Learner’s Digest: December 2020

Phew! What a year we’ve all traversed! I can’t help but feel we all deserve a huge pat on the back for all the creativity, willpower and dedication we’ve shown as we’ve had to make some quick and daring adjustments to our plans and events because of the pandemic.  I, for one, am amazed by how we’ve come together and found solutions, leaned on one another, and found new ways to connect and learn in a very changed environment.  I heard so much positive feedback from attendees at the virtual Unprecedented conference.  Who knew we could still learn to cook, make fancy drinks and learn together – all in a virtual space?   CSAE has continued working hard to develop outstanding and interactive learning opportunities for our association community.  The upcoming Symposium for Chief Staff and Elected Officers (Feb), Tete a Tete (Feb) and a Governance Forum (April) are just a few signature events to help you succeed in 2021.  And, while you’re looking at your calendars, save October 21-23, 2021 for CSAE’s 2021 annual conference.  We’re already deep in planning to bring you a unique conference experience. The vision?  A robust hybrid program with a virtual portion and -safety permitting – an in-person segment in the thrilling city of Montreal. Ça sera formidable! Registration will be opening soon so watch your inbox.   Enjoy the holiday season safely –I’ll see you all soon!   Danielle Lamothe Vice President, Learning and Innovation Networking in the Virtual Space – A CSAE Member-Exclusive December 15, 3:00-4:00 ESTMembers are invited – at no charge – to join this open discussion about solutions and successes in connecting members effectively in the virtual space. Find out about some lessons learned during CSAE’s 2020 virtual conference. This is a timely opportunity to hear about everything from engaging platforms to virtual facilitation tips – as we move forward into 2021. Note: there is no cost to attend. Open only to CSAE members. Register here>> Certified Association Executive® (CAE) designation – Join the 2021 Winter Term! This year may almost be over, but learning and development are continuous! Enhance your association leadership skills and advance your career in 2021 with the Certified Association Executive® (CAE®) Program. The winter intake is now open for registration.Get to Know The Instructors Beverlie Cook, MBA, CAE CAE Instructor for 20+ years! Her favourite part of teaching the program: “Because the CAE Program encourages students to apply the lessons to their real world, it is so satisfying to see students resolve thorny issues facing their organizations thanks to the lesson materials and conversations with their fellow participants.    Students gain so much confidence in their ability to manage and lead their organizations knowing that they have learned so many skills and techniques to guide their decision making.”   What she’d like association leaders to know: “Participating in the CAE Program opens up so many avenues to improve your skill set.  The best practices and other learning materials give you the most current thinking and tools.  The interaction with your fellow participants and instructors gives you an excellent opportunity to gain insights from the experiences of your peers.  We are never too old to learn something new – I learn from the students every course I teach.”Contact eve@csae.com or visit our website to learn more about the CAE Winter Term. CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau Virtual Tête-à-Tête Now that it is virtual this year, everyone across the country can participate in CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau’s Tête-à-Tête! This is one of Canada’s largest industry events dedicated to association and not-for-profit leaders, meeting and event planners, and government procurers. Don’t miss a day of education, peer-to-peer learning and interactive, association-focused experiences!  Association professionals and event planners attend at no cost. Save the date – February 10, 2021! Exhibitor & Sponsorship Opportunities CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau has made the difficult decision not to offer a virtual trade show this year. Instead, all exhibitors will have a unique roundtable opportunity. Looking for something extra? Contact  edward@csae.com to discuss sponsorship opportunities. CSAE Symposium for Chief Staff and Chief Elected Officers – Save until Jan 8! February 22-23, 2021 If you are a CEO or board chair, you know that the relationship between these two roles is critical to a successful year. That’s why this two-day Symposium is unlike any other. It is designed as a practical, hands-on workshop where you’ll establish your relationship, your joint priorities and a strong and strategic foundation for your association. Take part in this signature workshop together and build the path to an unparalleled year.  Offered virtually; created specifically for the association’s chief staff leader and their board chair to attend together. Facilitated by Glenn Tecker and Donna French Dunn, CAE.  Early bird pricing deadline is January 8 – register here!Governance Forum with Dr. David Weiss – Save the date! April 8, 2021 Dr. David Weiss returns Spring 2021! Join us for a specially-designed, interactive online workshop for executives, senior management and association board members. Explore  the board’s accountability in developing strategy, how to engage your board in the strategic planning process, how to build organizational resiliency through collaboration, and much more. More details to come! Upcoming Events Partner Offering: Virtual Board Meeting Management Solution Spotlight: In Conversation With Deborah Gibson, Ontario Chiropractic Association December 8, 2020 – 2:00 PM EST Join Deborah Gibson, from the Ontario Chiropractic Association and OnBoard’s Joey Roy, in this hands-on session exploring a modern governance platform that’s helped associations around the world navigate this turbulent era. See first-hand how OnBoard can help your leaders, directors, and committees improve meeting preparation, reimagine engagement, and bolster governance. Learn more & register here. Brought to you by CSAE Partner: CSAE Alberta’s Holiday Celebration December 9, 2020 – 4:30-6:00 PM MST Alberta members and their peers are invited to join the CSAE Alberta Network Council to celebrate the end of quite an eventful year! Free for members, this holiday celebration is set to be full of surprises and hopefully provides some well-deserved fun. Learn more and register here! Talk Tuesday (CSAE Member-Exclusive) December 15, 2020 – 2:00 PM EST Join CSAE’s Tracy Folkes Hanson, president and CEO for the final Talk Tuesday of 2020. Join your association colleagues from across the country for some holiday cheer! Access meeting details here

Essential ReadingDuties and Responsibilities of Directors of Not-for-Profit Organizations – Now in Digital Format!   CSAE’s most popular publication is now available in a digital format!  This book provides a road map of the important duties and liabilities of the directors of not-for-profit corporations. It offers general practice points to help directors meet their obligations, reduce liability risk, and govern more effectively in an increasingly complex environment. Visit the CSAE Bookstore for more information and to purchase