Stratford Group is excited to be joining association leaders from across Canada at the 2026 Engaging Associations Forum, taking place July 22–24 at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa.
This event is built for association executives, CEOs, and senior leaders who are navigating change and looking for practical ideas they can put into action. Since 2014, the event has created a space for candid conversations, peer learning, and leadership development that helps associations move forward with confidence.
This year's theme, From Disruption to Direction: Lead What's Next, reflects a shift from reacting to uncertainty toward leading with purpose, clarity, and momentum. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and interactive discussions, attendees will explore topics ranging from governance and strategy to member engagement, culture, AI, and organizational sustainability.
Association leaders are facing growing expectations, evolving member needs, and rapid advances in technology. These are the same conversations we're having with our clients every day, making this a natural place for our team to share practical experience, exchange ideas, and learn alongside sector leaders.
Interactive Workshop: AI and the Modern Member Experience
July 23 | 4:00–5:15 p.m.
The Modern Member Experience: Designing Value That Endures
Senior members from Stratford's Management Consulting and Digital teams will lead an interactive workshop titled From Member Journey to Member Momentum: Designing an AI-Powered, Human-Centered Experience.
Led by Asiya Shams, Majd Karam, and Rana Chreyh, the session will help association leaders rethink the member experience through the lens of AI. Participants will map member journeys, identify opportunities to reduce friction, and explore practical ways AI can enhance personalization, communications, and service delivery while preserving the human connections that members value most.
Lightning Talk: Stop Holding People Accountable
July 24 | 8:45–9:05 a.m.
Dean Fulford, Vice President and Practice Leader, People & Culture, will open the morning with a lightning talk titled Stop Holding People Accountable.
Bring your coffee and Dean will bring the energy as he explores what accountability looks like in today's workplace. The session challenges a common leadership mindset by exploring why accountability cannot simply be imposed. Instead, Dean will examine how leaders can create the conditions that encourage people to take ownership through clarity, trust, psychological safety, and meaningful support. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for building healthier, higher-performing workplace cultures.
Join the Conversation
Events like the Engaging Associations Forum give us the opportunity to contribute to the conversations that matter while learning alongside the organizations we serve. If you're attending the Engaging Associations Forum, we'd love to connect. Stop by one of our sessions, introduce yourself between presentations, or reach out to our team during the event.
Learn more about the Engaging Associations Forum and view the full agenda.