CHAPTER CLO BREAKFAST CLUB- TOOL KIT
Following is a possible framework for creating a chapter-level CLO Breakfast Club.[*]
Concept: Create network of General Counsel in chapter area, and bring them together for periodic meetings to network and share ideas, experiences and leading practices.
Key Elements
1. Monthly: select consistent meeting day/time each month (ex: 3rd Friday each month, etc.). If chapter prefers, could consider quarterly sessions instead.
2. Format- executive roundtable: executive roundtable discussion; 90- minutes; if breakfast timeframe, session time could be from 7:30-9am; first 30 minutes is networking, coffee and sweets, followed by 45 minutes of discussion and 15-minute wrap-up. Discussion starters sent with meeting reminder or provided on site; badges on site. (WMACCA shares that meetings generally include 10-30 General Counsel.)
3. Each meeting has a GC host/leader: GC host/leaders rotate. Meeting venue is at the host/leader’s offices. Role of host/leader: welcome everyone, invite everyone to quickly go around the table and introduce themselves, introduce the discussion topic—and, following the roundtable discussion, bring the meeting to a close.
4. Meeting Venue: meetings can rotate among GC offices in the chapter area; having meetings at the GC/host office can help keep costs down Using the WMACCA breakfast club as an example, meetings rotate among GC offices in Maryland, DC and Virginia—so that the broader geographic chapter area is represented.
5. General Counsel ‘Champion’: suggest identifying GC in chapter area who is willing to take the lead in helping to launch the breakfast club. Key roles: help to identify host/leader for sessions; help craft 1-page discussion starters—using attached list of topics and discussion starters or selecting from topics of interest to host/leader.
6. Invitation process: Chapter Administrator can play a very important role here; General Counsel lists (member and prospect) can be pulled from member databases (ACC staff can help with initial lists); using outside vendor that chapter uses for other chapter registration events, lists can be uploaded and electronic invitations sent; rsvps go to the event registration system; reminder is sent 1 week in advance.
7. Getting Started- topics and materials: attached are a list of topics plus 1-page discussion starters shared by WMACCA from past WMACCA CLO Breakfast Club sessions. ACC staff (Renee Dankner- ) is happy to help develop additional topics and 1-page discussion starters—plus any additional guidance to get started.
[*] Special thanks to Dean Manson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary for Hughes Communications, Inc., and Ilene Reid, WMACCA Chapter Administrator, for sharing insights and materials from the WMACCA chapter’s experience and past sessions. Both are happy to participate in a call with Chicago Chapter leadership to discuss.