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.
Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives
1061 American Ln Suite 310, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives
Six years ago, I was starting a new job; I’d done the association thing before (I live in DC—they let you reach into a hat and randomly select a career pathway between government, contractors, associations, NGOs and fancy burger restaurants) but this was my first time in a STEM society. On about my fifth day, our ED said, “I’d like to send you to this conference, help you get a better understanding of how these organizations work and get some ideas for the job.” I said, “cool, but it starts next week, and also what’s a ’Sess?’”
I’ve now been to ACCESSE three times, and I’m looking forward to my fourth. And I mean looking forward. I had the dates highlighted on my calendar ever since I got back from Detroit! Why?
As a nonprofit leader, I prioritize supporting my staff, recognizing that the most valuable resource of any organization is its people. This support takes various forms, with continuous learning and networking standing out as indispensable tools for organizational and staff growth and success. That's why we send our entire team to the ACCESSE Conference.
ACCESSE offers a unique platform for development and networking, particularly beneficial for nonprofit staff across various levels in STEM societies and associations. Indeed, this conference holds significant value for organizations and their staff alike.
Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives
1061 American Ln Suite 310, Schaumburg, IL 60173
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.
And, like our membership, our senior staff is composed of a lot of “seasoned” veterans. Most of us have been on board for more than a decade and we have a few “lifers,” like me (37 years and counting). So, this resilient team, charged with breathing new life into our meeting, had to consider the effects of change on two audiences. We were to present a plan to surpass pre-pandemic attendance levels and pique the curiosity of millennials and Gen Z without disenfranchising the loyal Boomers who had always kept our association out of the doghouse.
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.
A show of hands: Does anyone else feel a bit conflicted about virtual work? On one hand, I love that my home is close to my yoga studio, and I can finally make their 5:15 pm classes. But I do miss connecting with my colleagues daily in a physical office. And now that I am in the role of mentor at my organization, I see how the lack of daily interaction can hinder the development and "visibility" of my younger employees. That’s why industry events like CESSE’s ACCESSE Conference are more important than ever.
I attended my first ACCESSE in 2023 in Detroit, MI. While initially, I thought my excitement was from attending my first post-pandemic industry event, I quickly realized my excitement was an immediate sense of belonging and feeling understood by my peers in attendance. I've attended other association-focused events but being amongst the scientific community [at ACCESSE] felt different. They understood the challenges of running an international organization, the challenges of running a large organization, and the challenges of non-commerciality in an increasingly commercial world. The list goes on.
(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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives
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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.
The Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) is thrilled to announce Brandon Lista, a renowned storyteller, educator, and community animator, as the closing keynote speaker for the ACCESSE24 Leadership Conference, taking place from July 23–25 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
With a unique background in engineering and education, Brandon Lista offers a fresh perspective on the art of storytelling. He believes that this ancient practice is crucial for helping professionals become better communicators and problem solvers in today's complex world.
CESSE (The Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives) is thrilled to announce Dr. Eugenia Addy, CEO of Visions of Science, as the opening keynote speaker for the ACCESSE24 Leadership Conference, set to take place from July 23–25 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Dr. Addy is a distinguished scientist, educator, and social entrepreneur with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto. She brings over 15 years of experience in developing youth initiatives across more than 40 communities, advocating for equitable STEM access and community transformation.
Tue Jul 15, 2025[WEBINAR] Build a Leadership Development Program to Strengthen the Volunteer Leadership Pipeline: A CLARB Case Study Category: Events |
