The RMA hosts two conventions per year, one in spring and one in fall, at the Edmonton Convention Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. Each convention sees a variety of plenary addresses and workshops, as well as the ministerial forum and resolutions session. In addition to these events, the fall convention hosts the opposition party leader panel, as well as our RMA Board elections. The RMA and Canoe Tradeshow is held during the fall convention to better serve our members as they go through the budget process within their municipalities.
The RMA 2025 Fall Convention and Tradeshow is scheduled to take place November 17-20, at the Edmonton Convention Centre.
Registration for the RMA 2025 Fall Convention and Tradeshow is now open. Click here to register.
Due to the potential impact of the upcoming municipal election, we understand that there may be changes to your attendance plans. Please register for the number of spots you currently need. Post-election, RMA will accept registration changes.
Registration Ticket Types (please note, prices below do not include GST):
Registration is now open for the RMA & Canoe Tradeshow, taking place Tuesday, November 18 from 12:00PM to 5:00PM at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Join the Rural Municipalities of Alberta and Canoe Procurement Group of Canada, meet RMA members, and share how your organization will benefit their municipalities. Click here to view our 2025 Tradeshow Exhibitor Guide.
For more information, please contact Carolyn Caldwell by email at carolyn@canoeprocurement.ca or by phone at 780.863.7174.
A wide range of partnership opportunities are available at Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels at both our spring and fall events. Customized sponsorship benefit packages can also be developed in consultation with the RMA convention coordinator to meet your organization’s unique requirements.
To explore sponsorship opportunities for the Fall Convention, visit our Sponsorship page.
The EOEP offers Alberta’s municipal elected officials professional development opportunities to help them effectively serve their communities.
With courses covering topics most relevant to elected officials, the EOEP ensures high-quality learning experiences. Each course is developed by subject matter experts and adult learning specialists, designed to provide valuable insights while respecting the limited time elected officials have for professional development.
The EOEP will offer the courses below during the RMA 2025 Fall Convention. When registering, select the applicable ticket type (EOEP Course Only or RMA Full Member & EOEP Course). Then you can select your desired courses when signing up for the convention.
For course attendance requirements and details on course registration cancellation policy, see the EOEP attendance and cancellation policy.
The Munis 101 course, is designed to provide the fundamental information that any new or returning municipal elected official needs to govern effectively. Aligned with the orientation requirements under the Municipal Government Act, this course introduces elected officials to the key structures, roles, and responsibilities that shape municipal governance in Alberta.
Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how municipalities operate, explore the distinct roles of council and administration, and examine how elected officials can work together to build respectful, effective decision-making processes.
Key Topics:
Format: This course is designed to be interactive, with discussion to connect the concepts of governance with realities of council decision-making.
Understanding municipal finances is critical for elected officials to make sound, strategic decisions that reflect community priorities and deliver long-term value. This course provides elected officials with a practical, accessible introduction to the financial landscape of local government.
Through interactive discussions, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises, participants will explore the full financial cycle from budgets and taxation to reserves, reporting, and long-term planning. The course emphasizes the elected official’s role in financial oversight, questions to ask, and how to use financial information to inform policy and planning.
Whether you’re new to council or looking to deepen your understanding, this course offers the tools and context you need to make confident, informed financial decisions on behalf of your municipality.
Key Topics:
Format:
This course is designed to be interactive, with case-based learning, partner activities, and discussion to connect financial concepts to the realities of council decision-making.
A strong and effective relationship between council and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is essential to good governance. This new course is designed to support elected officials in understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities throughout the CAO employment lifecycle including recruitment and onboarding to performance evaluation and, when necessary, termination.
Participants will explore how to establish clarity in roles, build mutual trust and accountability, and ensure the CAO relationship supports the strategic direction of the municipality. Whether you are hiring a new CAO or striving to strengthen an existing relationship, this course provides the tools and perspective to help council navigate one of its most important responsibilities.
Key Topics:
Format:
This interactive course includes, guided exercises, and discussion designed to equip elected officials with the confidence and clarity needed to carry out their governance role with respect to the CAO.
The following four seats on the Board of Directors being up for election at the RMA 2025 Fall Convention. All positions will serve a two-year term (2025 – 2027):
View the Call for Nominations for more information.
While we are still finalizing the details, you can see our latest draft of the convention agenda here.
For every upcoming convention there are room blocks that we recommend for those attending. Please visit our Accommodations page for all the important information for booking your stay.
Mark Cohon
Business and Community Leader | 12th Commissioner of the CFL
It is almost impossible to put Mark Cohon’s life and career into a box. A seasoned sports executive, he is the 12th commissioner of the CFL, one of North America’s oldest sports leagues; an award-winning executive producer; a successful angel investor; an active community builder; and, in a prior life, an arctic explorer and zookeeper. Cohon draws on these diverse experiences, while unpacking his old-school playbook for leadership success in modern times, highlighting the importance of cultivating trust when navigating change and uncertainty.
Cohon earned his respected reputation as a sports executive with the MLB, where he was Director of Corporate and Game Development, and the NBA, where he served as Director and Group Manager of International Marketing, Managing Director of NBA Europe, and Vice President of Business Development. In these roles, he raised the profile of these iconic leagues in over 30 international markets.
In 2007, Cohon made the move to the CFL. As its 12th Commissioner, he was the driving force behind the league’s renaissance. His eight-year stewardship saw the CFL’s business model transformed, and its brand rejuvenated. Record television ratings, $2 billion in new stadiums, new live game programming with ESPN, strengthened corporate partnerships, a return to the nation’s capital, and the almost tripling of team distributions are all part of Cohon’s legacy.
Upon completing his successful run as commissioner, Cohon wanted to continue his role as a community builder while following his entrepreneurial spirit. He was appointed the Chair of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences to help transform the Juno Awards, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and Canada’s national music charity, MusiCounts. As the Executive Producer of the Juno broadcast, Cohon and the team won multiple Canadian Screen Awards for Best Live Entertainment Special.
Today, Cohon is the chair of the Northern Super League, the new Canadian women’s professional soccer league, and of Toronto Global, a government funded agency that promotes and attracts foreign direct investment. He is also the chair and partner in Georgian Bay Spirits Co., one of the fastest growing Canadian spirits companies; a board member of Great Canadian Entertainment, the largest Casino operator in Canada; and a special advisor to CVC, one of the world’s largest private equity firms.
Whether leading organizations with thousands of employees, being the trusted voice of a league with millions of fans, or the chief cheerleader for one of North America’s largest and fastest growing cities, there is one common theme that has embodied Cohon’s life — building trusted relationships and stronger communities. In recognition of his transformative leadership, Cohon was appointed to the Order of Ontario and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
The RMA is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and harassment free environment for all persons attending events hosted by the association, including conventions, tradeshows, meetings, and networking events. The Event Code of Conduct sets the tone and direction of conduct and ethical behavior that could be perceived as damaging to the trust and confidence of members, suppliers, members of government and the general public. The RMA expects all attendees to behave in a professional and respectful manner.
Breakout sessions are a highlight of RMA conventions, as they present an important opportunity for members to learn about and discuss key issues. RMA aims to deliver sessions that support the effective operation of municipalities and speak to the roles and responsibilities of local leaders.
RMA is currently seeking breakout session proposals. While priority will be given to proposals from full RMA members, submissions from non-members will also be considered if the content is relevant to the municipal context.
The deadline has passed to submit proposals for the fall 2025 convention. However, proposals are welcome on an ongoing basis and will be considered by RMA for future conventions.
To learn more and submit a proposal for consideration for future conventions, visit our submission page.
For more information, please contact Ellen Kirkpatrick, Event Coordinator, at 825.319.2387 or ellen@rmalberta.com.
While you’re at the event, get up-to-date information on our Convention app!
To see if you are a winner of any of the contests or draws entered at the 2024 Tradeshow, open this PDF to look for your name!
Located at the Edmonton Convention Centre, Foyer, Hall D
Monday, November 4, 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Tuesday, November 5, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday, November 6, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm
Thursday, November 7, 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
Located at the Edmonton Convention Centre, Assembly Level
Monday, November 4, 2:00 to 6:00 pm
Tuesday, November 5, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, 5:00 to 6:00 pm
During the fall convention, we present two awards as well as honour those who have passed away during the year. The awards are:
