CSAE is many things to many people – a source of information, education, inspiration and motivation to name just a few. First and foremost, however, it is an association. Considered by many as Canada's "association of associations," CSAE is the professional organization of the men and women who manage many of this country's most progressive associations, as well as those who supply the sector with essential products and services.
A Half-Century of Service On June 8, 1951, a committee of six trade association executives founded the Institute of Canadian Trade Association Executives (ICTAE) – a group of chief executives from national trade associations based in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Operating from a small Ottawa-based office, the new association developed a constitution, bylaws, hired part-time staff, and began a remarkable tradition of service.
In 1953, the fledgling Institute held its first annual business meeting, approved 25 membership applications, and elected the first woman – Florence Montgomery of the Canadian Restaurant Association – to its board. Member services included a
newsletter, employee referral and group insurance discounts.
The Institute changed its name to the Institute of Association Executives (IAE) in1956 and opened its doors to all individuals employed by non–profit associations. On October 18, 1962, the Institution was incorporated under federal charter and moved from Ottawa to Toronto two years later. In 1987, the association changed its name again – this time to its current title, the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE).
Two Membership Categories - One Membership Class Today, CSAE welcomes individuals in two membership categories. More than 1,625 executive members manage Canada's leading trade, professional, occupational, philanthropic and single or common interest organizations. An additional 600 business members – individuals representing organizations that offer services and products to the association community – are also an integral component of CSAE's membership.
CSAE provides association executives with opportunities to establish new relationships, share ideas, and resolve issues in a collaborative, professional environment with colleagues. And our programs are designed to save time and money. Online discussions and professional interest sections, carefully selected texts, handbooks and monographs, professional development workshops, conferences and education programs – along with a comprehensive assortment of topical magazines, newsletters, articles and special reports – are all designed to enhance professional performance and ensure continued growth and success.
Business members supply new talents, business acumen and fresh perspectives that enrich the entire membership. By providing much-needed services and products to the
sector, they play an important role in establishing and maintaining a healthy, vibrant and competitive association sector in Canada. CSAE's business members enjoy access to the leading decision-makers in Canada's association community. Through participation in national conferences, chapter events and other promotional vehicles, business members increase their company's profile, solidify brand identity and strengthen their corporate reputation within the association community. Access to sector-specific market research – and the marketing vehicles they need to reach this important sector more effectively – also provides CSAE's business members with additional opportunities to meet the association sector's particular needs.
CSAE Mandate and Services Managing change in today's association is becoming increasingly complex and challenging. Building upon past traditions remains important, but serving the present while embracing the future is now central to CSAE's organizational philosophy, actions and decisions. That's why CSAE is committed to moving from an era of good intentions to tangible progress through continuous enhancement of its constellation of services, products and programs. Our mandate is to:
- Promote excellence and professionalism amongst its members
- Support association executives in their work
- Provide a bridge for associations to access quality services and products
- Increase the effectiveness, image, and impact of associations to better serve their members and society
This information details how CSAE helps you build those all-important networks and relations, and describes the initiatives that help spark ideas and solutions to professional problems. You can also read CSAE's
Statement of Values which our staff observe on a daily basis.
You'll learn what CSAE is worth to you in time-savings alone. A comprehensive assortment of publications, instant access to our electronic library and our member-only, information-packed website,
www.csae.com, puts the facts and perspectives right at your fingertips, 24 hours a day.
CSAE's professional development programs provide additional worth to its members. From our symposia workshops and seminars to the online Certified Association Executive (CAE®) Program, we'll help you acquire the skills you'll need to be a top-flight association pro. To top it off, our National Conference brings together the top association CEOs and leading business members. It's an annual event you can't afford to miss.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of CSAE membership.
