A Decade of Growth: AMCI's Canadian Chapter Marks Ten Years of Progress

Peter Waite, CAE, Principal at Association & Events Management International and AMCI Board Director

Ten Years of Expanding Reach

2026 marks the tenth anniversary of AMCI’s first — and to date, only — Chapter. Over the past decade, the Canadian Chapter has doubled its membership to 22 firms and now has representation from coast to coast. Collectively, our members manage nearly 300 associations representing approximately 125,000 association members.

The Chapter has also matured structurally, establishing active committees in Marketing, Programming, and Sponsorship, supported by a dedicated secretariat.

Marketing: Building Canadian Visibility

On the marketing front, the Chapter has launched monthly LinkedIn posts highlighting the range of services AMCs provide. We are actively embracing the AMCI Trusted Advisor Program, with a focus on key suppliers in the Canadian market.

Canadian member firms have been invited to submit case studies to Beautiful Beast — the agency leading AMCI’s digital marketing efforts — to develop Canada-specific messaging and content. The Chapter is also strengthening its profile with leading sector organizations, including PCMA, CanSPEP, MPI, and CAEM.

Programming: Timely Topics for Today’s Members

Our programming continues to evolve and expand. Recent webinars have covered cyber risks, meeting industry trends, and changing workplace environments. At last November’s Annual Meeting, Sue Pine, FASAE, CAE delivered a compelling session on Foresight as a Leadership Competency.

Sponsorship: Strong Supporter Network

The Chapter has attracted a diverse group of sponsors committed to supporting our work in Canada. We are grateful for their continued partnership and investment.

Research: Governance Practices in Focus

We are currently conducting a survey on governance practices in partnership with Christina Becker of member firm Becker Associates. The study will compare governance approaches at AMC-managed associations versus standalone associations — and we can’t wait to see the results.

New Partnerships for Canadian Members

AMCI Canada has signed two strategic partnership agreements:

• Credivera — a partner for Verifiable Credential Solutions.
• ProLink — Canada’s Insurance Connection, offering special rates and coverage tailored for AMCs and their clients.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Planning Underway

The Board recently conducted a member survey to identify key priorities and held a facilitated Strategic Planning Retreat to chart the Chapter’s course forward. Stay tuned for updates as plans take shape.

Peter Waite, CAE, Principal at Association & Events Management International and AMCI Board Director

To keep our momentum strong, the Chair, Board, and CEO will continue highlighting the Strategic Plan each month. These updates ensure members can see our progress toward 50 by 50, understand how each committee and task force is moving the work forward, and identify meaningful ways for members to engage. By grounding our communications in a shared vision and clear direction, we’re creating a consistent throughline that will guide our collective efforts throughout 2026.