Who Should Attend
We encourage Non-Profit CEOs/Executive Directors and Board Chairs to attend or anyone interested in learning more about modern Board Governance. Many organizations find it beneficial to bring their entire board.
The Challenge
In the world of Non-Profits, the board of directors is a powerhouse for impactful and positive change. However, for directors to excel in their roles, they need thorough training in governance responsibilities. Many boards face challenges in adequately educating new and existing directors. Without the right education, resources, and guidance, boards can struggle to achieve their organizational goals.
Capacity Canada’s Board Governance BootCamp
Capacity Canada’s Board Governance BootCamp presents an exceptional opportunity to enhance the capacity of boards across various organizations. Our program is led by a distinguished faculty, featuring engaging small-group sessions, tailored resources, and practical exercises over an intensive three-day period.
By encouraging both the Board Chair and the CEO or Executive Director from each participating organization to attend, the program uniquely strengthens the collaboration between the board and leadership team.
The BootCamp will elevate your governance skills by sharing innovative strategies and tools that teams can immediately implement. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of their roles, discover new strategies for effective governance, and renew their focus on the critical issues facing their organizations. Ultimately, you’ll be better equipped to lead positive change within your organizations and communities.
You will leave the BootCamp with a plan to improve the governance of your organization by leading organizational change.
Overview
Optional Pre-BootCamp Concurrent Workshops
Governance Essentials and Advanced Governance Concurrent Sessions
Keynotes and presentations by subject matter experts
Interactive and participatory sessions
Resources and tools available during and after the sessions
All food and refreshments over three days
BootCamp Registration – Including Opening Night Reception – $1,500 CAD/Person
(20% Discount for four or more participants from one organization – Use promo code: Group20)
Opening Night Reception Only – $200 CAD/Person
Pre-BootCamp – Artificially Intelligent Boardrooms Masterclasses – $750 CAD/Person (Both classes & includes book)
Pre-BootCamp Workshops – $160 CAD/Person
Highlights from 2024 BootCamp
Capacity Canada Hosts 16th Annual Board Governance BootCamp
Capacity Canada concluded its 16th annual Board Governance BootCamp on November 28. The theme of the three-day BootCamp was ‘Building Community Trust: The Role of Nonprofits in Fostering Hope and Resilience.’ Read more…
2025 BootCamp Schedule
Tuesday, November 18th – 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm ET
- Two optional concurrent Pre-BootCamp Workshops 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm ET
- Opening Reception
- Keynote Presentation
- Closing Reception
Pre-BootCamp Concurrent Session 1A – 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Artificially Intelligent Boardrooms Masterclass
Presented by: Paul Smith, Founder, Future Directors
This is a two session masterclass on Artificial Intelligence in the Board Room.
9:00 am to Noon
Artificially Intelligent Boardrooms: Getting Smart About AI Masterclass
This masterclass offers board directors and executives a jargon-free, hands-on introduction to AI, providing clarity on its impact, practical insights, and confidence-building exercises—no tech background needed, just a willingness to learn.
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Artificially Intelligent Boardrooms: Curiosity to Capability Masterclass
This masterclass helps board directors and executives apply AI to governance scenarios, covering agenda planning, decision support, risk sensing, and stakeholder mapping, while addressing ethical, legal, and strategic.
Paul Smith’s new book, The Artificially Intelligent Boardroom is included with the registration.
Class is limited to 40 people.
Pre-BootCamp Concurrent Session 1B – 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
TBD
Opening Keynote
Wednesday, November 19th – 7:30 am to 4:00 pm ET
Concurrent Session: Governance Essentials Track (For New Directors and ED/CEOs)
Session 1A – 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Session 2A – 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm
Session 3A – 2:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Concurrent Session: Advance Governance Track (For Seasoned Directors and ED/CEOs)
Session 1B – 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Session 2B – 12:45 pm to 2:15 pm
Session 3B – 2:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Thursday, November 20th – 7:30 am to 4:00 pm ET
Concurrent Session: Governance Essentials Track (For New Directors and ED/CEOs)
Session – 4A – 8:30 am to 10:00 am
Session 5A – 10:15 am to 11:30 am
Session 6A – 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Concurrent Session: Advanced Governance Track (For Seasoned Directors and ED/CEOs)
Session 4B – 8:30 am to 10:00 am
Session 5B – 10:15 am to 11:30 am
Session 6B – 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Plenary Session – 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm
Closing Special Remarks 3:30 pm
Our Presenters & Faculty
Susan Radwan
Governance Executive in Residence, Capacity Canada
Susan S Radwan, MEd, CAE, SMP, GSP is the owner of Leading Edge Mentoring, a governance and leadership consulting firm with an international scope of practice, based in Grand Ledge, Michigan. She is an Executive in Residence with Capacity Canada.
Radwan is the author, voice and instructor of “The Modern Board” series sponsored by Capacity Canada and delivered by Conestoga College.
Radwan holds the designation of Governance Systems Professional-Fellow (GSP), awarded from Govern for Impact which is an international association of governance professionals and practitioners. Additionally, Radwan holds certifications in Association Management (CAE), and Strategic Planning (SMP) among others.
Radwan has co-authored a book titled Governing by Principles. The book gives guidance to Boards on an approach to unleash the power of Policy Governance® which is a principles-based, systems-oriented model for governance. She is also the Executive Editor for Professional Practices in Association Management, 4th edition, published by the American Society of Association Executives, which serves as the textbook for the association management profession.
Fred Galloway
Governance Executive in Residence, Capacity Canada
Fred is the founder of F. J. Galloway Associates Inc., was formed in 1989 as a consultancy practice focusing on community development; facility development assessments; organizational and operational reviews; and specialized projects involving governance, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives. The firm, since its inception, has worked exclusively with municipalities, non-for-profit organizations, community groups and provincial ministries.
Fred Galloway is the President of the firm and the principal consultant. Based on the
customized needs of each assignment, the firm has worked with other larger and smaller consulting firms to align the right expertise and experience necessary to successfully complete assignments.
Fred holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Recreation from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Science Degree in Recreation. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree from the Ivy School of Business at Western University. In 2002 he was awarded an Honorary Diploma by Fanshawe College for community service, and in 2018 he was awarded the Governor General’s Sovereign Award for Volunteers
Paul Smith
Founder, Future Directors
Paul Smith, known as “The Board Futurist”, is a globally recognized innovator and thought leader in corporate governance. As the founder of Future Directors, he is helping to revolutionize how boards and directors learn, connect, and adapt through a holistic platform combining technology, education, and community. His mission is clear: to future-proof boards and help directors become effective stewards for an uncertain and complex world.
A sought-after international speaker, Paul shares insights on impactful governance, inclusive decision-making, and the transformative potential of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in the boardroom. His philosophy, that the board of the future will be “simultaneously more human and less human”, drives his work in blending behavioral science with technology to enhance decision-making.
Paul is the award-winning author of Right Seat Right Table, a cornerstone text for emerging board members, and The Artificially Intelligent Boardroom, the essential guide for future-focused directors ready to move from confusion to clarity with this revolutionary technology. As the host of the popular Future Directors Podcast, he continues to inspire a global audience of directors and governance professionals.
With 15 years of board experience, Paul has served as chair and non-executive director for companies across Australia, the UK, and Europe. His work extends to mentoring chairs, founders, and CEOs, and advising boards on performance, processes, and culture. Through ongoing partnerships and initiatives, Paul demonstrates his commitment to building governance practices that are inclusive, impactful, and ready for the future.
Travel & Hotel Information
Hotel
Hotel accommodation is available at the Delta Hotel Waterloo with complimentary shuttle bus to and from Bingemans. A special rate of $249 CAD + taxes is available until October 17, 2025. Click here to reserve.
Flights
There are flights at the Region of Waterloo International Airport serviced by WestJet and Flair Airlines. Toronto Pearson International Airport is only a one hour drive from Kitchener/Waterloo.
Train
Both GO trains/buses and Via Rail provide service to Kitchener.
Airport Transportation
Taxi and Airport Limo service is available through Brentwood Livery, Uber, or Waterloo Taxi.
Sponsorship Opportunities
As part of our Board Governance BootCamps, community is the key to connecting, growing, and learning.
Capacity Canada created BootCamp to unite our supporters, new or expert board members, senior leaders, and new or potential sponsors. For more information about how we can work together please contact Cathy or Andrew below.
Cathy Brothers, CEO – [email protected]
Andrew Wilding, Director of Operations – [email protected]
