2026 CFA Annual

August 13, 2026

Hosted By the North Atlantic Region 

Tracy Roberts

Wow … we have recently wrapped up another incredible North Atlantic Region Annual, and what an amazing weekend it was!

From the moment everyone began arriving, the excitement could be felt. Whether you came ready to jump right into the fun, took on the “side quest” of finally being so close to Niagara Falls that you briefly considered going over the falls in a bucket, or arrived early to answer the last-minute call to help stuff delegate bags – you all helped make this weekend a success.

And can we just talk about those delegate bags? WOW! They were incredible, and I certainly hope you carried a vote this year, because they were packed!

The hotel staff was wonderful throughout the weekend. The beautiful décor made everyone feel welcome, and whether you chose to dine in one of the hotel’s outstanding restaurants or ventured to the many nearby options, there was certainly no shortage of great food and hospitality. (editor’s note: read more about this hotel’s fascinating history and renovation here)

Friday morning brought the delegation together, and with it came one of the most anticipated moments of the year – the election results. You could feel the anticipation throughout the room as everyone waited for the announcements, which came after the lunch break. The Credentials Committee even entered wearing dark sunglasses, setting a humorous tone to what is always an exciting few minutes.

One thing that made this year’s meeting especially memorable was that there were no resolutions from the floor – something that may very well be a first for CFA.

Friday evening’s “The Great Catsby” hospitality was simply a blast! Super music, an incredible costume contest with pearls and spats in abundance, and an “art deco” photo booth that seemed to stay busy all night long. I heard it became downright hysterical at times as friends piled in together to capture memories that will surely bring smiles for years to come. All certainly a great nod to the “Roaring Twenties!”

As always, the banquet was the highlight of the weekend. It was a beautiful evening filled with laughter, friendship, celebration, and remembrance. There were moments when there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as we honored dear friends who have passed, followed by heartfelt celebrations recognizing the accomplishments of so many dedicated members.

The decorations were absolutely breathtaking. How about that incredible ice sculpture outside the entrance to cocktail hour? And who could ever forget the magnificent North Atlantic Region lighthouse cat centerpieces, complete with their shining beacons at the top? Combined with the beautiful flowers and feathers, it truly celebrated the many wonderful years of Region 1 and all who have helped make it what it is today.

A special thank you goes to Triple Crown Cat Fanciers for donating this year’s banquet table favors bags. They were both beautiful and practical! While our dinner tables may not have overflowed with quite as many cat toys as in years past, having such a wonderful keepsake bag to bring everything home in was a fantastic addition. I know I loved mine, and I hope this tradition continues for many years to come.

As I close this chapter on another wonderful annual, I’d like to leave you with something a dear friend shared with me years ago:

“We compete with our cats. Sometimes I will win, and sometimes you will win. But in the end, I am forever your friend.”

Those words remind us what makes CFA so special. The ribbons are wonderful, the competition is exciting, but the friendships we build along the way are what truly last a lifetime.

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to make this annual meeting and celebration such a memorable event. Your countless hours of planning, volunteering, and dedication did not go unnoticed.

Until next weekend …