Five Emerging Leaders Bursaries Launched for CSAE 2025 Annual Conference 

The Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), in partnership with Ottawa Tourism and Rogers Centre Ottawa, is proud to introduce this year’s bursary initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of association professionals. The Emerging Leaders bursary will sponsor five full registrations for the CSAE 2025 Annual Conference, taking place in Victoria, BC from October 21–25. 

A Bold Investment in Future Leaders 

These bursaries are intended to open doors for professionals early in their association careers – those who may not yet have had the opportunity to participate in CSAE’s flagship in-person event. Recipients will gain access to networking with peers and industry leaders, expand their professional horizons, and take part in immersive learning experiences – all without the cost of registration. 

Who Should Apply for the Bursary? 

To be considered, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Full-time staff member at a national or Ontario-based association 

• Manager level or higher 

• Within the first 10 years of association-sector experience (not necessarily total work experience) 

• Have not previously attended a CSAE in-person Annual Conference 

Submissions are open now and will be accepted until August 25. Since there are only five bursaries available, successful applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis – so early application is strongly encouraged. 

The bursary covers the conference registration fee only. Travel and accommodation expenses will not be included. 

Why It Matters 

This initiative represents a strategic investment in growing the leadership pipeline within the association sector. By lowering financial barriers, CSAE and its partners are investing directly in emerging talent – enabling promising professionals to engage, learn, and contribute in a way that could shape their future careers. 

The CSAE Annual Conference offers an “unforgettable experience” designed to help attendees connect, contribute, and collaborate within a thriving association community. This bursary makes those opportunities accessible to rising leaders who might otherwise be excluded due to budget constraints. 

Ottawa Tourism and Rogers Centre Ottawa, both deeply committed to promoting professional development and community engagement, are proud to support this meaningful initiative. Their involvement underscores Ottawa’s growing reputation as a vibrant hub for association excellence and events. 

About the Partners 

• CSAE is Canada’s only national, member-based organization dedicated to advancing association professionals through knowledge, resources, and networking (CSAE). 

• Ottawa Tourism plays a leading role in positioning Canada’s capital region as a premier destination for business and events. Their support reinforces Ottawa’s leadership in convening and empowering association professionals (Ottawa Tourism). 

• Rogers Centre Ottawa (formerly the Shaw Centre) is among the world’s top convention facilities, offering 192,000 ft² of flexible, sustainable meeting space, award-winning design, and direct access to the Westin Ottawa hotel (Rogers Centre Ottawa). 

Apply Now and Get Momentum in Your Career 

If you’re an emerging leader in the association sector, now is your time. Don’t delay! Submit your application by August 25 to seize this chance to participate in CSAE 2025: MOMENTUM, a conference dedicated to accelerating growth and innovation in our field. 

To apply, click here. 

Follow CSAE and its partners for updates and stories from Emerging Leaders at the conference. Let’s build momentum – together.