Subscription Terms

Terms & Conditions

1. Overview

These Terms and Conditions apply to the website available at aesc.org (the “Website”), operated by the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (together, the “AESC”, “we”, “us” and “our”), and related websites and services. Certain provisions of these Terms and Conditions only apply to you if you register as a Member of AESC or a subscriber of the AESC Portal (“Member”, “Subscriber”).

By using the Website, whether or not you register or log in, you automatically agree to these Terms and Conditions. You will also be required to acknowledge and reconfirm these Terms at the time of account creation, login, and purchase.

AESC Members

All employees of AESC Member Firms are considered Members of AESC. You can create and access your AESC account with your firm email address for no additional fee. This membership remains active as long as the member firm’s membership in AESC is renewed each year.

Non-AESC Members

Using the AESC Portal, non-members, via an annual subscription (subscribers), can gain access to industry-specific tools, thought leadership, research, benchmarking data, and AESC Learning & Development resources, a growing collection of practical learning experiences, educational content, and professional development resources designed to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

The website is managed by the AESC, with its registered office at 315 Madison Ave., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017.

2. Personal Information

AESC stores personal registration details for each website user. This information is only accessible to AESC staff and is not publicly available. Full details are set out in our Privacy Policy.

3. Data Retention

We encourage all users of the website with registered accounts to keep their details accurate and up to date at all times.

Minimum Retention: data will be retained for at least five (5) years from the date of account creation, even if no further activity occurs during that period.

4. Removing Your Personal Data

As an AESC Member or Subscriber, you can manage your account at any time through the “My Account” interface when logged in.

Subscribers can cancel at any time, however, cancelling your subscription will immediately stop access to subscriber-only features as well as stop future billing. Note, this does not delete your overall user record, which remains in our system. Please note whether you cancel your subscription or permanently delete your account, reopening your account in the future will require repayment of the applicable subscription fee, and if deleted, you will also need to re-enter your information as it will have been removed from our database in line with our Privacy Policy.

5. Accuracy of Information from Third Parties

The Website may display or link to content, listings, data, assessments, tools, and other materials supplied by third parties (collectively, “Third‑Party Content”). While we make reasonable efforts to present reliable information, we do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, availability, or reliability of any Third‑Party Content, and the inclusion of such content does not constitute endorsement.

Links to external websites are provided for convenience only. Your use of external sites is at your own risk and governed by those sites’ terms and privacy policies. We are not responsible for the security, availability, or practices of third‑party sites.

We may (but are not obligated to) monitor, review, edit, or remove Third‑Party Content that we believe is inaccurate, unlawful, misleading, or violates these Terms. To report suspected inaccuracies or policy violations, please contact info@aesc.org.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, AESC disclaims liability for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on Third‑Party Content or your interactions with third parties. See also Section 16 (Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability).

6. Changes to Terms and Conditions
AESC reserves the right to modify or amend these Terms and Conditions at any time and for any reason. Updated Terms will be posted clearly on the Website. Your continued use of the Website or services after such posting constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. For questions regarding these Terms, please contact info@aesc.org.

7. Technical Safeguards

7.1 Data Security
Details on how personal information and payment data are safeguarded are set out in the AESC Privacy Policy.

7.2 Uploading and Downloading Content
AESC is not responsible for any damage or loss resulting from your decision to download documents or other files through the Website. Documents may include guides, toolkits, recordings, and other educational materials.

By uploading any content to the Website, you:
(a) warrant that you have all necessary rights, permissions, and authorizations to disclose and share that content with AESC; and
(b) grant AESC a worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, perpetual, and irrevocable license to use, copy, reproduce, revise, publish, disclose, transmit, and transfer all or any portion of such content for the purposes of delivering services under these Terms.

8. Subscription Definitions & Benefits

8.1 Beta Subscription Period

AESC may make subscription access available during an initial beta or transitional period (“Beta Subscription”) while certain subscription, account management, billing, renewal, or other Website functionality is being implemented or refined.

Unless otherwise stated at the time of purchase, a Beta Subscription provides access to the applicable Subscriber benefits for the access period communicated at purchase. Certain features ordinarily associated with a Subscription, including automatic renewal, self-service cancellation, account management, billing functionality, or other Website features, may not be available during the Beta Subscription period.

Beta Subscriptions will not automatically renew unless automatic renewal is expressly disclosed to and authorized by the Subscriber. Prior to the expiration of a Beta Subscription, AESC may provide Subscribers with the opportunity to transition to AESC's standard Subscription offering. Any subsequent Subscription may be subject to the pricing, billing cycle, renewal terms, benefits, and Terms and Conditions then in effect.

Participation in a Beta Subscription does not guarantee that any particular Website feature or functionality will become available, remain available, or operate in the same manner following the beta period. AESC may modify the functionality associated with the Subscription as the Website and Subscription offering continue to develop, subject to applicable law.

Except where expressly stated otherwise in this Section, Beta Subscribers remain subject to the provisions of these Terms applicable to Subscribers, including provisions concerning access to benefits, acceptable use, refunds, intellectual property, and limitations of liability.

8.2 Subscription Fee (for individuals who are not members of AESC firms)

“Subscription Fee” refers to the fee required to obtain or maintain an active Subscription. Except for Beta Subscriptions described in Section 8.1 or where otherwise communicated at the time of purchase, Subscription Fees are recurring and billed annually. Unless otherwise communicated, this is billed annually. AESC reserves the right to introduce or transition to other billing cycles, provided that individuals are notified in advance of such changes and may be required to consent to the new billing cycle before it takes effect.

Subscription Fees are charged on a recurring basis until cancelled by the subscriber. By enrolling in a Subscription, you authorize AESC to charge your selected payment method at each billing cycle, unless you cancel before the renewal date.

8.3 Active Benefits
Active Benefits are delivered through direct use of AESC events and resources. They include, but are not limited to, guides, webinars, workshops and other Subscriber-only features (see also APPENDIX A – GLOSSARY). Some Active Benefits are delivered through third-party service providers. Access to these services is subject to the provider’s own terms and conditions, and AESC is not responsible for the content, availability, or performance of such third-party services.

Active Benefits are provided on an “as available” basis. AESC does not guarantee any particular outcome, resulting from these benefits. AESC reserves the right to modify, substitute, or discontinue any Active Benefit at its sole discretion, with or without notice, provided that the overall value of membership is maintained.

8.4 Passive Benefits
Passive Benefits are delivered continuously, regardless of member activity.

Active and Passive Benefits are provided on an “as available” basis. AESC does not guarantee any particular outcome or engagement resulting from these benefits. AESC reserves the right to modify, substitute, or discontinue any Active or Passive Benefit at its sole discretion, with or without notice, provided that the overall value of membership is maintained.

8.5 Commencement of Services - Subscribers

All subscriber benefits commence immediately upon payment or activation of the Subscription Fee. From that time, Subscribers are granted access to webinars, guides, and other resources and delivery of services is deemed to have begun.

By purchasing a Subscription, you acknowledge and agree that: service delivery begins immediately upon payment or activation; benefits are considered “in use” once access is granted, even if you do not log in or actively engage with them; both Active Benefits and Passive Benefits are treated as part of service delivery for refund purposes; and refund eligibility is determined in accordance with Section 9.1–9.3 of these Terms. To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree that your statutory right of withdrawal (if any) may be waived once service delivery has commenced.

8.6 Automatic Renewal
Except for Beta Subscriptions or where otherwise expressly stated at the time of purchase, Subscriptions renew automatically at the then-current Subscription Fee and for the same billing cycle (e.g., annually), unless cancelled. By purchasing a Subscription, you authorize AESC to charge your selected payment method at each renewal period.

AESC may adjust Subscription Fees from time to time. Where required by law, subscribers may be provided advance notice of any fee change before the next renewal takes effect.

Subscribers may disable automatic renewal by cancelling their subscription at any time through the “My Account” section or by contacting Customer Support. To avoid renewal charges, cancellation must be completed prior to the renewal date. Once a cancellation has been completed, subscribers will lose access to premium-only features.

If a subscription is cancelled and later reactivated, a non-refundable reactivation fee will apply in accordance with Section 9.2.

9. Refund Policy
This Section outlines the circumstances under which refunds may be granted. Refunds are limited, apply only to specific charges, and must meet the eligibility requirements described below.

9.1 Subscription Refunds
Refunds are available only for AESC Subscription charges (initial registration).

All other services and products are non-refundable, except where expressly stated in these Terms and Conditions or where required by applicable law. This includes, but is not limited to, workshops, webinars, guides, networking events, and third-party services.

Refund requests for Subscription charges must be made within seven (7) days of the initial transaction by contacting Customer Support directly. To the extent required by applicable law, members acknowledge and agree that their statutory right of withdrawal (if any) may be waived once service delivery has commenced (see Section 9.3). After this period, no refunds will be issued.

9.2 Subscription Manipulation
For the purposes of these Terms, subscription manipulation means cancelling a Subscription and subsequently reactivating it within the same billing cycle (including cancellations of automatic renewals followed by reactivation).

Where subscription manipulation occurs: a non-refundable administrative reactivation fee will apply; and refund eligibility for that billing cycle will be forfeited, except where otherwise required by applicable law.

9.3 Service Delivery and Usage
Subscription benefits begin immediately upon payment or activation of the Subscription Fee. From that time, both Active Benefits and Passive Benefits (see Section 8 and APPENDIX A – GLOSSARY) are considered part of service delivery.

Accessing or using any paid feature — including dashboards, profiles, downloads, webinars, guides or similar tools — constitutes acceptance of services delivered and forfeits refund eligibility for that billing cycle, except where otherwise required by applicable law or where services are defective or not delivered.

Even if a member does not log in, Passive Benefits continue to be delivered in accordance with these Terms and our Privacy Policy, and count as service usage. Refund eligibility is further clarified in Section 9.6.

To the extent required by applicable law, members acknowledge and agree that their statutory right of withdrawal (if any) may be waived once service delivery has commenced.

9.4 Dispute Handling
Filing a chargeback or payment dispute does not constitute a valid method of requesting a refund under these Terms. Subscribers must contact Customer Support directly to request a refund in accordance with Section 9.1.

Filing a dispute also does not cancel a Subscription. To cancel, a subscriber must use the “My Account” section of the platform or contact Customer Support directly. Subscriptions remain active until properly cancelled, and members continue to receive Active Benefits.

If a dispute is filed without first contacting Customer Support, AESC reserves the right to suspend the account while the dispute is under review, and refund eligibility may be limited in accordance with Section 9.

9.5 Abuse of Dispute Process
AESC recognizes Subscribers’ right to file legitimate payment disputes. However, repeatedly filing disputes in bad faith while maintaining an active subscription constitutes misuse of the dispute process.

Submitting a dispute does not cancel or suspend a subscription (see Section 9.4). Subscribers who continue to access and benefit from AESC services during a disputed period are deemed to have received and accepted the services.

If a subscriber files two or more disputes within any twelve (12) month period, or demonstrates a pattern of abusive dispute activity, AESC may: deny refunds where disputes fall outside these Terms, suspend or terminate accounts engaged in repeated or abusive dispute activity, and pursue recovery of outstanding Membership Fees or other charges for services accessed during disputed periods.

Such activity is considered a violation of these Terms and may result in permanent loss of access to the AESC Website without refund.

9.6 Misuse and Waiver of Refund Rights After Service Access
As stated in Section 9.3, benefits commence and are considered delivered immediately upon payment or activation of the fee. Under Section 9.1, a subscriber may request a refund within seven (7) days of the charge; however, this refund right is waived if the individual accesses services.

For the purposes of these Terms, “Misuse” includes any of the following behaviors (each of which results in loss of refund eligibility):

Accessing subscriber-only features after purchase and then seeking a refund or filing a dispute, including (without limitation):
downloads/reports/guides, webinars or replays, or similar subscriber-only resources.

Filing a payment dispute/chargeback in lieu of contacting Customer Support for a refund (see Section 9.4: a dispute is not a valid refund request and waives refund eligibility).

Any pattern of abusive behavior addressed in Section 9.5 (e.g., repeatedly disputing while maintaining an active subscription and continuing to consume services).

Once any of the above Misuse conditions is met, the subscriber is deemed to have consumed the product, and refund eligibility is forfeited irrespective of timing (including within seven days). AESC may, in such cases:

Deny refunds;

Suspend or terminate accounts engaged in abusive patterns; and

Pursue recovery of fees or costs associated with services accessed.

(See also §9.1 for the general refund rule, §9.3 for service delivery on payment, and §9.4 for disputes not being a valid refund method.)

10. Learning & Development Course Policies

All AESC Learning and Development courses must be paid in full before attending.

10.1 Certificate in Executive Research

Intellectual Property
AESC retains copyright and all other legal rights to the Certificate in Executive Research Foundation Course, Expert Forums and Final Exam including all intellectual property rights embodied in the services.

Each seat provided is allocated to one individual only. Program materials may not be internally nor externally downloaded, reproduced, or distributed by any means.

Participants may download the Expert Forum workbook for personal use only.

Program Duration/Period
Participants are permitted one year from the registration date to complete the program.

If a participant does not complete the program within the designated period and their registration has not yet expired, they may request an extension of 60 days with an additional fee of $45 USD. The extension period will be confirmed once payment is received by AESC.

If a participant does not complete within the registration period, they may request a reactivation of 6 months with an additional fee of $250 USD. Pending exceptional circumstances, any accounts beyond the 6-month reactivation period will be disabled, and re-enrollment may be required for a participant to earn a certificate.

Foundation Course 
Access to the Foundation Course will be granted to all AESC Members on a complimentary basis as a Member benefit. Non-member participants will be granted access for the duration of the registration period. Upon registration expiration, participants who have completed the certificate will be removed from the learning portal. For participants who have not completed the certificate, access will be revoked upon expiration of the 6-month reactivation period.

Expert Forum
Registrants are required to participate in an Expert Forum to complete the certificate. Participants are expected to confirm their participation in a scheduled session upon registration. Should a participant need to reschedule their Expert Forum participation, they must give written notice to learndev@aesc.org a least seven (7) days in advance of the start of the session. Pending exceptional circumstances, failure to be present, reschedule, or cancel Expert Forum participation with less than seven (7) days notice will be subject to a $300 USD fee.

Exam and Fees
Failure to be present, reschedule, or cancel your Final Examination appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice–pending exceptional circumstances—will be subject to a $100 USD fee.

Failure to pass the Final Examination on the first attempt will result in being granted one more attempt to re-sit the examination subject to a $150 USD fee. Should a re-examination be required, it must be completed within the registration period.

Failure to pass the Final Examination on both attempts will result in ineligibility to receive a certificate.

Course Cancellations
Cancellations and refunds are not permitted.

Transfers
Transfers or substitutions can only apply to individuals within the same firm or organization under the condition that the student has not acquired access to the Foundation Course nor has participated in any part of the Expert Forum. The transfer or substitution must occur within the calendar year of payment and is subject to approval by AESC.

Transfers or substitutions do not incur a charge.

Protocol
All requests and inquiries must be made in writing and addressed to AESC Education at learndev@aesc.org.

10.2 AESC / Cornell Executive Talent Essentials

Intellectual Property
Cornell University retains copyright and all other legal rights to Executive Talent Essentials including all intellectual property rights embodied in the services as delivered by AESC.

Each seat provided is allocated to one individual only and may not be internally nor externally downloaded, reproduced, or distributed by any means.

Cancellations
Cancellations and refunds are not permitted.

Transfers
Transfers or substitutions from the same firm are permitted with observance of and approval by eligibility qualifications. Requests must be made to learndev@aesc.org.

Transfers or substitutions do not incur a charge.

Protocol
All requests and inquiries must be made in writing and addressed to learndev@aesc.org.

10.3 Proactive Selling for Executive Search Professionals

Intellectual Property
Sara Barker, the Foundry Team, retains copyright and all other legal rights to Proactive Selling for Executive Search Professionals including all intellectual property rights embodied in the services as delivered by AESC.

Each seat provided is allocated to one individual only and may not be internally nor externally downloaded, reproduced, or distributed by any means.

Cancellations
Cancellations and refunds are not permitted.

Transfers
Transfers or substitutions from the same firm are permitted with observance of and approval by eligibility qualifications. Requests must be made to learndev@aesc.org.

Transfers or substitutions do not incur a charge.

Protocol
All requests and inquiries must be made in writing and addressed to learndev@aesc.org.

10.4 Leadership Essentials for Executive Search Professionals

Intellectual Property
Sara Barker, the Foundry Team, retains copyright and all other legal rights to Leadership Essentials for Executive Search Professionals including all intellectual property rights embodied in the services as delivered by AESC.

Each seat provided is allocated to one individual only and may not be internally nor externally downloaded, reproduced, or distributed by any means.

Cancellations
Cancellations and refunds are not permitted.

Transfers
Transfers or substitutions from the same firm are permitted with observance of and approval by eligibility qualifications. Requests must be made to learndev@aesc.org.

Transfers or substitutions do not incur a charge.

Protocol
All requests and inquiries must be made in writing and addressed to learndev@aesc.org.

10.5 Executive Search Advantage Workshop Series

Intellectual Property
AESC retains copyright and all other legal rights to the Executive Search Advantage Workshop Series including all intellectual property rights embodied in the services.

Each seat provided is allocated to one individual only and may not be internally nor externally downloaded, reproduced, or distributed by any means.

Protocol
All requests and inquiries must be made in writing and addressed to AESC Education at learndev@aesc.org.

10.6 AI 101 for Executive Search Firms & AI Audit & Optimization by AESC | Epistemy

Intellectual Property
AESC | Epistemy retain legal rights to content provided in the AI 101 for Executive Search Firm courses, including all intellectual property rights embodied in the services as delivered by AESC.

Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellations and refunds are not permitted.

Protocol
All requests and inquiries must be made in writing and addressed to AESC Education at learndev@aesc.org.

10.7 Networking Events by AESC Learning & Development

Intellectual Property
AESC retains copyright and all other legal rights to all Networking Events by AESC Learning & Development including all intellectual property rights embodied in the services.

Each seat provided is allocated to one individual only and may not be internally nor externally downloaded, reproduced, or distributed by any means.

Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellations and refunds are not permitted. If a registrant is unable to attend a session live, program recordings will be delivered to them following the program.

Transfers
Transfers or substitutions from the same firm are permitted with observance of and approval by eligibility qualifications. Requests must be made to learndev@aesc.org.

Protocol
All requests and inquiries must be made in writing and addressed to AESC Education at learndev@aesc.org.

10.8 AESC / Client Advisor Masterclass Series by Andrew Sobel

Intellectual Property
Andrew Sobel retains copyright and all other legal rights to the Client Advisor Masterclass Series including all intellectual property rights embodied in the services as delivered by AESC.

Each seat provided is allocated to one individual only and may not be internally nor externally downloaded, reproduced, or distributed by any means.

Access
Each registration allows 18 months of access to the course.

Cancellations
Cancellations and refunds are not permitted.

Transfers
Transfers or substitutions are not permitted unless three conditions are met: (1) The participant who was enrolled has never signed into the course platform; (2) The transfer of the license is to another member of the original participant’s firm; and (3) the transfer takes place within 30 days of purchasing the original license.

Protocol
All requests and inquiries must be made in writing and addressed to AESC Education at learndev@aesc.org.

11. Acceptable Use Policy

AESC provides access to tools solely for individual professional use. Subscribers may not use any information or content obtained through AESC for commercial solicitation, spamming, marketing campaigns, resale, mass distribution, or recruitment unrelated to legitimate executive search or career management purposes.

You agree not to misuse the Website or its services in any way, including but not limited to: attempting unauthorized access, interfering with the proper working of the Website, introducing malicious code, or engaging in activity that could harm AESC, its members, or partners.

Violations of this policy may result in suspension or termination of your subscription, without refund, and may also result in legal action.

12. Service Modifications and Interruptions

AESC reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the Website or any part of the services at any time. Where required by law, Subscribers will be provided with notice of material changes that significantly affect their paid subscription.

We do not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted, or secure access to the Website. Operation of the Website may be subject to planned maintenance as well as factors beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to internet or network outages, system failures, actions of third parties, or other external events. Certain disruptions may also qualify as Force Majeure Events as described in Section 19.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, AESC shall not be liable to you or any third party for modifications, suspensions, or interruptions of service, except where such liability cannot be excluded under applicable law. Discontinuation of services does not entitle members to refunds except as expressly provided in Section 9 (Refund Policy).

13. Accounts and Security

If you are issued a username or password, you must keep it confidential. We reserve the right to disable accounts if these Terms are violated. Suspected account breaches must be reported immediately.

When creating an account, you will select a username. AESC may issue a one-time password (“OTP”) for login and account access. You must ensure that your contact details (including email and/or phone number used for OTP delivery) are accurate and up to date.

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity conducted under your account. OTPs are provided as a security measure, but AESC cannot guarantee absolute security of your account.

You agree not to share your username or OTPs with any other person. AESC is not liable for any losses or damages arising from unauthorized use of your account where you have failed to maintain accurate contact information or safeguard your credentials.

We reserve the right to suspend or permanently disable accounts if these Terms are violated or if we reasonably suspect unauthorized access. Suspected account breaches must be reported immediately to AESC.

14. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in the Website, its content, design, databases, software, and trademarks belong to AESC, BlueSteps, or its licensors. Unauthorized copying, modification, distribution, or commercial use of these materials is strictly prohibited.

15. Linking Policy – AESC Members

You may link to our homepage in a fair, legal, and non-misleading manner, provided you do not suggest any form of endorsement, approval, or association without our prior consent. You may not frame our Website, deep link to restricted content, or use our trademarks or logos without express permission or unless you are a Member of AESC, and AESC Partner, or a BlueSteps Partner.

The Website may include links to third-party websites for convenience. AESC does not endorse, control, or assume responsibility for the content, products, or services on third-party websites.

16. Marketing and Communications

By agreeing to these Terms and our Privacy Policy, you consent to receiving communications from AESC about services, events, and opportunities, including communications from selected partners where permitted by law. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link in emails.

Transactional and service-related communications (such as account notices, billing confirmations, and essential updates) will continue regardless of marketing preferences.

17. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability - Subscribers

The Website, Subscription events, and all related services are provided “as is” and without warranties or representations of any kind, whether express or implied. AESC makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, reliability, availability, or results obtained from use of the Website, materials, or services.

Subscribers are solely responsible for the accuracy of information they provide (including profiles). AESC is not responsible for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in user‑supplied information or in Third‑Party Content.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, AESC disclaims liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, revenue, goodwill, or data, arising out of or in connection with the Website, Subscription events, or other services.

In all cases, AESC’s liability, if any, is limited solely to the Subscription Fee paid by the customer in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim. AESC shall have no liability whatsoever in respect of any other payments, whether one‑time, recurring, or installment‑based, including (without limitation) events, workshops, webinars, reports, downloads, or other add‑on or optional services.

18. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless AESC, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or relating to (a) your use of the Website or services, (b) your membership/subscription, (c) your violation of these Terms, or (d) your violation of the rights of any third party.

19. Governing Law

These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles. The courts located in New York County, New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction, except where applicable law requires otherwise.

20. Force Majeure

AESC shall not be liable or responsible for any failure or delay in performance, or for any interruption of services, to the extent such failure, delay, or interruption is caused by events beyond its reasonable control (“Force Majeure Events”). Force Majeure Events include, but are not limited to:

natural disasters, acts of God, fire, flood, earthquake, storm, or explosion;

war, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, or insurrection;

strikes, labor disputes, or industrial disturbances;

pandemics, epidemics, or other public health emergencies;

cyberattacks, denial-of-service attacks, or other malicious acts of third parties;

failures, outages, or delays of telecommunications, internet service providers, hosting providers, or other third-party service providers;

acts of government, regulatory actions, embargoes, or other legal restrictions.

During the continuance of a Force Majeure Event, AESC’s’ obligations under these Terms shall be suspended to the extent affected by the event, and AESC shall not be considered in breach of these Terms or liable for any resulting damages.

If a Force Majeure Event continues for more than sixty (60) consecutive days and substantially prevents performance, either party may terminate the affected services upon written notice, provided that such termination shall not relieve the member of payment obligations for services already delivered or accessed prior to the Force Majeure Event.

APPENDIX A - GLOSSARY
These defined terms are binding and referenced throughout Sections 8 and 9, which govern subscriptions and refunds. Where definitions are cross-referenced in the body text, they are binding and must be read together with this Glossary.

AESC Member: All employees of AESC Member Firms are considered Members of AESC. Their Membership remains active as long as the Member firm’s Membership in AESC is renewed each year.

AESC Nonmember: All individuals who are not employees of AESC Member firms are considered nonmembers of AESC.

Subscriber: Any who purchases an annual subscription to access the AESC Portal. These individuals gain access to industry-specific tools, thought leadership, research, benchmarking data, and AESC Learning & Development resources, a growing collection of practical learning experiences, educational content, and professional development resources designed to help them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

BlueSteps: BlueSteps is a career management tool offered to senior executives, which makes their information accessible to AESC member executive search and leadership consulting firms, and provides other executive-level career management tools. This service is managed by the AESC.

Beta Subscription: A temporary or transitional Subscription offering made available while AESC implements, tests, or refines certain Subscription, billing, account management, renewal, or Website functionality. Beta Subscriptions are governed by Section 8.1 and the terms disclosed at the time of purchase.

Subscription Fee: The recurring fee required to maintain an active AESC subscription as a nonmember. Unless otherwise communicated, billed annually. AESC reserves the right to introduce or transition to other billing cycles (including but not limited to daily, weekly, monthly, or decadal billing). Rules and conditions apply equally regardless of billing cycle.

Active Benefits: On-demand benefits delivered when a member uses AESC tools and services, such as guides, webinars, workshops, and other resources.

Passive Benefits: Benefits delivered continuously and automatically upon subscription payment or activation, regardless of activity.

Commencement of Services: The point at which membership benefits (both active and passive) are considered delivered, which is immediately upon payment or activation of the Membership Fee.