CESBA Conference
2024
December 4-5
Toronto
CESBA (full name: The Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators) is a provincial non-profit professional association that represents, advocates for and supports adult and continuing education (A&CE) program staff working in over 60 school boards across Ontario. Incorporated in 1999 and provincially funded, CESBA works to ensure that adult and continuing education programs offered by school boards are accessible, affordable, and successful in helping learners achieve their education, training and employment goals.
Keynote speaker
David Chalk
Canadian technology entrepreneur, Dr. David Chalk, will deliver a message of hope to adult educators and learners, demonstrating that with the right opportunities, tools and support, overcoming literacy barriers is achievable. Diagnosed with Dyslexia in his 40s, his journey from struggling student to tech titan is nothing short of inspiring.
David will demonstrate that with AI, adults can unlock their full potential and achieve success, while overcoming the shame associated with literacy challenges by providing real-time and adaptive supported tailored to individual needs.
Submit a Workshop Idea Today
We want to hear from you! Share your workshop idea to present to adult and continuing educators by July 28 (New extension!). CESBA presenters come from a wide range of backgrounds, including school boards, government, community-based education, community services for adult learners, and organizations that work with adults who are Indigenous, newcomers or Francophones.
As a presenter or co-presenter, you receive:
- The opportunity to share your experience or expertise with adult and continuing educators from across Ontario.
- Free one-day conference registration (up to two presenters per workshop).
- Certificate for professional development upon request.
- AV support for your presentation + CESBA volunteer in your session.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are now available. Explore how your organization can connect with hundreds of educators and key decision makers at Ontario’s premier adult and continuing education conference!
Sponsor
EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL SPONSOR
More to come!
About
Our 25th anniversary conference theme is Forward Together: Championing Adult Education for the Future!
The CESBA Conference 2024 offers two incredible days of learning, knowledge-sharing, networking, and fun! It is a unique opportunity to learn best and promising practices to support your work in adult and continuing education in Ontario.
Our conference begins on Wednesday, December 4 with Sector Day organized by leaders in their fields. Dedicated workshops, presentations and discussions will be held for the following eight sectors:
- Indigenous Learners *NEW*
- Summer School
- Francophone
- Credit/Guidance/Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
- Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS)
- Personal Support Worker (PSW) programs
- English as a Second Language (ESL)/French as a Second Language (FSL)/Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
- International & Indigenous Languages Elementary (IILE)
On Wednesday evening, we will be toasting our 25th anniversary with a celebratory gathering with all our conference guests!
Our second conference day on Thursday, December 5 is our Workshop Day. After starting the day with an inspiring address by keynote speaker, David Chalk, you will have an opportunity to select from more than 18 dynamic workshops that explore four sub-themes in adult and continuing education:
- Navigating the Future of Education and Technology in A&CE
- A&CE and Employment Connections
- Diverse Perspectives and Pathways
- A&CE Fundamentals
Registration FAQ
CESBA members receive a special conference rate for a single day or the full conference. If you would like to inquire about your board becoming a member of CESBA, please contact our Executive Director, Paul Cox at pcox@cesba.com. Hotel accommodations and travel codes are also available at a significant discounted rate, please visit the Accommodations section for details.
This year, we are offering an early bird rate for those who book before September 30. See rate details.
The registration fee allows access to all events and functions during the event and includes: conference materials, receptions and meals as specified in the program.
All travel costs including air and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the attendee. We have an amazing hotel rate of $169/night at our conference venue, the Chelsea Hotel. Room availability is limited. Travel and accommodations details.
We will send an email to all registrants closer to the conference. You will need to return to the registration form to make your selection, but clear instructions will be made available. We recommend buying your ticket early to reserve your spot.
Registration payment is by credit card.
After completing the registration form and processing your payment, you will be routed to a confirmation page. In addition, you will receive a confirmation email with your registration information.
Yes, you can register a group of participants. Continue your registration form until the payment portal where you will see the option to add another registrant. You need to submit contact details for all attendees. When the workshops selections are available, the person who registered the group will need to return to the registration form to make the workshop selections.
Registration online will close by November 19. Due to the popularity of the event, we recommend that participants register early as the event is expected to sell out.
Unfortunately, due to capacity limits, we cannot accommodate in-person registrations. We encourage you to register early.
All registration fees are non-refundable. No credit will be issued for unused registrations. A registration may be transferred to another attendee. Requests for transfers of registration fees must be made in writing. Transfer requests can be registration@cesba.com and must be completed by November 15.
Please contact the CESBA Conference planning team at registration@cesba.com for assistance.
Full Conference Rates
Early Bird Rate –
Before September 30
| Full conference – Member* $775 |
| Full conference – Non-member $975 |
Regular Rate –
After October 1
| Full conference – Member* $825 |
| Full conference – Non-member $1,025 |
Daily Rates
For either Sector Day or Keynote/Workshop Day only.
| Member* | $495 |
| Non-member | $695 |
*Member Eligibility
If you are an employee of one of our 60+ member school boards, you qualify for a member rate! If you work for an Indigenous educational authority or institute, CAVLFO or Corrections Canada, please also select the member rate option. If you are unsure, please email registration@cesba.com
Literacy and Basic Skills Sector
LBS Sector Day is fully subsidized for LBS staff. If you would like to attend the full conference, select that option and continue to answer the prompts. You will only be charged at the member rate for the Keynote/Workshop Day.
Travel & Accommodation
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
33 Gerrard St. W, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4
Chelsea Hotel Toronto is conveniently located in the downtown area and is easily accessible by car or transit. CESBA has negotiated a preferred rate at The Chelsea Hotel Toronto with single rooms starting at an incredible $169 per night, plus taxes and fees. The deadline for bookings is November 15, 2024, but room availability is limited so book earlier to avoid disappointment.
Reservations can also be made by phone at 1-800-CHELSEA (243-5732) or 416-595-1975. You must provide the booking code “CESBA Fall Conference 2024” to take advantage of the discounted group rate.
Parking
Paid, underground self-parking is available at the hotel and can be accessed via the garage entrances on Gerrard Street. Use the hotel address of 33 Gerrard Street West in your GPS as the location. Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that the underground parking garage has a max. height restriction of 5’6” in certain areas and cannot accommodate oversized passenger vehicles.
- Hourly Parking rate is $3/hour + HST
- Event Only Parking (6:00 am to 6:00 pm) rate is $15 + HST
- Discounted overnight Parking rate is $30/day + HST (added value of unlimited in and out privileges)
- Oversize Vehicle Parking is $49 (limited spots and subject to availability – please see Front Desk)
Travel Directions
For directions to the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, click here.
Travel Discounts
Air Canada (Discount Code: R8BKZP71)
- Visit aircanada.com to claim the discount code.
- The travel period begins Wednesday, November 27, 2024 and ends Thursday, December 12, 2024.
- Travel is valid Monday to Sunday.
- For North America – 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares and higher.
Westjet (Coupon Code Guest Web/TravelAgent Web 3W1M4PA or for Travel Agent GDS Only YBM24)
- 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Transborder into and out of Toronto.
- Visit http://www.westjet.com/conventions to claim the discount code.
Porter Airlines (Discount Code CESBA23)
- 10% discount
- Visit https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/?promocode=CESBA23 to book online or through your agent with the discount code
- The travel period from all markets to Toronto (YTO) begins December 1, 2024 and ends December 4, 2024.
- The travel period from Toronto (YTO) to all markets begins December 5, 2024 and ends December 8, 2024.
- Exception: Discount is available for base fares with the exception of the lowest class fare during a public seat sale. The discounted fares are available for booking from June 28, 2024 to December 4, 2024.
VIA Rail (Discount Code: 15605)
- Visit viarail.ca to claim the discount code
- 10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper class. The discount is subject to the conditions and restrictions of the fare plan to which the additional discount is being applied.
- Valid: November 29 to December 10, 2024
- Exception: Discount does not apply to Escape fares and Prestige Class.
- Territory: From all stations throughout the VIA system to Toronto, Ontario and return.
- Restrictions: Fare applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking. One complimentary stopover is allowed at no additional charge. For travel on all fare plans in Business Class, the first stopover is allowed at no additional charge, provided that this stopover takes place in Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa only.
Explore Toronto
For the trailblazers who leave no destination unexplored, meeting in Toronto puts you at the economic, innovative and cultural heart of Canada. An exciting city that’s ever-evolving, our multicultural roots are expressed through thriving local artists and innovators. Explore vibrant neighbourhoods, each one representing different facets of Indigenous, European, African, Caribbean and other cultural influences that add to our city’s eclectic identity. Follow your curiosity through towering skyscrapers, down artistic alleyways, and into one of the world’s biggest film festivals. Navigate sprawling seasonal markets, barhop live-music venues and land at a championship sporting event. Even if you’ve been here before, there are always new adventures to be had.
Sign up with Pass TO Savings for free and enjoy up to 20% off of some of Toronto’s best attractions and experiences!
Contact Us
If you have questions about attending, sponsoring or presenting at CESBA 2024 Forward Together: Championing Adult Education for the Future, email us at registration@cesba.com
Keynote speaker
David Chalk
Canadian technology entrepreneur, Dr. David Chalk, will deliver a message of hope to adult educators and learners, demonstrating that with the right opportunities, tools and support, overcoming literacy barriers is achievable. Diagnosed with Dyslexia in his 40s, his journey from struggling student to tech titan is nothing short of inspiring.
David will demonstrate that with AI, adults can unlock their full potential and achieve success, while overcoming the shame associated with literacy challenges by providing real-time and adaptive supported tailored to individual needs.
A cognitive challenge (gift) in David’s brain resulting in acute learning disabilities, crippled him in his early years and challenged much on his path to success. He shared that through the coping skills he amassed for resilience and survival, he effectively rewired the plasticity of his brain, which took him to a new realm of thinking that is completely innovative.
David has won many awards for sales, branding and business management, including: “One of the Top 100 Employers to work for”; "Most Outstanding Marketer" by the Retail Council of Canada; the AMA (American Marketing Association) award for web design in education; and a finalist for the Governor General’s Award. He has been interviewed in more than 150 articles. He is the bestselling author of Think Big, written with Brian Tracy.