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2026 CAO Leadership Program
3/25/2026 - 5/5/2026

OMAA is pleased to partner with the #1 business school in the country, the Schulich School of Business at York University, to offer the CAO Leadership Program each spring.

This five-day program offers sought-after leadership skills in areas like political acuity, digital transformation, and data analysis to thrive in your role or move up the career ladder. The program is hosted in a convenient choice model of virtual or in-person and features top-rated Schulich instructors with guest appearances from practising CAOs.

  • Module 1: Transformational Leadership       Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre              25 March 2026
  • Module 2: Solving Complex Problems          Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre              26 March 2026
  • Module 3: Digital Futures                               Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre              7 April 2026
  • Module 4: Culture Shaping Leadership         Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre             21 April 2026
  • Module 5: Political Acuity                               Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre              5 May 2026

This program is ideal for CAOs and Aspiring CAOs in municipalities of all tiers and sizes across Ontario. Professional managers and key decision makers will gain the vital leadership skills, strategies, and methods needed to better support elected officials and effectively implement Council policies, levelling up to more senior roles. 

After completing the CAO Leadership Program, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize. Upon completion of additional programming through Schulich ExecEd, you will be eligible to receive a Master's Certificate in Municipal Leadership.

Classes sold-out in 2024 and 2025 so be sure to reserve your spot early. Registration closes 6 March 2026.

Members             $5164
Non-Members     $6164


Location: Miles S. Nadal Management Centre (Hybrid)
222 Bay Street
Toronto, On M5K 1K2

There are currently 5 spots remaining out of 30





Aspiring CAOs Connection Event
4/17/2026 - 4/17/2026

A full day session dedicated to those Aspiring CAOs thinking about the next steps on their journey to becoming a municipal CAO / City Manager.
Join your peers for a jam-packed day filled with great advice, networking, and hands-on workshop segments. Participants should bring a laptop or tablet.

830-900      Registration
900-915      Welcome and Participant Introductions
915-1015    Pathways to Becoming a CAO: lessons learned from experienced CAOs.
                    
1015-1045    Opportune times in the municipal sector. 
1045-1100    Break
1100-1200    Things Councils look for in a new CAO and Recruiter Q&A. 
1200-1300    Networking Lunch
1300-1345    Positioning to Move Forward: Contracts, Mentoring, and Building your Brand--Scott Vokey, OMAA Executive Director 
1345-1430    Participant work on Elevator Pitch (Headline and About)    
1430-1445    Break
1445-1515    Elevator Pitch Delivery and Feedback

Pricing
Members             $25
Non-Members     $99
Location: Walper Hotel
20 Queen St South
Kitchener, ON N1G 1V6

Registration ends on 4/10/2026
There are currently 27 spots remaining out of 30





2026 Spring Workshop at JW Marriott Muskoka
5/20/2026 - 5/22/2026

Join us May 20–22, 2026, at the spectacular JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa for the 2026 Spring Workshop. This signature event blends inspiring keynote speakers, practical educational sessions, quick hits, and engaging sponsored discussions with valuable networking and social opportunities—all designed to equip CAOs, Deputy CAOs, and aspiring municipal leaders with the insights and tools to lead more effectively.

Pre-Workshop Events include:

  • Golf at Lake Joseph Golf Course ($110) 
  • Cranberry Tour and Hike at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery ($30)

On Thursday evening we’ll set sail on an elegant Muskoka Steamship for a dinner cruise across the scenic lakes. Enjoy fine dining, panoramic views, and relaxed conversation in a setting that fosters connection and inspiration. (included in all passed except Thursday Only, Friday Only, and Exhibitor Passes).

Pricing
Exhibit Booth                                    $2222
Exhibit Booth Extra Pass                  $884
Member Early Bird                            $979               ends 1 Feb 2026.
Non-Member Early Bird                    $1370.60        ends 1 Feb 2026.
Retired Member Early Bird               $832.15          ends 1 Feb 2026.   
Corporate Early Bird                         $1370.60        ends 1 Feb 2026.
Member                                             $1137.76
Non-Member                                     $1592.86
Retired Member                                $967.09
​Corporate                                          $1634.93
Thursday Only Member                     $538.45
Thursday Only Non-Member             $734.25
Friday Only                                        $323.07
Member In Transition                         $0
Additional Guest Meal Plan               $415.00
Thursday Night Event                        $250.00    

Most packages include one ticket to the Thursday Night Event EXCEPT Thursday Only, Friday Only, and Exhibitor Passes.

Registration Instructions

1. Use the correct email address
  • You must enter a Member's email to avail of OMAA Member pricing.
2. Choose Appropriate Package

3. Select a Pre-Workshop Activities (Optional)
  • Golf @ Lake Joseph Golf Course: ~$110, starts 11 am on Wednesday.
  • Cranberry Tour, Hike, and Wine Tasting Trip: $30, starts 1:30 on Wednesday.

4. Add Another Attendee to this Registration (Optional)
  • repeat steps 2 and 3
5. Complete this Registration 
  • select your payment method

6. Book your Accommodation
Hotel reservations are separate from event registration. Book directly through the provided link: Ontario Municipal Administrators' Association Spring Workshop May 2026 - Start your reservation 

Refund Policy 
A $75 charge is applied to all refund requests. No refunds after 8 May 2026.
 

 


Location: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
1050 Paignton House Road
Muskoka Lakes, ON P0B 1G0