FAQs for Associations

Is there a minimum enrollment needed for a trip to be confirmed?

Yes. Programs typically move forward with a minimum of twelve (12) to fifteen (15) participants, including members and their guests.

If your organization does not reach this threshold on its own, CLE Abroad may collaborate with compatible partner groups or open enrollment to past travelers to help ensure the program proceeds as planned.

What are the commitments of the partnering organization?

Our goal is to ensure minimal staff time and resources required by the organizations.

1. A good faith commitment to promote and market the program to membership, striving to achieve and exceed the minimum number of participants. CLE Abroad will provide all materials and sample language for any required announcements to market the program.
2. To process the sessions for accreditation for any participating members. CLE Abroad provides all required documentation, timed agendas, speaker bios and supplementary materials as may be required and to support accreditation. 

Will CLE Abroad assist with marketing efforts?

CLE Abroad customarily provides participating associations with ready-to-use marketing materials, including a program brochure and suggested promotional language.

The association may then share the opportunity with its members as part of its own programming, directing interested participants to CLE Abroad for registration and inquiries.

In many cases, a few targeted email communications to members are sufficient to generate strong interest. Alternatively, if preferred, the association may authorize CLE Abroad to communicate directly with its membership. CLE Abroad also offers a Marketing Toolkit available as needed and upon request.

What incentives are available for traveling with CLE Abroad?

In addition to the shared adventures and association loyalty, incentives include the following:

• Revenue Share: A revenue share is built into the agreement for the participating organization upon program completion. (Priorities defined in each program MOU)

• Complimentary Participation: Complimentary registration(s) for staff member(s), officer(s), or designee(s) based on enrollment.  (Priorities defined in each program MOU)

• Discounted Staff Companion Rates Special at-cost or below-cost registration options may be available for staff companions (+1s)

The structure of these incentives are customizable and reflect each association’s priorities. Some partner organizations emphasize revenue share, while others focus on staff participation as a meaningful leadership or staff incentive.

In practice, many find that a balanced approach offers the greatest overall value to the association.

Can my organization assist in planning the program, such as topics or presenters?

Of course! While our programming content is our pride and joy, we welcome input and requests on topics of interest and are happy to consider suggested presenters or take a facilitating role. 

CLE Abroad also customarily receives requests from enrolled participants and we strive to adapt each program to its collective participants. 

What financial risks or commitments are there from the organization?

None. CLE Abroad programs are structured to be a Zero Financial Risk to the participating organization. CLE Abroad manages the planning, logistics, and delivery of the program. The Association's role is simply to share the opportunity with its membership and apply for accreditation if applicable. 

What is the recommended lead time for successfully marketing a CLE Abroad program to membership?

The lead time depends upon the organization’s past travel history & comfort level.  Seasoned associations can work within four to six months, but a new traveling group may benefit from a longer lead time such as 9+ months to ensure key leaders and their guests are available. CLE Abroad will make every effort to assist in marketing, if deemed necessary by the organization.

What is the cost for a trip with CLE Abroad?

All pricing is customized and based on Dates/season rates, duration of program, category of hotel/accommodations, program inclusivity (# of included meals, etc.), as well the revenue share and # of desired complimentary staff or leader participants. These factors will impact the price to travelers, but we can craft a program to be as upscale or as affordable as you wish for your membership, with a defined price point or multiple pricing tiers. In our experience most professional delegations prefer an upscale/4-5 Star experience, however we also offer BnB, homestay, budget hotel or 'Day Program' rates without accommodations to be as inclusive as possible. We can also offer young professionals or public service discounts.

If trip cost is a consideration for your members, we encourage identifying a preferred price point and revenue objective. CLE Abroad can then offer tailored recommendations aligned with those priorities.

Are these trips tax deductible?

Some expenses may qualify as ordinary and necessary business expenses under IRC §162. Education, including certain related travel, may be deductible if it maintains or improves skills required in your current profession or helps you maintain a professional license, consistent with Treas. Reg. §1.162-5. Expenses are generally not deductible if the education qualifies you for a new profession. Because individual circumstances vary and the tax code is subject to change, please consult your licensed accounting professional or tax advisor.

What if the trip doesn't garner enough interest?

CLE Abroad does everything in its power to ensure the trips go forward by seeking partner associations and our past traveler database to support a given program, however if CLE Abroad is unable to operate a program due to low enrollment all participants are refunded in full, 100% no questions asked. 

How often do you recommend an organization travel?

Most of our partner associations follow one of these general participation patterns:

• One trip per year (most common)
• Two to three trips per year, sometimes including co-marketed programs with other associations
• One trip approximately every eighteen months, often alternating between Spring and Fall departures, or occasionally Winter depending on the destination

Where does CLE Abroad travel?

We currently offer more than 22 countries, with more destinations coming online soon.  Please learn more at our Destination Page.