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CMHA Welcomes 7 New Contractor Affiliates in September

CMHA is thrilled to announce the latest members who joined our association in September. These new affiliates bring a wealth of expertise, creativity, and dedication to the concrete masonry and hardscaping industry. We’re excited to see the innovations they will bring to the field and the valuable contributions they’ll make to our growing industry.

Contractor Affiliates

Cammack Outdoor
Cammack Outdoor is a distinguished contractor known for delivering high-quality outdoor living solutions. With a focus on creating functional yet beautiful outdoor spaces, their work demonstrates a strong commitment to craftsmanship and client satisfaction.

Frank’s Hardscape, Inc.
Frank’s Hardscape, Inc. specializes in custom hardscaping projects that elevate residential and commercial properties. Their team is dedicated to blending creativity with precision, ensuring each project is a perfect balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.

Gulf Coast Hardscape LLC
Gulf Coast Hardscape LLC is renowned for transforming outdoor spaces with skill and innovation. They take pride in using premium materials and advanced techniques to create hardscapes that are as stunning as they are long-lasting.

Homestead Hardscapes, LLC
Homestead Hardscapes, LLC offers expert design and installation services for a variety of hardscaping projects. Their attention to detail and commitment to customer service make them a valuable asset to any outdoor project.

Lake Vision Development
Lake Vision Development takes a unique approach to hardscaping and landscaping, blending modern design with practical solutions. Their projects stand out for their creative use of materials and thoughtful design, creating inspiring outdoor environments.

Red’s Garden Center
Red’s Garden Center has been a trusted source for premium landscaping and gardening supplies. Known for their quality products and exceptional service, they are a key partner for those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.

Sand and Stone Hardscapes
Sand and Stone Hardscapes specializes in creating beautiful, durable hardscaping projects that blend natural materials with expert craftsmanship. Their team takes pride in transforming outdoor spaces into functional, inviting areas that reflect their clients’ vision.


Learn more about the benefits of membership and join now. For more information, contact Clare Ramminger.

10 Ways To Create Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transitions

As more homeowners seek to expand their outdoor living spaces and connect closer to nature, blurring the lines between interior spaces and outdoor living areas is increasingly important. Incorporating materials like stone, steel, and window walls can ensure these indoor-outdoor transitions are not just functional, but also aesthetically stunning.

Creating seamless transitions between the interior and outdoor living spaces is rooted in our desire to merge the comforts of the interior with the beauty of the exterior. This design approach can maximize natural light in the home for a warm and inviting atmosphere, expand the living area, enhance occupant well-being by infusing nature into daily life, and foster visual continuity.

Here are a few design and material strategies to consider as you develop seamless connections.

Leverage the Authenticity of Stone

With its natural appeal and durability, stone is a favored choice for creating harmonious indoor-outdoor transitions.

  • Stone Flooring: Using the same type of stone for indoor and outdoor flooring can establish a visual flow that seamlessly bridges the gap between spaces. It’s especially effective when the stone extends from the living room to the outdoor patio or terrace. Porcelain tile is a common choice, and you can even select different traction on the surface of the porcelain tile and porcelain outdoor pavers.
Creative Mines Split Modular in Powder. Photo courtesy: Creative Mines.
  • Stone Accent Walls: Manufactured stone veneer walls, whether indoors or outdoors, serve as focal points that unify the spaces. Whether it’s a grand fireplace in your living room or a stone accent wall around the patio or outdoor kitchen, each adds texture, character and warmth.
  • Outdoor Stone Features: Incorporating stone veneer into outdoor features like fireplaces, kitchens, or seating areas enhances functionality and aesthetics while providing a visual connection to the interior.

Infuse Modern Elegance with Steel

Steel is a contemporary material choice that brings a sense of modernity, strength, and sophistication to seamless transitions.

  • Steel Framing for Window Walls: Steel-framed windows and doors, often featuring large glass panels, are a hallmark of modern design. They provide both visual impact and structural integrity, allowing for slim profiles that maximize views and natural light.
Creative Mines Split Modular in Timberwolf. Photo courtesy: Creative Mines.
  • Steel Railings and Screens: Steel can be used for railings and screens on balconies, terraces, or patios, both indoors and outdoors. These elements create a sense of openness while ensuring safety and privacy.
  • Steel Staircases: Combining form and function, floating steel staircases can connect different levels of the home while maintaining an open, airy feel.

Embrace the Transparency of Window Walls for Indoor-Outdoor Transitions

Perhaps the most vital element in crafting seamless indoor-outdoor transitions is the use of window walls. These expansive glass structures erase the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for uninterrupted views and connections to nature.

  • Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Maximizing natural light and views, floor-to-ceiling windows create a dramatic effect. They allow you to fully appreciate your outdoor surroundings from the comfort of your interior.
  • Sliding Glass Doors: Sliding glass doors are a practical choice for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They are user-friendly and can be fully opened to merge the areas.
  • Corner Windows: Corner windows, often referred to as “glass corners,” are a symbol of modern design. They provide panoramic views and serve as stunning architectural focal points.

Striking the Right Balance

When considering options for stone, steel, and window walls, it’s of course important to balance both aesthetics and functionality. This includes:

Climate: Ensure the outdoor living space remains usable year-round; this may include adding climate control elements like heaters or fans.

Privacy: Wide open transitions can create privacy concerns. Incorporating thoughtful landscaping, retractable screens, or clever architectural features to address this issue where needed.

Maintenance: When selecting materials, be sure to factor in their required upkeep in these settings, which can make a big difference in the aesthetics and durability.

When executed thoughtfully, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions can help blur the lines between the built environment and the natural world. Consider these concepts for creating a living space worth returning to again and again.


A version of this blog originally appeared on the Creative Mines blog

CMHA Welcomed a New Contractor Affiliate in August

CMHA is pleased to welcome the newest member who joined our association in August. This business brings a wealth of expertise and commitment to the concrete masonry and hardscaping industry. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll have on our community and the fresh perspectives they’ll contribute.

Contractor Affiliate

Carolina Paver and Turf, LLC

Carolina Paver and Turf, LLC is a family and veteran-owned business with a deep connection to the Lowcountry landscape. After 10 years of leading sales for a hardscape company on the West Coast, Michael Barbieri and his father, Alan Barbieri, established Carolina Paver and Turf to bring their expertise to the Carolinas. Committed to restoring trust in the construction industry, they emphasize honest, ethical practices and superior craftsmanship. Their extensive knowledge and 25-year warranty ensure that each project meets the highest standards, creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces that clients love.


Learn more about the benefits of membership and join now. For more information, contact Clare Ramminger.

A Guide to Manufactured Stone Profiles

It might be tempting to hear the word “stone” and assume that manufactured stone veneer lends itself only to more traditional, rustic-style projects. But while stone certainly offers a natural feel, the vast array of manufactured stone profiles allows for use of the material in nearly any home or building style across a range of interior and exterior applications.

In fact, the versatility of manufactured stone veneer provides even more design freedom than the real thing.

Common Profile Types

Each manufacturer has its own names for the stones it makes and sells, but in general they fall into similar categories that reflect what is found in nature and that can span traditional, transitional, and modern styles. These include but are not limited to:

Ledgestone

Photo courtesy of InStone.

Ledgestone profiles feature sharper edges and a stacked presentation, along with a lot of variation in stone size, projection, and color. They often are presented in a dry-stack format without visible grout. Depending on the style you choose, Ledgestone is an ideal transitional style—able to feel a bit more rustic in brown and taupe hues, or a bit more contemporary in smoother textures and gray or black colorways.

Chiseled Stone, Fieldstone, Cobblestone

Photo courtesy of InStone.

As they sound, these stone profiles mimic historic stone looks seen on walls and pathways throughout history, with the look of naturally cut, chiseled, or honed stone and prominent grout lines. The often have a rougher face for simple beauty ideal for traditional designs.

River Rock and Limestone

Photo courtesy of InStone.

Profiles replicating river rock, pebble stone, and limestone resemble material straight from nature, with highly randomized individual stones that feel untouched from their origin. These profiles lend a truly rustic, natural feel.

Large-Faced Stone, Masonry Stone

Manufactured stone profiles resembling concrete masonry units or other highly linear shapes feature clean, crisp lines that are perfect for creating a truly modern aesthetic, especially for commercial facades. Some profiles may be smooth for an ultra-modern look while others may have a chiseled face for a traditional touch.

Brick

Photo courtesy of InStone.

Just as the name suggests, manufactured stone profiles can deliver the look of brick without the limitations in geography and supply. As with regular brick, this style can lean traditional or modern, depending on the color and size chosen.

One of the many advantages of manufactured stone veneer from a design standpoint is the ability to create new profiles and colors as tastes and trends change, rather than rely solely on what a quarry can provide.

Recently, cleaner looks have been in higher demand, resulting in long, linear, and monolithic stone styles. Manufactured stone shines here because it’s much easier to achieve; cutting natural stone in this way would be much more expensive.

Monochrome color schemes of whites, blacks, and grays also are currently popular, driven in part by the Modern Farmhouse trend, though earth tones always come back around.

Still, even as trends ebb and flow, the majority of buyers are seeking the natural stone look, which remains timeless, year after year. Manufactured stone veneer allows both commercial and residential designers to achieve this differentiating look in a way that is more affordable and provides the peace of mind that they can specify and receive the looks they expect, whether a one-off residential fireplace or 20 restaurant facades.

What to Know About Code Changes for Masonry Veneer

In a game-changing move, changes have been made to masonry codes to introduce new options for designing and constructing adhered masonry veneers that will have a significant impact on how products are used and installed.

As the industry gears up for changes in codes and standards for adhered masonry veneer, manufacturers are preparing. According to Nick Lang, VP of Engineering – Masonry at the Concrete Masonry &
Hardscapes Association, as masonry technology and material manufacturing continue to evolve, the industry’s installation and performance standards are changing with it.

With these changes in the 2022 version of TMS 402 and 602, which is referenced in the 2024 International Building Code and International Residential Code, local jurisdictions will begin the process to adopt these codes soon, but having information out there ahead of the codes is important for preparedness,” said Lang. “We have task groups working on manufactured stone veneer technical resources, which will be followed by education.

Until then, here is a breakdown of the updates needed to stay ahead of the curve.

Prescriptive vs. Engineered 

There will be two approved approaches for designing masonry veneer walls: Prescriptive, which are basic off-the-shelf standards, and Engineered, which are very specific to an engineer’s or architect’s customized job needs.

  • Prescriptive Approach: This is the “do it like this” method, where installations complying with specific conditions are good to go. The big changes here are in the limits and conditions set under TMS 402/602-22. What is discussed below applies to the prescriptive approach. 

  • Engineered Method: This leaves the approach up to the design engineer with less control and limits over installation. This innovative path is perfect for unique or challenging applications. It mandates an engineer’s expertise to craft the design. Provided the engineer has done their homework, they may spec what they please.
masonry and stairs
Photo courtesy: Masonry Magazine

Prescriptive Approach: More Freedom, Better Results, and Key Changes

For the prescriptive approach, several modifications have taken place that actually provide more design freedom for design and architectural pros using masonry. It’s important to know these changes even though they may not be fully adopted at the state level until 2025. These are the largest impact areas and model codes already in the works:

  • Adhered Veneers: Veneers must be manufactured units such as manufactured stone veneer units.
  • Adhered Veneer Maximum Weight: Weight per unit is increasing from 15 lbs./SF to 30 lbs./SF. With the permitted unit weight now approved for up to 30 lbs./SF, this will allow for more flexibility in design
  • Setting Bed Mortar: Use of ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 polymer-modified mortars are now required for enhanced bond strength for adhered veneers.
  • Veneer Orientation: Veneers must be installed vertically, aligning with prescriptive detailing requirements.
  • Veneer Height: Above grade is limited to 60 feet, striking a balance between design freedom and practicality. This presents an opportunity for architects and adhered veneer manufacturers, providing more wall space for veneer products.
  • Deflection: Deflection of backing is limited to ensure sturdiness in the face of wind and seismic loads.
  • Assembly Weight: The assembly weight is now the focus for prescriptive design, allowing for adhered veneers with rigid insulation.
  • Assembly Thickness: The total assembly thickness is limited to 4 5/8’ for better performance and design considerations.
  • Permitted Unit Area: Single unit surface areas can’t exceed 5 SF, and approved installation procedures are now needed for units exceeding 2.5 SF. This keeps installation quality paramount. Previous requirements on unit length or width have been removed, allowing for more freedom in unit design.

One caveat on wall height that Lang pointed out is that it does depend on the substrate. “Light-frame structural backups would still have long-standing veneer height limitations of 30 ft., and once you exceed that, the system needs to be designed and detailed properly” said Lang.

For workers and specifiers, the need for polymer-modified mortars comes with increased weight allowances and wall space. Another caveat, Lang said, is that masonry professionals may also need to enhance fasteners, especially with extensive amounts of continuous insulation. The new prescriptive provisions in the code have expanded fastener tables that take into account veneer weight, cavity width, and fastener spacing.

How does Lang anticipate the transition? “Simplifying the standard unit area to a square footage requirement will make the transition easier and simpler to apply than the current standard,” said Lang. “In addition, crews familiar with code-compliant installations are in for a smooth transition, with only minor adjustments, like using polymer-modified setting mortars.”

He said it’s also likely that existing product certifications will still hold their ground. “It’s important to remember that change can be part of innovation and opportunity. As the industry requirements and product technologies evolve, changes in codes and standards are actually allowing more design freedom and better safety to move the industry forward.”


This article was written by Joe Cicciarelli, Director of Masonry at Oldcastle APG, and was originally published in Masonry Magazine.

Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association Awards David Hein, P.Eng the 2024 Industry Champion Award 

David Hein, P. Eng. was awarded the 2024 Industry Champion Award during the Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association’s (CMHA) Midyear Meeting in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Industry Champion Award is a special recognition that extends beyond CMHA and the immediate concrete products industry. It honors individuals who, through their efforts and dedication, have significantly contributed to the advancement and promotion of concrete products. Those awarded come from various fields and industries who have recognized the value of concrete products and have championed their use, helping to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth.

Since 2020, Hein has been an independent engineer. Prior to this position, he spent almost 20 years working for Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) where he was a transportation infrastructure division manager, a principal investigator and a principal engineer. During his tenure at ARA, Hein was introduced to segmental concrete pavement and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Association (ICPI). In 2022, ICPI and the National Concrete Masonry Association unified to become CMHA.

During his career, Hein managed a number of notable projects for the Association. Through his work with the ICPI Foundation, he researched slab and plank finite element modeling, on/offsite Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) benefits, developed CMHA’s Permeable Design Pro Software and more. He also consulted on PICP Structural Testing for the University of California Pavement Research Center.

Hein has developed many tools for the industry. He created a pavement condition index methodology which treats pavement as an asset, monitors it performance and predicts when maintenance will be required. This methodology was developed into the ASTM E2840 standard, elevating the management of paver roads to the level of other competitive types of pavement. Hein has also developed a Life Cycle Cost Analysis of segmental concrete pavements allowing the industry to show the financial advantages of selecting pavers.

Hein chaired the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Technical Committees that created two national standards. ASCE 58-16 Structural Design of Interlocking Concrete Pavement for Municipal Streets and Roadways and ASCE 68-18 Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement. He continues to chair these committees and through his other roles at ASCE makes sure these standards are well positioned to receive the attention they need to maintain their importance.

Hein is an active and well respected member of the Transportation Association of Canada. Through his work, he has created opportunities to represent segmental concrete pavement in technical committees and present information at conferences. This has also allowed segmental concrete pavement to be included in several guides and standards, raising segmental concrete pavement to the same technical level as other traditional pavement systems.

Throughout his career, Hein has presented at several international conferences on concrete block pavement in the United States, Argentina, China, Germany and South Korea. He has also co-presented Interlocking Concrete Pavement (ICP) and PICP Symposiums in Canada and the US. He has also consulted on major ICP and PICP projects like the Olympic Village in Vancouver, BC, Alston Way in Berkley, CA, Main Street in Markham, ON and Dundas Plaza in London, ON.

“This award is our way of expressing deep appreciation for Hein’s invaluable contributions that have supported and elevated the industry as a whole,” said CMHA President and CEO Robert Thomas. “David continues to be an advocate for segmental concrete pavement, through his work with technical associations and government agencies. His recent work with the ICPI Foundation includes looking into developing a strategic map for future research and efforts needed to further institutionalize the use of segmental concrete pavements in Canada and the United States.”

Hein holds a B.A.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo.


Learn more about CMHA’s Industry Champion Award.

How Color and Texture Can Influence a Home’s Mood

Homes are intimate spaces, and the elements we choose to style them consequently bear the ability to influence the way we feel when we enter a room. Often overlooked, design details such as color and texture can influence our brains’ perception and directly impact mood, emotion, and even energy levels.

When used intentionally, these details can be applied throughout the home to express personal style and speak to our senses on a deeper, psychological level. Here are a couple of ways we can help customers get that “just right” feeling about a newly finished project by tapping into our unique lifestyles.

A Hue For Every Mood

Much like the ebbs and flows of life itself, the resonance we feel with certain colors can change and evolve over time. When some of our favorite spaces start to lose their luster, sometimes all we need to consider is a quick palette cleanse. Deciding which colors best fit our lifestyles and complement our personalities is typically where the magic happens.

Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

Thanks to what we know regarding color theory, the shades and hues we choose to incorporate in homes can prompt a number of different psychological responses. The perception of color is highly personal, so pay close attention to how you respond to certain colorways. While bright hues of red and orange might be invigorating to some, these same shades may introduce feelings of anxiety and overstimulation to others.

This living room features Cultured Stone’s Country Ledgestone. Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

For a space that is calm and serene, look to nature-inspired shades of greens and blues, or perhaps warm, welcoming earth-toned neutrals. In contrast, deep, dark shades of greys, purples, and even black are often associated with a sense of mystique and might speak to the senses on a soulful level.

Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

Pay close attention to the color palettes you naturally gravitate toward and trust your intuition.

Tone-Setting Texture

Textures, much like color, can evoke certain feelings by adding visual depth to a space. This sense of depth, scientifically speaking, adds dimension and expands our mental engagement with the physical spaces we inhabit. It may sound surprising, but enhancing the textural elements in a space often translates in the brain to that comfortable feeling of “home.”

The fireplace shown here features Cultured Stone’s Country Ledgestone. Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

While it will manifest differently from room to room, incorporating textiles, stone, wood grains, metals, decorative accessories, and other interesting materials is what makes the space welcoming and uniquely ours. Sleek, shiny textures and geometric patterns tend to reinforce a more suave, cosmopolitan atmosphere, whereas organic shapes and natural fibered textiles often have the opposite effect, directing our senses back to the warm, cozy familiarity of nature.

This collage includes a fireplace surround made Cultured Stone’s Winterhaven Pro-Fit Alpine Ledgestone and an exterior wall made with Cultured Stone’s Canvas Handmade Brick. Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

Throw pillows, rugs, wall hangings and lampshades can also add texture and dimension. On a larger scale, incorporating a manufactured stone veneer or brick accent wall or woven wallpaper may be the perfect way to add charm and character.

Smart, intentional changes to color and texture may be just the adjustment needed for occupants to feel their best in every space, helping to manifest inherent creativity while creating warmth and familiarity where we live, work, and entertain.


A version of this blog originally appeared on www.culturedstone.com.

CMHA Welcomed 5 New Members in July

CMHA is delighted to welcome the newest members who have joined our association this past July. These organizations bring a wealth of knowledge, innovation, and passion to the concrete masonry and hardscaping industry. We’re eager to see the impact they’ll make and look forward to the fresh perspectives and expertise they will contribute to our community.

Associate Members

Polblat LLC
Polblat LLC specializes in innovative hardscaping and masonry solutions, delivering projects that blend functionality with artistic design. Their attention to detail and dedication to client satisfaction are truly commendable.

Voeller Mixers 
Voeller Mixers is a key player in the manufacturing of high-performance mixing equipment for the concrete and masonry industries. Their innovative products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of the field.

Contractor Affiliates

Custom Coatings & Design Inc.
Custom Coatings & Design Inc. is renowned for its high-quality coating and design services in the construction industry. Their commitment to precision and aesthetics makes them a strong addition to our association.

KMR Masonry & Landscape
KMR Masonry & Landscape offers a wide range of masonry and landscaping services, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create stunning outdoor spaces that stand the test of time.

Souza Pavers, Inc.
Souza Pavers, Inc. is a leader in the installation of high-quality pavers and hardscaping elements. Their expertise in creating durable, beautiful outdoor environments makes them a valuable partner in our industry.


Learn more about the benefits of membership and join now. For more information, contact Clare Ramminger.

CMHA Relaunches HardscapingIs.com

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) proudly announces the relaunch of its HardscapingIs.com website. This initiative fosters workforce development within the hardscape industry. The updated site offers a wide range of resources for individuals looking to enter or advance in the field.

As the construction landscape evolves, the demand for skilled professionals in hardscaping continues to rise. CMHA actively cultivates a well-trained workforce to ensure the industry delivers high-quality craftsmanship, integrates new technologies, and meets changing demands.

HardscapingIs.com now features several new resources, including:

  • Career Path Pages: Detailed descriptions of various career paths in hardscaping, from design and engineering to hands-on installation and marketing.
  • In-Depth Profiles: Personal stories and profiles of individuals thriving in the industry, offering real-world insights and inspiration.
  • Expert Video Interviews: Exclusive interviews with industry leaders discussing their career journeys, challenges, and successes in hardscaping.

Additionally, CMHA plans to expand the site further with more career path pages, profiles, and video interviews, offering even more insights and resources for job seekers and professionals.

“We are thrilled to relaunch HardscapingIs.com as a central hub for workforce development in our industry,” said Robert Thomas, President and CEO of CMHA. “Our goal is to elevate the standard of excellence within hardscaping by providing the tools and resources necessary to cultivate a skilled and innovative workforce. Through this initiative, we not only secure a prosperous future for our industry but also contribute to the economic growth of the communities we serve.”

CMHA Midyear Meeting: Day 3 Recap

Day 3 of CMHA’s Midyear Meeting began with a series of focused and productive sessions. The MSV Marketing Subcommittee, Segmental Pavement Technical Subcommittee, MSV Technical Subcommittee, and Membership & Meetings Committee met throughout the morning, engaging in meaningful dialogue and collaborative discussions on key updates and ongoing projects. These sessions set the stage for continued success in our initiatives.

Following the morning’s discussions, members had the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Ottawa. Whether indulging in local culinary delights or discovering the city’s rich history and culture, attendees experienced the best of what Ottawa has to offer. The day concluded with the eagerly awaited Night Out – Ottawa, where members gathered for an evening filled with entertainment and camaraderie.

Members Explore Ottawa

Sixteen attendees joined the C’est Bon Food Tour, embarking on a delightful culinary journey through Ottawa. The tour kicked off at The Grand, where participants enjoyed Margarita Pizza with their choice of Sangria, wine, or beer. They then savored Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings, poutine, and various drinks at Pure Kitchen. The group continued to Shafalo for a flavorful Tikka Chicken Wrap, followed by a refreshing Bohemian Raspberry Tea at The Tea Store. The sweet finale featured gourmet cupcakes at The Cake Lounge, with Peaches & Cream and Apple Dulce de Leche as the favorites. The tour concluded with a classic Killaloe Sunrise BeaverTail at Byward Market.

The brewery tour was another standout, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd. Participants visited several local breweries, where they learned about the beer-making process, from brewing techniques to ingredient selection. Along the way, they sampled a variety of local brews, discovering new favorites while enjoying the region’s flavors. The tour also offered an ideal setting for informal networking, allowing members to relax and strengthen connections in a laid-back atmosphere.

For those on the walking tour, attendees witnessed the changing of the guard at the War Memorial, visited Parliament Hill and Major’s Hill Park, and toured Notre Dame Basilica. The group then boarded a coach bus for a city tour that included stops at Rideau Hall, the Village of Rockcliffe Park, and the Experimental Farm. The tour also ventured into Gatineau, Quebec, before returning to Ottawa via the Portage Bridge, concluding with a scenic drive along historic Wellington St. This immersive experience left attendees with lasting memories of Ottawa’s rich history and scenic beauty.

The Emerging Professionals Group (EPG) networking event was a resounding success, uniting the next generation of industry leaders for an evening of meaningful connections and enjoyable interactions. This gathering provided emerging professionals with the perfect opportunity to engage, share insights, and forge lasting relationships within the industry. The atmosphere was vibrant, with attendees eagerly discussing their experiences, aspirations, and reconnecting with peers. If you or someone you know is an emerging professional, join us next month in Milwaukee for our EPG’s Fall Workshop!

Night Out – Ottawa

The week’s main event, sponsored by CMHA’s Associate Members, was a highlight of the evening. Attendees mingled and networked while enjoying an array of hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and desserts, all complemented by expertly crafted cocktails. Some of the exhibits at the National Gallery of Canada were open for viewing, offering participants the chance to explore and learn more about the gallery’s unique art collections. The evening’s entertainment kept the energy high, culminating in a breathtaking city-sponsored fireworks display viewed from a perfect vantage point. It was a night of connection, discovery, and celebration that left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.


If you missed out on highlights from the week, check out recaps from Day One, and Day Two at CMHA’s Midyear Meetings!