Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 9
ENGAGEMENT
THE VALUE OF COMING TOGETHER
Member Engagement at the 88th OGCA Annual General Meeting & Conference
By ANDREW SAMPOGNA, OGCA Vice-President
A
S ASSOCIATIONS CONTINUE TO NAVIGATE an
evolving construction industry,
member engagement remains
one of the clearest measures of
organizational strength.
Opportunities to connect
with peers, exchange ideas, and contribute
to the future direction of the association
are essential to maintaining an engaged
membership. The 88th OGCA Annual General Meeting & Conference re昀氀ects these
priorities, bringing members together in
Bermuda for several days of discussion,
learning, and relationship-building.
Taking place September 10 to 13, 2026,
at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club,
the conference is much more than an
annual gathering. It is an opportunity for
members to connect directly with industry
colleagues, volunteer leaders, committee
representatives, and the association's
executive team.
OGCA.CA
At the heart of the event is the Annual
General Meeting, one of the most important governance activities of the year. The
AGM gives members an opportunity to
hear updates on the association's activities,
achievements, and priorities, while gaining
insight into the work being carried out
on their behalf. Executive and committee
reports provide transparency into the
advocacy efforts, programs, and initiatives
that support members and strengthen the
industry.
The AGM also marks an important
milestone for the association. At the
upcoming Annual General Meeting &
Conference, Alexia MacLeod will become
the new Chair, the 昀椀rst woman Chair in the
history of the OGCA.
For many members, the AGM offers a
deeper understanding of how volunteer
leaders and staff work together to address
industry challenges and advocate for
members' interests. It also reinforces one
of the de昀椀ning principles of any member-driven organization: the collective
voice of its members shapes its direction
and future priorities.
Beyond the formal business of the AGM,
the conference provides valuable opportunities for networking and professional
development. In an industry built on
relationships, face-to-face interaction
remains one of the most effective ways to
strengthen connections and encourage
collaboration. Whether during scheduled
The collective voice of its
members shapes its direction
and future priorities.
events, educational sessions, or informal
conversations, delegates can exchange
ideas, discuss emerging issues, and build
relationships that often continue long after
the conference ends.
These interactions are particularly
important as the construction sector continues to face new challenges and opportunities. Members bene昀椀t from hearing
different perspectives from contractors,
suppliers, industry partners, and association leaders, helping them better understand the issues affecting the industry
today and, in the years, ahead.
A key feature of this year's conference is
its lineup of expert presenters addressing
topics relevant to both OGCA members
and the broader construction industry. The
educational sessions will provide practical insights and timely information that
members can apply within their businesses and professional roles.
By bringing together recognized
experts and industry professionals, the
conference creates an environment where
learning is closely aligned with member
needs. The sessions are designed not only
to share knowledge, but also to encourage discussion and the exchange of ideas
among delegates.
The conference also supports an important aspect of association membership
that is sometimes overlooked: community.
Many attendees look forward to reconnecting with colleagues from across the
province, while also meeting new members. These conversations help strengthen
the sense of belonging that is central to a
strong association and remind members
they are part of a broader network working
toward common goals.
Strong member engagement does not
happen by accident. It is built through
opportunities for participation, dialogue,
and connection. Events such as the Annual
General Meeting & Conference bring these
elements together, giving members the
chance to learn about the association's
work, contribute to important conversa-
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