November 2024 President's Note
Happy November.
With the wonderfully warm weather we’ve experienced in many parts of Canada, it’s hard to believe it’s November and there are only 56 days left in the year.
Like many of you, the CMA is busy preparing for 2025. I’m excited to share some terrific new benefits that our members will enjoy in the months ahead, along with all the great services and advantages you already receive.
Here are five exciting new initiatives we are launching to deliver outstanding value to you and accelerate the CMA’s mission to futureproof the marketing profession:
- We’re expanding our national focus on in-person gatherings, starting with our Vancouver Celebration Event in parallel with our CMA Awards Gala on November 22 – less than three weeks from now.
- In 2025, the CMA is also planning a roadshow so our members across Canada can come together in person.
- All our 2025 CMA events will be hybrid, making it easy for marketers across the country to participate.
- We’re launching the CMA Mentorship program exclusively for our members. This free program boosts the value of your membership by offering a significant perk. It will enhance performance and professional growth by connecting young members with our more seasoned members for a mentorship partnership.
- We’re introducing quarterly CMA socials for marketers in the first phases of their career to connect, have fun and grow their networks.
- We’re launching two exclusive, intimate events uniquely designed for CMOs and our most senior members.
- All CMA members will benefit from free access to 25 CMA events in 2025.
- Plus, members will receive significant savings of 80% on our other events.
We have lots more planned and I’m looking forward to sharing details in the coming months.
Our 2024 CMA Award Gala is fast approaching. We set a record for award entries this year. I’m excited to celebrate our country’s incredible creativity with you on November 22, as we announce our 2024 Marketer of the Year, along with winners of our Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Best of the Best Award. We’re close to selling out, so be sure to get your tickets before it’s too late.
Advocating on behalf of the marketing profession – to help futureproof our industry – is a key priority for the CMA. Our recent letter to the Minister of Finance, calling on her to revoke the Digital Sales Tax, is one example.
Our efforts are making waves – even on the global stage. At our CMAprivacy event in October, Canada’s Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne said:
“I want to thank the CMA for the leadership that you have in Canada and around the world. I have so appreciated in every single one of our exchanges, your professionalism, passion, integrity, and significant contributions.”
The Privacy Commissioner went on to say that, at a recent G-7 meeting with his global peers, he highlighted the CMA’s call for his office to support innovation as a strategic priority. Here’s the video of the Commissioner’s appearance at CMAprivacy.
Upskilling the marketing profession – and ensuring a robust and diverse community of talented marketers – is a source of pride for us. Here are a few ways we’re delivering on this key priority:
- Our Chartered Marketer (CM) program is now available on demand so you can learn at your own pace.
- We offer a Gen AI Certificate program, and more Gen AI training programs to help you build crucial new skills and futureproof your career.
- Our Digital Marketing Skills Canada (DMSC) program has built an outstanding talent pipeline for employers, with 81% of the learners coming from underrepresented groups.
- If you’re looking to grow your team, our searchable talent database is a valuable resource. Employers can benefit from a grant when they hire a DMSC graduate.
With Remembrance Day approaching, I hope you will join me in remembering everyone who sacrificed to defend our values and way of life, so we can live in freedom.
I look forward to seeing you and raising a toast to our profession at the CMA Awards Gala on November 22!
Warm regards,
Alison Simpson
President & CEO
