For more than 50 years, deans and administrators from Canada’s graduate schools have met in the late autumn to share information on the challenges and trends in graduate education. The CAGS annual conference is an opportunity to explore best practices, discuss hot topics, co-ordinate advocacy and connect with colleagues from across the country and the world. CAGS invites leading thinkers and innovators from academia, government, and the private sector to pose questions and offer strategies so that graduate education can fulfill its important role in Canadian society. Representatives from graduate student groups are also invited. The format consists of a plenary, breakout sessions and workshops. Social gatherings and plenty of hallway time offer the opportunity for informal connections. The conference also celebrates excellence. Canada’s Distinguished Dissertation Award, the National Three Minute Thesis Award and the ETS Award for Excellence are an important part of the proceedings.