Paid Events

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 
Time: 6:00pm – 7:45 PM
Location:1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B1

Connect with your fellow evaluators and dig deeper into the nuanced shapes of misinformation!

Join CESBC Lower Mainland for an in-person companion discussion to the virtual viewing session. Reflect on André Picard's keynote, "Denial of Evidence in the Information Age" (originally delivered at the 2026 Canadian Evaluation Society conference), share your personal insights and experiences, and bring the conversation into the room!

“In an era defined by unprecedented access to information, the denial and distortion of evidence has become a growing threat to public discourse, scientific progress, and social cohesion. Despite robust data and rigorous evaluation methods, well-established facts are increasingly challenged—often shaped by political influence, funding pressures, and attempts to control narratives. How do we navigate this brave new world? Where is the light at the end of the tunnel?”

This evening will be filled with semi-guided discussion activities, open floor conversations, and opportunities to connect with other evaluators, students, and emerging professionals over light refreshments.

Open to all! Students, professionals, and anyone curious about misinformation. Even if you have not viewed the virtual screening, you are more than welcome to join us: we will ground the evening with key ideas and short transcript excerpts as a great introduction.

This event is free for CES members and $5 for non-members to offset the costs. Please register in advance and flag any accessibility or dietary needs.

Curious or have questions? Please reach out to:

Ann Yang, Lower Mainland Coordinator, cesbc.lowermain@gmail.com

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026 
Time: 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Location: Zoom (link will be given upon registration)

Free for CESBC members  |  $5+GST for CES members outside of BC  |  $15+GST for non-members

CESBC's Professional Development Team is hosting a learning exchange panel discussion this month on the development and implementation of ethical, equitable AI policy. We've brought together four panelists working on this both within individual organizations and at a systems level, to share what they've learned. The session will include short lightning talks from each panelist, a moderated group discussion, and time for audience Q&A.

Speakers

• Kevin Hong — MERL Tech Initiative collaborator, Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University, teaching and advising on evaluation and AI policy in the social sector

• Meena Das — CEO, Namaste Data; Founder of the AI Equity Project; leads work on data and AI equity for nonprofits and social impact organizations.

• Jess McKeown — Director of Evaluation, Canadian Centre for Safer Communities; led development of CCFSC's AI policy. (Also CESBC's Professional Development Co-lead, helping organize the session)

• Jennica Nichols — Co-founder, AND Implementation; a long-time CESBC supporter with over 17 years of evaluation experience, developed the firm's AI policy.

Have questions? Please reach out to: The Professional Development team CESBC.PD@gmail.com

Watch the 2025 CES National Conference session: “What competencies do evaluators need in the age of artificial intelligence?” Join us to celebrate the one-year anniversary of The Evaluation Couch podcast, hosted by CESBC member Maria Montenegro.

Free - CES members

$5 - CES non-members