Reflecting Together, Looking Ahead: Supporting Association Leaders in the Year to Come
As the snow begins to fall across the country and the holiday season approaches, this time of year offers a welcome opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the community that supports us throughout the year. I am deeply grateful for the CSAE community and for the leadership, insight, and dedication you bring to Canada’s association sector.
This season of reflection is also a natural moment to look ahead. As we close out the year, many of us are beginning to plan for what lies ahead in the new year, considering both the opportunities before us and the support we will need to move forward with confidence. These very questions were at the heart of our recent CSAE team retreat, where we focused on listening, reflecting, and understanding how we can better serve you and continue strengthening the value CSAE provides to association professionals across Canada.
Insights that Support Leadership
What we heard from our members is the need for clearer pathways for leadership development and stronger support in understanding the trends shaping our work. Timely insight and practical knowledge are essential to helping association leaders navigate complexity, support their organizations, and lead with confidence in a rapidly changing national and global environment.
Over the past several months, CSAE has responded to shifting political and economic landscapes and the uncertainty they bring. From providing guidance on tariffs to addressing labour mobility challenges driven by federal and provincial policy, our focus has been on equipping members with timely insights, adaptable resources, and opportunities to learn from peers facing similar realities in their own regions and sectors. Looking ahead, you can expect even more of this support as we work to stay ahead of change and help you respond with clarity and confidence.
In the coming year, CSAE will continue to expand the tools, resources, and learning opportunities available to you; supporting strategic planning for your teams and organizations, while also investing in your own professional growth. Grounded in sector trends, leadership best practices, and the shared experiences of our pan-Canadian community, our goal is to make it easier than ever to access meaningful learning and build strong connections from coast to coast.
Looking Ahead
Early in the new year, two upcoming events are designed specifically to support your leadership work. The CEO Symposium brings association leaders and board volunteers together for a focused, practical working session centered on effective governance, strategy, and leadership in the Canadian context.
Later in February, Tête-à-Tête 2026 will once again bring together leaders from associations, not-for-profits, and government agencies from across the country. Now in its 33rd year, this flagship CSAE event offers valuable opportunities to connect, explore innovative products and services, and gain insights that support organizational goals and long-term success.
I hope to see many of you at these events and throughout CSAE’s programs in 2026. Thank you for your engagement, your perspectives, and your continued commitment to this dynamic community of association professionals. It is a privilege to support you and to work together to ensure Canada’s association sector continues to thrive.
Wishing you and your loved ones all the magic of the season and every success in the bright year ahead.
Tracy Folkes Hanson
President & CEO, CSAE
