Kendall Square Association enables the future by connecting the people changing the world. In the fall of 2008, a group of Cambridge leaders realized that Kendall had rapidly evolved into something extraordinary and that it was important to think about its future in a more deliberate way. Located next to MIT and surrounded by life sciences and information technology companies, as well as many research institutions, Kendall was already an epicenter for innovation. What was also needed was a greater ability for people to connect and exchange ideas and the creation of equally vibrant and compelling activity at the street level in Kendall. The KSA was launched at a meeting for leaders in the Kendall community to discuss this innovation ecosystem’s unique characteristics. More than 100 people offered ideas about how to improve, promote, and protect Kendall Square. That input resulted in the establishment of the KSA, which had its first Annual Meeting in March 2009. The mission has always been to build partnerships, host events, advocate for public policy issues, and tell Kendall’s story of transformation from an industrial center to a global innovation hub.