In the spirit of the conference theme of learning from our peers, the CESBC is pleased to be offering the Buddy Program. This is an initiative developed to help first time conference attendees, particularly students and new/emerging evaluators (referred to as “new attendees”), enhance their conference experience by being paired with a seasoned evaluator (referred to as a “buddy”). New attendees and buddies will be matched on the basis of common interests and experience. The CESBC Buddy Program is intended to achieve the following:

• New attendees, especially those who are conference “first-timers,” will feel comfortable and well oriented;
• New attendees will gain a better understanding of evaluation practice by exchanging with a seasoned evaluator;
• Buddies will learn about current evaluation education programs by exchanging with a new attendee;
• Increased networking facilitation will occur among all Buddy Program participants at the conference.

The buddy relationship will consist of three phases:

1.   Before the conference: Based on background and professional interests, the Buddy Program coordinator will match evaluation students, new/emerging evaluators with experienced practicing evaluators. By November 23rd, 2018, Buddy Program participants will be introduced to their “buddy” by email, so that they can correspond before the conference starts.

2.   During the conference: The morning of the conference, participants are invited to a breakfast where they can meet with their own buddy and others participating in the program.  The new attendee and evaluator buddy are encouraged to set aside time to meet during the day (e.g. during networking breaks and lunch). The buddy will also assist the new attendee with any questions about the conference sessions and logistics.

3.   After the conference: The goal is for evaluators enrolled in the Buddy Program to fully benefit from the conference by establishing an enjoyable and productive professional connection with evaluators. Participants will have the opportunity to sign up with Evaluation Mentoring Canada to formalize the relationship into a mentorship, if both parties are interested.

Disclaimer:

• The CESBC is only responsible for pairing individuals with similar professional interests. The Buddy Program is an informal opportunity to enhance your experience at the 2018 CESBC Conference, and it should be an enjoyable experience for both the new attendee and the experienced evaluator. Therefore, Buddy Program participants should not expect career guidance or introductions to specific speakers or attendees during the course of the conference.
• In addition, the CESBC is not responsible for any issues arising between paired individuals.

We look forward to seeing you at the Conference on November 30^th, 2018!