When events are designed with clear purpose, they go beyond simple gatherings—they become powerful catalysts for change.

At Destination Canada, our multi-year Legacy & Impact Study is examining events held here to uncover strategies that decision makers and societies can use to leave a lasting impact.

Have you ever wondered what makes someone step up and say, "I can lead this team"? I recently had the chance to chat with Karen Horting, the Executive Director and CEO of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and let me tell you - her story has some powerful takeaways for all of us trying to find our leadership voice.

Well…it depends on how you see it! Did Artificial Intelligence sweep you off your feet or catch you off guard? There are always two sides to a coin and whichever side you are looking at it from, we all agree that AI is here to stay.

On any given day, we find ourselves swinging widely between the extremes of AI – from exhilaration and excitement to caution and concern – sometimes both within a few hours. You are one day super excited that the mundane task you grudgingly used to chug along for several hours now gets done quite literally with the click of a button; then the other day you are faced with copyright, energy, ethics concerns related to AI and ensuring all the behind-the-hood conscientious practices that we uphold every day in our profession are factored in.

It takes true courage to seek out understanding. In a time when so much seems to divide us, the need for true community has never been greater. Whether we agree or disagree, we should be able to come together, share ideas and have real conversations.

Community isn’t just about where we meet—it’s about the connections we build, the understanding we foster and the strength we gain from engaging with one another.

Last year, our leadership tasked a few staff with developing a strategy to innovate our Annual Meeting, our flagship event, where we have enjoyed enviable attendance for many decades. Like many non-profits, our Academy is steadily making its way back from the dizzying business effects of COVID. We are also challenged by the demographics of our 111-year-old organization. Most of our members are at least 50 years old or more, and we are acutely aware we need to attract and engage a new generation of professionals – young recruits who don’t want to sit in a dark ballroom while a shadowy figure delivers pearls of clinical wisdom on a 3:1 screen.

What happens when you put a radiation researcher and an architect in the same room? You get bold, imaginative collaborations that lead to global breakthroughs.

(Chicago, IL February 24, 2025) — The Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) is pleased to announce the continuation of its premier strategic partnership with Destination Canada (DC) in 2025. This ongoing collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to advancing opportunities and delivering value for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) society professionals.

CESSE, recognized as the leading provider of educational, networking, and leadership development opportunities for professionals in STEM societies, serves a growing membership of 961 individuals, including 186 CEOs and 771 staff members. Currently, 197 STEM societies are represented in the association. CESSE continues to elevate its mission through impactful partnerships like the one with Destination Canada.

We are pleased to introduce the Co-Chairs and Program Committee for ACCESSE25, the premier conference for STEM society professionals. This dedicated group of leaders brings extensive expertise and a commitment to advancing the work of STEM societies.

Together, they are developing a program focused on this year’s theme, Expanding Impact, which explores how STEM society professionals drive progress on multiple levels—from individual growth to organizational success and global advancements in STEM.

Credit: Eva Blue / Tourisme Montréal

As this year’s ACCESSE24 showed, creating a more inclusive and sustainable future is critical to the organizational success of STEM societies and associations.

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Business events can unleash positive ripple effects that are felt long after they end and delegates return home—from opening the door to transformative collaborations and unlocking investment opportunities, to attracting top-notch talent and spurring innovation.