I joined the CSM in 1992 as a graduate student, and I began my term as your CSM President with the official passing of the hat ceremony at CSM Annual Conference Université de Sherbrooke (June 10-13, 2019). It was a privilege to receive my hat from Marie Elliot (McMaster University) who served as President in 2018/19 and is continuing to provide her expertise and advice to the executive committee as Past President for this year.

My sincere thanks on behalf of CSM members to the co-chairs of the local organizing committee of the 2019 annual conference (Pascale Beauregard, Louis-Charles Fortier, and Vincent Burrus), and their army of volunteers for an exciting and engaging conference that highlighted some of the best of microbiology research in Canada and around the world Attendance at the conference was spectacular with over 500 registrants! While it may have pushed the limits of the venue, this attendance provided an amazing opportunity for learning and networking. Some of my most memorable experiences at CSM 2019 were interacting with students who were attending their very first scientific conference, or delegates who were attending their first CSM conference.

CSM provided travel awards to dozens of trainees to assist them in attending the annual conference. Our membership has always emphasized the importance of supporting travel for our trainee members, and providing opportunities to promote their work. Enhancing these investments remains a priority. The graduate student and postdoc symposia continue to be highlights of the annual conference, raising the profile of early career microbiologists. Watch for more new trainee funding opportunities in the coming year.

Next year's conference will be at the University of Guelph (June 22-25, 2020), so be sure to mark your calendars! The local organizing committee led by co-chairs Kari Dunfield and Cezar Khursigara, is already hard at work. Information on the conference is available on the CSM Upcoming Conference web page, and you can follow the conference on Twitter @CSM2020_Guelph for the latest news.

As of September, CSM member numbers reflect a vibrant and growing Society (730 total members including 320 Regular members, 315 Students, 71 Postdoctoral Fellows, 20 Emeriti and 4 Honorary members). What is particularly noteworthy to me about these numbers is that in 2019 we have had both the highest number of renewing regular members and new student members in our long history. There has been great uptake on the 2-year membership renewal option and we encourage you to consider it when you renew your membership this year. Student and postdoctoral members are especially important to the future of CSM, so if you are a principal investigator, we hope you will encourage and support your trainees in joining the Society.

As a CSM member, you have access to a variety of benefits including highlighting your research on the "Meet the Microbiologist" page, posting job advertisements, reduced registration fees at our Annual CSM Conference, accessing our numerous member-only awards and student funding opportunities, and ability to apply for support for member-organized events. CSM can use its social media channels to help amplify stories about microbiology in Canada and celebrate your successes, so please stay in touch through Facebook and Twitter.

The upcoming 2020 conference will be the 70th Annual Conference of the CSM. The success of the CSM over seven decades has been due to active engagement by members from across the country. To continue growing and improving what we do to support microbiology in Canada and internationally, we have a range of opportunities open to anyone interested in getting involved in the society. A call for nominations and volunteers to fill positions on the executive and various committees of council will be distributed in early December, so please consider getting involved in your CSM!

Thanks for your continuing support and engagement in the CSM. I look forward to seeing you all at CSM2020 in Guelph. In the meantime, you can always contact us by e-mail: info@csm-scm.org.