join for the fun, networking, and sharing!

Kick Off the New Year with Purposeful Growth
Registration is now open for the Winter 2026 CAE^® term (Jan 12 – Apr 6)! Whether you want to earn the full designation or take individual courses with micro-credentials, our flexible, fully online format lets you learn on your own schedule.

Canada’s CEO Symposium is Coming!
January 27-28, 2026 – in-person
Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites

This is a standout opportunity to deepen your leadership, connect with peers, and build a stronger partnership with your Board Chair. Using a proven two-day, facilitator-led structure, this Canada-based CEO Symposium is focused on governance strategy, CEO–Board collaboration, and dynamic interaction - tailored for Canadian association leaders. 

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: Director, Membership & Operations
Organization: CSAE/SCDA
Location: Toronto, ON
Get more details

Title: Director of Advocacy
Organization: CIPH (Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating)
Location: Toronto, ON
Get more details

Title: Program Manager
Organization: Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA)
Location: Ottawa, ON
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:
 

More Engagement, Same Challenges Face Associations
New research reveals that, despite more frequent and innovative outreach efforts, many associations still struggle to overcome communication barriers and forge meaningful connections with members. Solving these challenges calls for a sharper focus on strategy and a deeper understanding of member needs. 
Associations Now

The Traditional Job Board is Dead: How Associations Can Become True Career Navigators
Members today expect a broader relationship with their association career center. They look for clarity, guidance and resources that help them decide where to go next.
Association Adviser

Why Hotel Venues Are the Silent Deal-Makers of Memorable Events
Hotel venues significantly influence the success of events by providing essential support and a conducive atmosphere. Effective hotels demonstrate their value by anticipating problems and personalizing the experience to align with the event's identity.
Hotel Online

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.