NEWS & EVENTS
CAA Events & Professional Development Sessions
Building Community for Aspiring and New Architectural Firm Owners
CAA COFFEE CHATS
Join CAA Mentorship Sessions: Coffee Chats, an intimate and informal gathering designed for aspiring and newly established architecture and licensed interior design firm owners. These relaxed, informal, hour-long sessions are intended for your interaction and questions. While gaining answers from an expert, you will also foster a sense of community where you can connect with peers navigating similar entrepreneurial journeys.
Engage in open discussions about real-world challenges related to starting your own firm —such as managing contracts, understanding insurance, navigating regulations, and setting up accounting systems—guided by seasoned industry leaders and specialists in fields like legal, financial, IT, and consulting services. With small groups of 6–10 participants, you’ll enjoy meaningful conversations, practical tools, and strategies to launch or grow your practice with confidence.
Whether you’re laying the foundation for your firm or contemplating the entrepreneurial leap, Coffee Chats offers a vibrant space to share insights, forge lasting connections, and build a trusted network for long-term success. Come for the coffee, stay for the inspiration.
2026 Session 1 Details:
Join our favourite Insurance Guru, Magdalena Cammidge, Senior Advisor and Partner at Navacord Alberta for a round-table discussion about all your insurance questions and concerns encountered while growing a new firm. Come prepared with your questions and current challenges.
NOTE: While we value the enthusiasm of experienced members in sharing their knowledge, these sessions are designed to build community among peers at a similar stage in their professional journey. A dedicated mentorship program—pairing seasoned professionals with emerging practitioners—will launch later in 2026 for those interested in giving back to newer members of the profession. These sessions are intended for professionals in years 1–5 of firm ownership, though more experienced professionals may be invited to speak from time to time.
EDMONTON SESSION
When: Friday, February 13th, 2026 - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: 10526 Jasper Ave #202, Edmonton, AB (Homestead Co-working)
Cost: Free for CAA & members; $15 for non-members
CALGARY SESSION
When: Friday, March 13th, 2026 - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Navacord Office The Ampersand Building : 112 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Cost: Free for CAA & members; $15 for non-members
* Eligible for 1 AAA Structured LU
2026 Session 1 Professional:
Magdalena Cammidge
Senior Advisor/Pratner
Navacord Alberta
Magdalena joined Lloyd Sadd (now Navacord) in 2005, bringing with her varied and extensive experience in commercial insurance. With over 18 years of technical experience in insurance and risk management, Magdalena specializes in the direction, development and delivery of insurance and risk management services to her clients. Magdalena heads up the Professional Services Practice at Navacord specializing in Professional Liability and Risk Management for Design Professionals. Magdalena's role includes gaining an intimate understanding of the clients business and working with them to create effective Risk Management solutions, ultimately helping clients in building and even stronger organization.
Industry News
CAA Consulting Agreements Reference 2025
Now recruiting passionate and dedicated individuals
City of Calgary Access Design Subcommittee
It is that exciting time of year! The City of Calgary is now recruiting passionate and dedicated individuals to join the Access Design Subcommittee.
The Access Design Subcommittee is a subcommittee of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility. Their purpose is to review and make recommendations on issues that relate to accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, the review of major public projects (e.g., infrastructure, public spaces, parks) to ensure the greatest level of accessibility for persons with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities. As such, this Subcommittee and its members have a significant impact on the accessibility of spaces within Calgary.
Whether you’re someone with lived experience, an advocate, or simply someone who wants to help Calgary become a city for everyone, we’d love to hear from you.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Access Design Subcommittee, please apply here: Access Design Subcommittee Application 2025.
Industry Events
2026 Builders Connect Expo
Join the ECA February 12th, 2026, as they host their largest event of the year, the Builders Connect Expo (BCE). The BCE will gather over 600+ member & industry leaders for a full day of engagement, learning, and celebration. Combining the best of two well-known events (our Builders Connect Luncheon and Hub of Construction Expo).
The BCE will include:
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A buffet breakfast and an inspiring keynote speaker with Pamela Barnum, leading expert in body language and communication.
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Industry Update – Hear the latest insights and developments shaping our industry.
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A full trade show with 80+ booths — members showcasing their products, services, and innovations to fellow members.
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Our Builders Connect Luncheon program- including the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation.
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Happy Hour - Enjoy a beverage and network with over 600+ industry leaders
To secure your exhibitor booth and all sponsorship inquiries, please contact taylor.lewis@edmca.com.
8 am - 9 am: Registration / Breakfast Buffet
9 am - 9:30 am: Greetings and introduction from Mayor Andrew Knack
9:30 am – 10:30am: Keynote Speaker – Pamela Barnum
10:30 am – 12 pm: Tradeshow & AGM
12:15 pm - 2:15 pm: Lunch and Awards Program, Greeting from Alberta Minister
2:15 pm – 4 pm: Tradeshow / Happy Hour
*Live music from Mandy McMillan
2026 Navacord Construction Conference
Navacord is proud to host an exclusive conference for construction industry leaders and decision-makers. Join contractors, developers, and executives to explore strategies for managing risk and safeguarding operations in a changing market. With a focus on proactive risk management, we’ll cover trends, regulations, and challenges, equipping attendees with actionable insights to reduce exposure, control costs, and build resilience.
When: March 5th, 2026 - 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where: River Cree Resort & Casino, 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Edmonton
Use Code BREAKING to access registration.