EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The role of an Executive Assistant in local government – whether supporting the CAO, Deputy CAO, Mayor and Council, or Directors and Managers – is multifaceted and demanding. It requires a blend of skills, from political acumen to advanced leadership capabilities.
From toolkits to professional development, CAMA is pleased to support Executive Assistants working in local government. See the links below.
- Effective Executive Assistant Toolkit
- Executive Assistants National Conference
- EA Master Class Series 2
Toolkit for the Effective Executive Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer
Having appreciation for the role of the Executive Assistant in local government, the CAMA Board developed a “Toolkit for the Effective Executive Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer”.
The primary audience of this Toolkit is the Executive Assistant to the CAO in local government (and all administrative staff), which includes existing Executive Assistants with experience in the role, as well as new Executive Assistants with minimal local government experience.
While this Toolkit is meant to be a resource to Executive Assistants in local government, it is also focused on how a CAO or senior manager can effectively use their Executive Assistant to improve their own productivity and build a successful partnership. The more effective the Executive Assistant, the more effective the CAO…and the more effective the organization, Council, and the community.
Visit this link to to learn more and see some best practices for the Executive Assistant and CAO.
CAMA Professional Development and Networking Opportunities for Executive Assistants in Local Government
2024 CAMA National Conference for Executive Assistants in Local Government
THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE PARTNERS
CAMA's first National Conference for Executive Assistants in Local Government will be held from November 3-5, 2024 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The target audience for this event is Executive Assistants working in local government in Canada, which may include Administrative Assistants, Legislative Coordinators, Office Coordinators, Clerks/Treasurers, and any front line or clerical staff that assist our members.
This event will provide a networking and professional development forum for Executive Assistants to reconnect, collaborate, share their success, and learn about the latest trends with their peers.
Conference Program & Registration
You can view the complete Program by clicking here. The Program-At-A-Glance is also available here.
About the Conference
The Conference is set to be hosted at the Fredericton Convention Centre, conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from the Fredericton International Airport. The Registration Desk will be operational from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024, and it will be followed by the grand kick-off event—the Welcome Reception, commencing at 7:00 p.m. On Monday, November 4th, you can expect a day filled with valuable professional development sessions and ample networking opportunities, culminating in a lively Maritime Kitchen Party in the evening. The Conference will draw to a close at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with an impactful Closing Keynote address. The duration of your stay will depend on your flight schedule, requiring accommodations for three to four nights (either arriving on the Saturday or the Sunday).
Conference Airfare Discounts
Exclusive Airfare Discounts with Air Canada for CAMA Conference Attendees
We are happy to confirm that for the 2024 CAMA Conference for Executive Assistants in Local Government, Air Canada offers discounts for North America travel: 5% applies on standard fares, and 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel there is a 10% discount on standard fares & higher. You will need the discount code listed below to take advantage of this offer. Please visit the Air Canada website to make a booking online.
Applicable Rules
• The booking is to be made to the following city: Fredericton, YFC (CA)
• The travel period begins Saturday, October 26, 2024 and ends Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
• Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Promo Code: PKE7ZA31
Please be advised that WestJet no longer serves Fredericton; hence, we do not have a discount code available. The nearest airports served by WestJet are Moncton, approximately a 1.5-hour drive away, and Halifax, approximately a four-hour drive away.
Registration Fees
Delegate Program
Secure the Early Bird Rate for the Conference by registering before September 1, 2024. If you are employed by a municipal government and your municipality has a CAO or another employee that is a CAMA member, kindly include the member’s name on the registration form (no member IDs or additional information is necessary).
The registration fee includes the Welcome Reception, all Conference sessions, breakfasts, refreshment breaks, lunches and the Lobster Fest Extravaganza: A Maritime Night to Remember.
| DELEGATE TYPE | EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 |
REGISTRATION FEE AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 |
|
Member Municipality (Municipal Government) Choose this category if you work for municipal government and your municipality has a CAO or another employee that is a CAMA member. |
$725.00 + $108.75 HST = $833.75 |
$825.00 + $123.75 HST = $948.75 |
|
Non-Member Municipality (Municipal Government) Choose this category if you work for municipal government and your municipality does not have an employee that is a CAMA member. |
$1125.00 + $168.75 HST = $1293.75 | $1225.00 + $183.75 HST = $1408.75 |
|
Retired Executive Assistant/Student Choose this category if you are a retired Executive Assistant who is no longer actively employed or a student enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution. |
$450.00 + $67.50 HST = $517.50 | $550.00 + $82.50 HST = $632.50 |
|
Non-Member (Non-Municipal) Choose this category if you do not work for local government. This could include the provincial government, federal government, or a private business. |
$1225.00 + $183.75 HST = $1408.75 | $1325.00 + $198.75 HST = $1523.75 |
Companion Program
Companions have the option of joining delegates for the Sunday evening Welcome Reception ($50.00 + HST) and the Monday evening "Lobster Fest Extravaganza: A Maritime Night to Remember" ($130.00 + HST).
Hotel Room Blocks
Room blocks have been secured at the Hilton Garden Inn (attached to the Convention Centre) which is currently SOLD OUT, however space is still available at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (directly across the street), and the Delta Hotel Fredericton (2 km from the Convention Centre). You are responsible for arranging your own transportation from the Delta to the Convention Centre.
- Room blocks are from Saturday arrival to Wednesday departure but all three hotels will honor the rate for up to three days prior to Saturday and three days post Wednesday if space is available.
- Cut Off Date for Room Block: October 3, 2024 (or until its sold out).
Each hotel offers a dedicated reservation link (and reservation telephone number) noted below:
Hilton Garden Inn Room Rates - THIS ROOM BLOCK IS SOLD OUT!
Reservation Link / Call for Reservations: 1-506-999-1551 (identify as the "CAMA Room Block")
- Onsite Covered Parking: $13.00/Day
- Deposit: No deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Cancellation Policy: You can cancel your reservation without any penalty up to 48 hours or more before your scheduled arrival. However, if you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival a charge equivalent to one night's room rate and tax will be applied.
| TYPE OF ROOM | ROOM RATE | HST (15%) | TOTAL |
| One King Bed | $219.00 | $32.85 | $251.85 |
| One King Bed / Riverview | $239.00 | $35.85 | $274.85 |
| Two Queen Beds | $219.00 | $32.85 | $251.85 |
| Two Queen Beds / Riverview | $239.00 | $35.85 | $274.85 |
Crowne Plaza Hotel Room Rates
Reservation Link / Call for Reservations: 1-866-444-1946 x 2 or 1-506-455-3371 (identify as the "CAMA Room Block" and the group code is CM2)
- Onsite Parking: $13.00/Day
- Deposit: No deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Cancellation Policy: You can cancel your reservation without any penalty up to 48 hours or more before your scheduled arrival. However, if you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival, a 100% cancellation fee will apply, which covers all anticipated charges.
| TYPE OF ROOM | ROOM RATE | HST (15%) | TOTAL |
| Standard - Two Queens | $219.00 | $32.85 | $251.85 |
| Premium Room - Two Queens or One King | $239.00 | $35.85 | $274.85 |
| Riverview - Two Queens or One King | $249.00 | $37.35 | $286.35 |
Delta Hotel Fredericton Room Rates
Reservation Link / Call for Reservations: Marriott/Delta Reservations at 1-800-268-1133 or Delta Fredericton at 506-457-7000 x 1 for Room Reservations (identify with group code "CAMA")
- Onsite Parking: $15.00 Day / Valet Parking $18.00 Day
- Deposit: No deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Cancellation Policy: You can cancel your reservation without any penalty up to 72 hours or more before your scheduled arrival. However, if you cancel within 72 hours of your scheduled arrival a charge equivalent to one night's room rate and tax will be applied.
| TYPE OF ROOM | ROOM RATE | HST (15%) | TOTAL |
| One King Room | $219.00 | $32.85 | $251.85 |
NEW PROGRAM
CAMA EA Master Class Series 2
Empowering Administrative Excellence in Local Government
Registration Link
Program
Following the tremendous success of our inaugural EA Master Class Series, which focused on Communication Excellence, Navigating Roles & Rules in Local Government, Customer Service Excellence, and Political Acumen, we are excited to introduce Series 2.
In the first series, we delved into the core areas that are fundamental to the role of an Executive Assistant in local government. The positive feedback and impactful outcomes demonstrated the value and relevance of these topics. Building on this success, Series 2 is designed to further enhance your skills and expertise with a deeper exploration of advanced topics essential for your professional growth. Please note that participation in the first series is not a prerequisite for joining Series 2. The detailed program can be found here.
This engaging webinar series includes four dynamic 90-minute sessions led by award-winning speaker Tracey Lorenson, covering key topics essential to the role of Executive Assistants. If you complete all four sessions, you will earn a Certificate of Completion. We are also excited to offer a special bonus Master Class presented by the Elm City Events Team.
ABOUT THE MASTER CLASS SERIES
The role of an Executive Assistant in local government—whether supporting the CAO, Deputy CAO, Mayor and Council, or Directors and Managers—is multifaceted and demanding. It requires a blend of skills, from political acumen to advanced leadership capabilities. As an Executive Assistant, you are not only providing critical support but also taking charge in moments of need, demonstrating your leadership and adaptability.
In the evolving landscape of local government, staying ahead means continuously developing your skills and strategies. How can you confidently tackle new challenges and navigate complex situations?
Series 2 of our EA Master Class Series provides an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with peers who share similar responsibilities and challenges. Each session delivers comprehensive learning experiences, practical tools, and actionable insights designed to elevate your daily performance. Participants will receive pre-session materials, engage in dynamic discussions, and leave with valuable resources, including practical templates and strategies, to enhance their effectiveness in the role and adeptly navigate any challenges that arise.
Join us to elevate your expertise and continue your professional growth in this unique and crucial position.
While we use the title "Executive Assistant" this program is for any administrative professional working in local government.
DATES AND TIMES
|
DATE |
TIME |
TOPIC |
|
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 |
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST |
Maximizing Time Management: Unlocking Productivity Strategies for Executive Assistants in Local Government |
|
Thursday, April 24, 2025 |
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST |
Influencing Team Dynamics: Advanced Collaboration and Leadership Techniques for Executive Assistants |
|
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 |
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST |
Strategic Excellence for EAs: Mastering Policies, Procedures, and Meeting Dynamics |
|
Thursday, September 25, 2025 |
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST |
Empowering Executive Assistants: Navigating Challenges with Confidence |
| Bonus Master Class: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST | Event Planning Meets AI: Innovative Strategies for Modern Executive Assistants in Local Government (Elm City Events) |
**Please note that each webinar covers a different topic, so attendance at all sessions is not required.
REGISTRATION FEES AND REGISTRATION LINK
The cost for each webinar is detailed below for both members and non-members. You can choose to register for individual sessions or the entire series of four webinars. Additionally, the bonus Master Class can be purchased separately or at a discounted rate when bundled with the full series. Recordings of each session will be available to all registrants, so you can access them if you are unable to attend live.
Discount for Multiple Attendees: If two or more employees from your municipality attend, you will receive a 10% discount. Please use the code CAMAMC in the "Multiple Attendee Discount" field on the registration form.
|
REGISTRATION CATEGORY |
DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRATION CATEGORY |
PRICE (+15% HST) |
|
CAMA Member Pricing |
If your municipality has a CAMA member (regular or affiliate) you will be eligible for the CAMA member rate. To qualify for the member rate, you must enter the name of the CAMA Member from your municipality when registering. |
• One Webinar: $149.00 If two or more employees from your municipality attend, receive 10% off. Enter the code CAMAMC under “Multiple Attendee Discount” field on the registration form. |
|
Non-Member Pricing |
If your municipality does not have a CAMA member, you will register under the non-member rate. If your CAO or one of the direct reports to the CAO would like to become a member please visit the CAMA website. |
• One Webinar: $199.00 • Four Webinars: $699.00 Bonus Webinar: • $149.00 if bundled with four webinars • $199.00 if purchased separately |
If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Goodine, CAMA Executive Director, at admin@camacam.ca
