Convene
An off-the-record dialogue series for members, conducted under Chatham House rule.
Guard up at the door, candid at the table.
Candid Sessions is the Centre’s off-the-record dialogue series. It gives members frank, substantive conversations with diplomats, senior practitioners, and security professionals that public forums and conventional networking do not reach.
Sessions run under Chatham House rule: participants may use what they hear, but the identity and affiliation of speakers may not be disclosed.
Small-group, in-person sessions hosted in Ottawa and, as demand develops, in other Canadian cities. Each features an invited guest, with attendance open to members. Frequency follows the availability of guests and demand, and arrangements are not publicised in advance.
Candid in English and candide in French share the Latin root candidus, frank and without pretence. The bilingual name reflects the Centre’s mandate to serve Canada’s full linguistic community, and the series’ intent directly: arrive with your guard up, and leave candid.
Attendance is a benefit of NSCOESN membership. Sessions are not open to the public.