All the Marketing, Advertising, Communication and PR Clubs and Associations in Canada You Need to Know

Founder: Mark Tomblin

Membership Costs:

Professional – $75/year
Student – $45/year

National or Regional: National

To Learn More, Visit https://www.apgcanada.ca/

9. Association Marketing Quebec

Association Marketing Quebec (AMQ) aims to inspire, share, and network. Projects, ranging from event management and logistics to writing and content creation, offer opportunities to practice marketing skills. Membership in AMQ includes access to a network of industry professionals, discounted event fees, free entry to strategic breakfasts and 5@7 events, and a subscription to their newsletter. There are also summits, midi-conferences, and the Flèches d’Or awards, which celebrate outstanding marketing campaigns and achievements. AMQ focuses on continuous learning and development by offering workshops and seminars and members are encouraged to engage with peers, share best practices, and stay updated with the latest industry trends.

President: Marlène Hins

AMC Contact: [email protected]

Membership Costs: Full Details

National or Regional: Regional

To Learn More, Visit https://associationmarketingquebec.ca/

10. Association of Broadcast Communicators (ABCOM)

If you have heard of the Association of Broadcast Communications (ABCOM) before, it may be due to their well-known, annual Christmas and Golf Tournament Party, but diving deeper into all the organization does will showcase its slogan of being a place where ‘Media Minds Meet’. Based in Vancouver, ABCOM’s main initiative is its awards, including the Audrey and Rising Star Award, and the BCIT bursary, given to a student entering the industry. ABCOM hosts a few educational seminars throughout the year, as well as student outreach efforts that present career opportunities to secondary schools. The Board of Directors is made up of industry influencers, and members must be nominated by peers to join the organization.

President: Anna Widomska

ABCOM Contact: [email protected]

Membership Costs: By nomination only

National or Regional: Regional

To Learn More, Visit https://abcom.bc.ca/

11. National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS)

If you are a professional in the industry in need of support, the National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS) is your go-to resource, from financial aid and career support to wellness and workshops. This registered Canadian Charity was started in 1983 to support those working in the media, marketing, advertising, and communications industry and currently has offices in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. NABS is supported entirely through community fundraising initiatives, such as their annual media sale, as well as at events like the ABCOM & NABS Golf Tournament. There are virtual events, open to all, with panels and speed mentoring opportunities, designed to support those in the industry. The wellness resources offer videos on topics like financial literacy, personal goal setting, and professional development, while the workshops focus on mental health first aid certifications. Overall, NABS is dedicated to helping industry professionals thrive both personally and professionally, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Managing Director: Rosetta Heckhausen

NABS Contact: [email protected]

National or Regional: National

To Learn More, Visit https://nabs.org/

12. A2C

The Association of Creative Communications Agencies (A2C) is the voice of over 107 agencies in Quebec of different sizes, configurations, and specialties, but all with one thing in common: a commitment to creative communications. Its members generate more than 85% of the industry’s revenues in Quebec and contribute to the success of companies here and abroad. Members gain access to an exclusive portal with reference documents, contract templates, A2C-issued notices, partner discounts, and various surveys and studies. A2C also supports young professionals through initiatives like agency open house days and the Relève Communication and Relève Marketing contests. If your agency is a fit, check out their membership requirements and apply to join a community of the top communications organizations within Quebec.

President: Dominique Villeneuve

A2C Contact: [email protected]

Membership Cost: Price Breakdown (Including Application Process)

National or Regional: Regional

To Learn More, Visit https://a2c.quebec/

13. The Ad Club of Toronto

The Advertising Club of Toronto (AdClub) is a not-for-profit organization that supports the advertising industry, including media, creative, production, and marketing services. AdClub’s mission is to raise and distribute charitable funds through events that showcase industry innovations while offering networking opportunities. The funds raised are donated to causes like NABS, SickKids Hospital, and scholarships for students entering the industry. Notable events, like the Summer Camp, bring together over 500 industry professionals for a day of networking and fun, with proceeds benefiting charitable causes.

President: Amanda Newell

AdClub Contact: Contact Form

National or Regional: Regional

To Learn More, Visit https://adclub.ca/.

14. Ad Standards

Ad Standards is the trusted self-regulatory body for Canada’s advertising industry, with top Canadian organizations like A&W, RBC, Tim Hortons, and global giants like Coca-Cola, Lego, McDonald’s, and Visa among its members. As Canada’s only national not-for-profit advertising regulator, Ad Standards ensures that advertising is truthful, fair, and accurate. The organization reviews consumer complaints, offers preclearance services for regulated sectors, and provides essential training on advertising compliance. Membership not only demonstrates a commitment to ethical advertising but also helps build public trust in the industry, with members gaining access to industry insights and the right to display the Ad Standards Member logo.

President: Catherine Bate

Ad Standards Contact: [email protected]

National or Regional: National

To Learn More, Visit https://adstandards.ca/

15. Toronto Marketing Hub

Toronto Marketing Hub is a vibrant community for marketing professionals, committed to connecting and empowering marketers across the Greater Toronto Area. With over a dozen local agencies as members, offering services ranging from strategic consulting to SEO optimization and research-based campaigns, the hub is a key player in the city’s marketing landscape. They provide a variety of events, workshops, and resources to keep members at the forefront of industry trends.

Toronto Marketing Hub regularly posts news and articles about the latest developments in marketing, highlights Canadian industry leaders through interviews and features, and offers exclusive insights into impactful campaigns and trends. Their free newsletter keeps subscribers informed and inspired, diving into the most recent and influential campaigns. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, learn from experts, or stay updated on the latest marketing trends, Toronto Marketing Hub provides the content, tools, and community support you need to succeed.

Co-Founder: Pavlo Klymenko

National or Regional: Regional

To Learn More, Visit https://marhub.ca/

16. Edmonton Advertising Club (ACE)

The Edmonton Advertising Club (ACE) is the driving force behind the advertising industry in Edmonton, dedicated to supporting and uplifting its members and the broader community. Passionate about advertising, ACE believes in the potential for greatness in every company and every member, offering modern tools and professional development opportunities to prepare members for any challenge. The club is inclusive, welcoming voices from all corners of advertising, marketing, and media. Its members range from seasoned professionals to students just starting their careers, with mentorship and networking opportunities available to everyone. The club also gives back to the community such as its support to the National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS), Canada’s only charity helping advertising, media, and industry professionals facing illness, injury, unemployment, or financial difficulties.

Membership options include Professional Membership, which offers access to career opportunities, networking, and discounted event rates, and Student Membership, which provides students with networking, mentorship, and learning opportunities at a reduced rate.

President: Carla McNeil

Edmonton Advertising Club Contact: Contact Form

Membership Costs:

National or Regional: Regional

To Learn More, Visit https://adclubedm.com/

17. Saskatchewan Marketing Association

The Saskatchewan Professional Marketing Association aims to bring together like-minded marketing and advertising professionals in Saskatchewan. Their goal is to build a strong community that allows for networking and professional development opportunities. They pride themselves on being a casual and creative group dedicated to the field of marketing and growing their skills in the pursuit of ongoing learning and curiousity.

Saskatchewan Marketing Associations marquee event is their annual FUZE Conference. The event unites Saskatchewan marketers for a day filled with insightful talks from renowned speakers and networking opportunities.

President: Brandy Kindred

Saskatchewan Marketing Association Contact: Contact Form

Membership Costs:

National or Regional: Regional

To Learn More, Visit https://www.saskmarketing.com/

18. Canadian Society for Marketing Professional Services (CSMPS)

The Canadian Society for Marketing Professional Services (CSMPS) is a non-profit society which provides professional services firms with forward-thinking education, professional growth and development and dynamic networking. Their broad membership base is drawn from professional service industries such as architecture, engineering and construction, law, accounting and financial services and management consulting.

Their passion lies with professional services firms as they face a unique challenge – no tangible products to touch and feel, yet the responsibility of selling themselves. At CSMPS, their education and outreach efforts are designed to support the highly specialized function of professional services firms by delivering current, relevant support and education to help generate results in the workplace. Members are invited to events such as breakfast events, workshops and interactive peer group sessions.

President: Alicia Cornford

Canadian Society for Marketing Professional Services Contact: [email protected]

Membership Costs:

National or Regional: National

To Learn More, Visit https://www.csmps.com/

19. Advertising & Design Club of Canada

The ADCC has been encouraging excellence in Canadian Advertising and Design since 1948. Beginning, the club has put an emphasis in encouraging excellence and championed the power of creativity. The sole purpose of the Advertising & Design Club of Canada is to encourage the highest-quality work, regardless of monetary success or politics. They exist to serve the community through art, design, education, historical preservation and championing the next generation of thinkers.

Now a national club, their awards program celebrates the best in design and advertising each year from across Canada – setting the creative bar high. Their members – creatives of all kinds, working in many media – are located across the country

President: Alexis Bronstorph

Advertising & Design Club of Canada Contact: [email protected]

Membership Costs:

National or Regional: National

To Learn More, Visit https://theadcc.ca/

20. Response Marketing Association

The RMA specializes in direct response marketing. This is a technique that evokes an immediate response that encourages the customer to opt into the advertiser’s offer. This specialized association provides marketing professionals with a forum and active community, as well as free and discounted events, webinars and certifications. Response Marketing often drives short-term results but should always connect to your longer-term branding efforts. RMA is a firm believer that they should work well together, in balance.

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