September 2024 President's Note

Happy September.

Our social feeds today are filled with back-to-school photos, as the unofficial second new year begins. It’s an energizing time as we all gear up for a strong quarter and prepare for 2025. And, of course, there’s the inevitable debate about how soon is too soon for pumpkin spice season. I’m enjoying pumpkin spice biscotti as I writing to you, so it’s clear where I stand.

We had a very productive summer at the CMA, launching new programs and initiatives to futureproof the marketing profession and help you and your organization thrive. 

Here are seven of the ways we’re enabling you to build the skills and knowledge you need to manage through the tsunami of change in marketing:

• We launched our new Gen AI Certificate program and more Gen AI training programs, to help you stay current and build crucial new skills in this key area. 
• Our Chartered Marketer (CM) program, Canada’s only professional marketing designation, is now available on-demand. So, you have the flexibility to adapt the CM journey to meet your unique needs.
• Our CMA Connect podcast features thought-provoking conversations on a wide range of hot topics impacting our profession. I’ve hosted 19 episodes so far this year, with our latest one launching this week.
• Our updated training on CASL and Privacy Essentials for Marketers provides everything marketers need to know in Canada’s evolving privacy landscape. The next session is on September 17.
• We produced four new member-only guides. These are valuable resources to help ensure your marketing is compliant. Our guides cover a range of key topics including Quebec’s new Privacy Law, contests and CASL.
• Our innovative Digital Marketing Skills Canada program is creating an outstanding and highly diverse talent pipeline for employers. If you’re hiring, our searchable talent database is a great resource. Plus, employers can benefit from a grant when they hire a DMSC graduate.
• We’re offering CMA scholarships for our Digital Marketing Skills Canada program. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from a full scholarship to complete the CM designation, apply here.

Thought leadership is another way we support and help futureproof the profession. We’re kicking off our 2024-25 Council term on September 19th with 150 leaders from across the full marketing ecosystem who participate in this dynamic community. 

I’m looking forward to bringing our marketing community together in person for our CMA Media Evolution event on September 24th. There’s a hybrid option, so members across the country can easily join. We’re hosting a cocktail reception after the event where you can catch up with friends and build your network. 

Newcomers are pivotal to Canada’s economy and growth yet it’s hard for them to break into the Canadian marketing profession. I’m delighted to share two initiatives to improve this situation: 

• The CMA Newcomer Mentoring Program has launched. We’re accepting applications for mentors and mentees, and the first cohort begins their journey this month.
• Later in the month, we’re introducing a special one-year CMA individual membership to help newcomers build their networks and benefit from our wide range of thought leadership.

We received a record number of submissions to the CMA Awards this year, which kept many marketers busy judging over the summer. Many thanks to all our judges for their great work.

We’re accepting nominees until September 10th for our CMA Premiere Awards, including our 2024 Marketer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award and AIM Award. Canada has many outstanding senior marketing leaders and rising stars, and these awards are a terrific way to recognize them. They’re also free to enter. I encourage you to nominate a top talent in your network.

Tickets to the CMA Awards Gala have just gone on sale. We sell out early, so don’t wait too long.

September is off to a terrific start, and I would love to see you at our upcoming events. I also welcome the opportunity to meet one-to-one Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to chat. 

Warm regards, 
Alison
President & CEO