We are in an AI chasm, and what happens next decides whether associations unlock a generational upgrade or whether the entire category slips into disillusionment.

Canada’s innovators are building the transformative health technologies the world needs now. In Toronto, a thriving health corridor brings together world-class hospitals, universities, research institutes, startups and global tech leaders—all within walking distance of each other. It’s a uniquely connected ecosystem that makes Toronto a natural choice for life sciences conferences and meetings that spark collaboration and discovery.

In 2025, Canada’s life sciences sector is making headlines around the world. From Nobel-level recognition and billion-dollar investments to next-generation therapies and world-class facilities, the country is demonstrating why it belongs at the forefront of global health innovation. For international associations, these breakthroughs are more than good news stories—they signal why Canada is a natural choice for conferences that advance the frontiers of science.

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.