FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FORUM
What is the Leading Together Forum?
The Leading Together: Mayor-CAO Leadership Forum is a specialized two-day, retreat-style summit designed exclusively for Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) pairs. It offers a practical, candid, and supportive environment where municipal leadership teams can strengthen their working relationship, clarify roles, improve communication, and build stronger collaboration models. Delivered by Strategic Steps, it focuses on real-world municipal challenges rather than traditional conference presentations.
Why should we attend as a pair?
Strong municipalities are built on strong Mayor-CAO partnerships. This Forum creates a rare, safe space for honest conversations that are often difficult to have at home. Pairs leave with shared expectations, better communication patterns, concrete action plans, and tools to navigate challenges together more effectively.
What will we take away from the Forum?
Participants will gain:
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Clearer understanding of roles and boundaries
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Stronger communication patterns and shared expectations
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Tools and frameworks for ongoing collaboration
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A personalized action plan for their municipality
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Connections to a network of like-minded leadership pairs across Western Canada
Who should attend?
The Forum is specifically for Mayor-CAO pairs from municipalities across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). Attendance is as a complete pair — every element of the program, including paired exercises and planning sessions, is built around this leadership partnership.
What makes this event different from other municipal conferences?
Unlike traditional conferences, Leading Together is small, curated, and deeply interactive. It is not lecture-based — it is a workshop-driven retreat focused on applied learning and pair-specific outcomes. The emphasis is on practical results, relationship building, and creating a cross-municipal network of strong leadership pairs.
Is there a dress code?
Business casual attire is recommended for the event.
*Please note that Saturday’s outdoor “Amazing Race” activity will require comfortable outdoor clothing and appropriate footwear.
When and where is the inaugural 2026 event?
The first Leading Together Forum will be held September 18–20, 2026, at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Alberta. The retreat-style venue provides a focused, distraction-free setting ideal for open dialogue.
How do we register?
To reserve your spot, please email INFO@STRATEGICSTEPS.CA with the subject line “Leading Together.” Early expression of interest is encouraged as space is limited. Full registration details and pricing will be released soon.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VENUE
Where do I park?
Public parking is available for guests at the Lodge and day visitors located a few hundred yards from the Main Lobby. Please note that if you are parking in either the outdoor public lot or underground parkade you will need to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.
What are the hotel rates?
Information coming soon...
What is included in the resort fee?
Not only is this venue an exception place for stepping away to build stronger relationships, it's a place with added value. When you are not busy with our team building stronger relationships, your hotel booking's resort fee includes an abundance of activities. Learn more here.
Where do I get a Conservation Pass?
Vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley need a Conservation Pass. You can learn more or purchase your pass here.