Our company…
Core Values
Essentient’s core values guide how we work, collaborate and measure our success. They inspire us to aim higher, strengthen our commitment to excellence and remind us that professionalism and a sense of humour can go hand in hand.
Innovative Ideas
We challenge conventional thinking and embrace fresh perspectives. By combining talented people, effective processes and smart technology, we continually discover better ways to deliver value and help our association clients succeed.
Client Focussed
We believe successful association management begins with strong partnerships. Built on mutual trust, responsiveness and respect, our relationships foster collaboration, shared accountability and a genuine commitment to achieving results.
Success Factors
Essentient may be a boutique firm, but our impact extends well beyond our size. Recognized for our leadership, expertise and commitment to excellence, we have earned the respect of Canada’s association management community.
Our services…
We focus on four key areas:
Association Leadership & Management
Our experienced association professionals provide the leadership, expertise and operational support that help boards work more effectively, strengthen member engagement and move organizations forward.
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- Executive Director Services – We provide dedicated executive leadership tailored to your association’s needs, including board support, governance development, director orientation and strategic guidance to help your organization thrive.
- Strategic Planning – Your Board establishes the vision; we help bring it to life. We translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, ensuring your strategy remains relevant, measurable and central to decision-making.
- Membership – We manage membership recruitment, renewals and retention, creating positive member experiences that strengthen engagement, loyalty and long-term value.
- Sponsorship – We develop and manage sponsorship opportunities, cultivate partner relationships and deliver meaningful recognition and exposure that create lasting value for sponsors and associations alike.
Event Management
From intimate educational sessions to large-scale conferences and trade shows, our proven systems, experienced professionals and attention to detail deliver exceptional in-person, virtual and hybrid event experiences.
- Education – We design and deliver engaging seminars, workshops, panels and conferences that inspire learning, encourage connections and support professional development.
- Galas and Trade Shows – From concept to execution, we manage every detail of your events, aligning memorable experiences with your association’s objectives.
- Golf Tournaments & Sporting Events – We bring people together through professionally managed sporting events that combine networking, relationship-building and memorable experiences.
- Leveraging Technology – We use intuitive registration systems, digital tools and virtual event platforms to streamline planning, enhance participation and deliver seamless experiences.
Financial Management
Sound financial management is essential to a successful association. We work closely with Boards and Finance Committees to provide responsible oversight, transparent reporting and effective stewardship of your organization’s resources.
- Budgeting – We develop realistic, comprehensive budgets that align financial resources with organizational priorities and support long-term sustainability.
- Accountability – We maintain sound financial controls, accurate records and established accounting practices while supporting compliance with applicable legislation and reporting requirements.
- Reporting – We provide timely, comprehensive financial reports that give Boards the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions.
Marketing & Communications
Effective communications strengthen your association’s voice, engage members and build its reputation. Our experienced team combines strategic thinking, creative expertise and digital solutions to connect your organization with the audiences that matter.
- Website Services – From website development and design to ongoing content management, we create and maintain an engaging digital presence that supports your association’s goals.
- Digital Presence – We develop and manage social media strategies that increase visibility, drive website traffic and strengthen connections with current and prospective members.
- Creative Writing and Design – We bring your message to life through compelling content, thoughtful design and creative communications that capture attention and inspire engagement.
- Advocacy – We support your association’s advocacy priorities through strategic communications, stakeholder outreach, grassroots campaigns and coordinated initiatives that help amplify your voice.
Our team
Essentient is a Family Enterprise! At Essentient, family is more than a connection — it’s part of our culture. We believe the values that define a successful family business — trust, loyalty, integrity and genuine care — are the foundation of lasting client relationships.
While staff turnover can be a challenge in the association management industry, Essentient takes pride in the stability and dedication of our team. Our commitment to continuity means our clients benefit from consistent leadership, institutional knowledge and relationships built over time.
Our team includes family members and colleagues who have become like family, united by a shared commitment to excellence. We actively invest in their professional growth through engagement with leading industry organizations, including the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the Association Management Company Institute (AMCI) and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
Constance Wrigley, CAE
Owner/CEO
Jennifer Murray, CEM
Executive Director
Brynne Wrigley
Director of Events
Heidi Loney
Executive Director
Kristina Fixter
Executive Director
AMC first…
Association management isn’t just one of the services we offer — it’s the foundation of everything we do. Unlike firms that began primarily as administrative service providers or event management companies, Essentient was built as a full-service Association Management Company (AMC). From governance and financial management to marketing, communications, events, membership development and technology, our experienced team provides the strategic leadership and comprehensive operational support your association needs to thrive.
Essentient has memberships with the following organizations:
News
Essentient Appointed New AMC for Canadian Automatic Merchandising Association (CAMA)
Burlington, ON Essentient Association Management is pleased to announce that it has recently been appointed as the new association management company for the Canadian Automatic Merchandising Association (CAMA) effective October 13, 2026. CAMA President, Jim Jackson,...
Association Professional Kristina Fixter Joins Essentient Team
Burlington, ON - Essentient Association Management is delighted to welcome Kristina Fixter to the Essentient Association Management & Events team as Executive Director. Kristina brings more than 20 years of experience in association and non-profit leadership,...
Essentient Appointed New AMC for Canadian Association of Exposition Management
Burlington, ON Essentient Association Management is pleased to announce that it has recently been appointed as the new association management company for the Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM) effective January 1, 2024. CAEM President, Jill Kivett,...
Essentient Association Management CEO Recognized by International Association
NEWS RELEASE For Immediate ReleaseMay 4, 2023 Burlington, ON - The AMC Institute announced on May 4, 2023 that Constance Wrigley-Thomas, CAE will be recognized by the Institute with their Excellence in Leadership Award during their Awards of Excellence Gala in...
When the Going Gets Disruptive, AMCs Get Innovative
By Constance Wrigley-Thomas, CAE – Owner/CEO, Essentient Association Management This article originally appeared in the AMC Institute's October 17, 2019 Member Matters newsletter. You've probably heard the expression "innovate or die" somewhere along the way. Maybe it...
Essentient is Hiring
Essentient Association Management is currently seeking a part time (30 hours per week) Associate Executive Director to manage one of its association clients. This is a contract position. HERE IS A LINK TO THE JOB DESCRIPTION This role has the potential to become...
AMC First
To those who know us, Essentient Association Management has focused its business on providing full service support to its association clients for nearly two decades. While some of our competitors can be better described as event or secretariat companies first and AMCs...
AMC versus AAC – Not created equal
When seeking an Association Management Company (AMC) volunteer-run organizations need to be able to distinguish between an association management company and an association administration company. There is a big difference. According to the American Society of...
AMC Managed Associations – What you should know
According to the AMC Institute, there are four basic options available for the management of non-profit organizations. They include: Member Volunteers Employed Staff AMC-Supported AMC-Managed Essentient Association Management, a full service AMC would be classified as...
“Essentient” – Is that a word?
When Essentient Association Management was founded over sixteen years ago the owner wanted to give it a name that would be unique but meaningful. Essentient is an amalgam of two words - essential and sentient. Es·sen·tial (əˈsen(t)SHəl/) is an adjective that means...
Get in touch…
Essentient Association Management & Events
We are located in the Greater Toronto Area
Toll Free:
1-877-331-9668