FAQs for Associations

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

Yes. Programs typically move forward with a minimum of 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 Educational Series to membership, striving to achieve and exceed the minimum number of participants (15). CLEA will provide all materials and sample language for any required announcements to market the program.
2. To process the sessions for accreditation of CLE/MCLE for any participating members. CLEA provides all required documentation, timed agendas, speaker bios and supplementary materials as may be required. 

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:

• Complimentary ParticipationOne (1) complimentary registration for a staff member, leader, or designee for every fifteen (15) paying participants.  (Example: Two complimentary registrations with 30 paying participants)

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

• Revenue Share
  A revenue share may be built into the agreement for the participating organization upon program completion. For each paying participant, $TBD is returned to the organization or its designated foundation. 

For example, with 20 paying participants, the organization would receive $XXX in revenue share, which may be applied toward budgets, awards, scholarships, or other organizational priorities as determined by the organization.

The structure of these incentives often reflects each association’s priorities. Some partner organizations emphasize revenue share, while others focus on staff participation as a meaningful leadership or engagement benefit.

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?
Yes. We welcome input from participating bars on topics of interest and are happy to consider suggested presenters.

CLE Abroad develops the overall educational structure and typically sources local legal and policy experts who can speak to the law and professional environment within their own jurisdiction. Participating bars may also recommend speakers aligned with their members’ interests.

If a bar elects to include its own presenter, any associated travel costs would remain the responsibility of the individual or sponsoring organization.

What financial commitments are expected from the organization?

None. CLE Abroad programs are structured to be a Zero Financial Risk to the participating bar. CLE Abroad manages the planning, logistics, and delivery of the program. The bar’s role is simply to share the opportunity with its members.and apply for CLE accreditation for the sessions? 

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 bars can work within four to six months,but a new traveling group may benefit from a longer lead time such as nine 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 bar 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 attorney delegates prefer an upscale/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 lawyers or government attorney discounts.

Are these trips tax deductible?

Program registration fees are not deductible as charitable contributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, 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 is CLE Abroad’s Cancellation Policy?

CLE Abroad does everything in its power to ensure the trips go forward. However, if some unforeseen circumstances or force majeure intervenes, CLE Abroad will work with the traveler and organization to minimize risks and financial consequences.

What is CLE Abroad’s Cancellation Policy?

CLE Abroad does everything in its power to ensure the trips go forward. However, if some unforeseen circumstances or force majeure intervenes, CLE Abroad will work with the traveler and organization to 

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

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.

Where does CLE Abroad travel?

CLEA currently travels to over 22 countries, with more destinations coming online soon.  Please learn more at our Destination Page.