Certified Agile Facilitator (CAF)
Reality Based Workshop
| Date |
Thu Mar 26 to Fri Mar 27
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EST) |
| Delivery |
Live, virtual, instructor led, interactive workshop. 100% live with no pre-recorded content. |
| Fees |
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| Trainer | Arlen Bankston, Jessie Shternshus Agile Coach & Trainer |
| Notes | Live-Online, instructor led, with minimal or no pre-recorded material used. |
| Click to Register Now | |
Learn a host of unique tools, patterns, tips, and tricks, as well as some strategies for creating them yourself.
Do you have problems engaging everyone in a group?
We will experience proven patterns for engaging different personality types or people with varied motivations, as well as establishing your personal presence.
Do you have to deal with problem people?
We will walk through some common types of conflict situations and practice strategies for navigating them with grace and poise.
Do you find most classes boring?
You won’t this time! Jessie literally runs an improv acting company and is a master of facilitation and exercise design, while Arlen is among the original Agilists, with a deep user experience and training background that he uses to deliver fun, polished experiences.
Policies
Grow-Lean has policies to protect you, fellow students and Grow-Lean.
Familiarize yourself with these policies and use our Contact Us Form if you have any questions.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies
Overview of Cancellation Policies
Grow-Lean has policies around situations where you as an attendee, or Grow-Lean as a host, must cancel or reschedule. Grow-Lean's policies are consumer-friendly in recognition that unforeseen things happen, but Grow-Lean asks for thoughtfulness about canceling late so Grow-Lean can continue to put their customers first.
By registering yourself or others for the session, or by being a registrant, you agree to the policies below. If you have any questions, please contact Grow-Lean.
Cancellations
Cancellation requests received at least sixteen (16) days prior to the event will receive a 100% refund minus a 5% credit card processing fee.
Cancellation requests received fifteen (15) to eight (8) days prior to the event will receive a 100% refund minus a 5% credit card processing fee and a $125 late cancellation fee.
Cancellation requests received seven (7) or less days prior to the event will receive a credit equal to 50% of the amount paid that can be applied to any future event that the registrant will take in the next twelve months.
Reschedule Requests
Reschedule requests received at least sixteen (16) days prior to the event will have no fees for the first request. Additional reschedule requests will be subject to a $125 transfer fee.
Reschedule requests received less than sixteen (16) days prior to the event will be subject to a $125 transfer fee.
Grow-Lean Reschedule Events
Grow-Lean tries to avoid rescheduling. If Grow-Lean needs to reschedule, all registrants will promptly receive a 100% refund. Registrants may decide to be transferred into the rescheduled event, or another upcoming event, instead of the refund if they desire.
Grow-Lean Trainer Substitution
In the event where the original listed trainer cannot deliver the course, Grow-Lean reserves the right to substitute a trainer. This is a rare occurrence, but this policy allows Grow-Lean to deliver a course while minimizing the student impact. Trainers provided in this event will have met Grow-Lean's high quality standards to ensure registrants receive valuable training.
Session Attendance and Participation Policies
Session Policy Summary
Grow-Lean policies around class (session) participation and course material usage are designed to protect your privacy, the privacy of other students, the intellectual property rights of Grow-Lean LLC, and to maximize the learning outcome for all. By registering for the session, or by being a registrant, you agree to the policies below. If you have any questions, please contact us via our Contact Us form at https://www.grow-lean.com/ContactUs.
Camera Use Policy
You agree to have a functioning camera, which may be on a secondary device (like a phone) on, and facing yourself for the majority of the training. You may turn your camera off for short periods when needed (like when eating).
If your camera is not functioning, or your bandwidth becomes too limited to support video, you will inform the trainer and participate actively to ensure you stay engaged in the session.
If there is a specific reason why you cannot be on camera, contact Grow-Lean LLC prior to the event so that we can make an exception.
Picture Taking
Grow-Lean will sometimes take pictures or videos during the session. Attendees will be notified in advance. If you do not want to be included in a picture or a video, you may turn your camera off during those times. By keeping your camera on, you acknowledge that your image, or edits thereof, may be used for promotion or other purposes. Grow-Lean will try to ensure that those in a video are presented in a professional fashion.
You may not take pictures of any students in the session without the express consent of all attendees and understand that doing so may be a criminal offense depending on the locations where attendees are participating from.
Student Accountability for Training Outcomes
You may use the Contact Us form at https://www.grow-lean.com/ContactUs, or inform the trainer, or both if you believe that there is anything in the training that is preventing you from having a high quality learning experience.
You authorize Grow-Lean to share your name and email with the certifying body, which, depending on the session, is typically the Scrum Alliance, Scaled Agile or IC Agile.
- Grow-Lean recommends that you use your personal email address instead of your work email when registering for training.
- This ensures that you will always have access to your account and certifications while also protecting the privacy of your organization.
Communications via Email and Text
Grow-Lean will communicate with you via email, and you may receive several similar emails, or even duplicates in an attempt to ensure that everyone receives the information they need. You may contact Grow-Lean via the Contact Us Page if this becomes a problem.
Grow-Lean will communicate with you via text messaging, in an attempt to ensure that everyone receives the information they need. You may contact Grow-Lean via the Contact Us Page if this becomes a problem.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy Summary
This policy discloses the privacy practices for www.grow-lean.com clarifying the following:
- What personally identifiable information is collected.
- How personally identifiable information is used.
- With whom may the personally identifiable information be shared.
- What choices are available to you regarding the use of your personally identifiable information.
- Procedures used to protect the misuse of your personally identifiable information.
- How you can correct inaccuracies in your personally identifiable information.
Information Collection, Use, and Sharing
Grow-Lean owns the information collected on this site. We collect information that you provide when you register for a class, create an account, or by other direct contact from you. We do not sell this information. Your information is made available to other organizations that provide services such as payment processing, certification and communication.
From a financial perspective, Grow-Lean stores your name, the last four digits and the type of credit card used. Grow-Lean does not store your credit card data or other financial information in their systems.
If you take a session with Grow-Lean that results in certification, your information (name, email address, course taken, and course date) will also be shared with the certifying body, such as the Scrum Alliance or Scaled Agile.
Grow-Lean may contact you in the future to:
- help you register for class,
- help you create an account,
- help you set or reset your password,
- help you attend a class,
- to inform you about specials, new products or services.
Text Messaging
Grow-Lean provides you with the choice to utilize text messaging (SMS) for the purpose of verifying your account, and other account-related purposes. It is important to note that automated text messaging is not used for any promotional activities.
Contact Us to Opt-Out
You may opt out of receiving marketing email communications from Grow-Lean by using the link at the bottom of an email you received. If you are registered for a class, Grow-Lean will continue to send you information about that class.
You may contact Grow-Lean if you would like to be removed from their marketing list by entering your information in the contact us form.
Modifying Your Personal Information at Grow-Lean
You may contact Grow-Lean at any time in respect to your stored personal information.
- See what data Grow-Lean has about you, if any.
- Change/correct any data Grow-Lean has about you.
- Have Grow-Lean delete any data they have about you.
- Express any concern you have about Grow-Lean's use of your data.
Security
Grow-Lean takes precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline.
For processing of credit card payments, Grow-Lean uses Stripe, Splitit and BlueSnap. Credit card data you enter during your checkout will be stored with one or more of the payment providers (scroll down for links to their privacy policies).
Updates
Updates to Grow-Lean's privacy policy will be posted on this page.
Adherence to Policy
Contact Grow-Lean immediately if you feel that they are not abiding by this privacy policy. Grow-Lean can be reached via telephone at +1.609.975.9294 or via email at [email protected].
Cookies
Grow-Lean uses "cookies" on this site. A cookie is a piece of data stored on a site visitor's local drive to help Grow-Lean improve your access to their website, to identify repeat visitors, and to process registration. Cookies can also enable Grow-Lean to track the interests of their users to enhance the experience on their website.
Supporting Sites and Services
This website contains links and relies on sites and services from other organizations. The privacy practices of these organizations are not under Grow-Lean's control.
Be further aware that the organizations are based in various locations worldwide, including the United States. The European Commission has not determined that the United States and other areas of the world where these organizations operate, ensure an adequate level of protection for personal data.
Your information is shared with these organizations on an as-needed basis.
A list of organizations with which your data may be shared is listed next.
- Certification Bodies
- Payment Processing
- Communications
Intellectual Property Policy
Intellectual Property Policy Summary
- All course materials, including but not limited to lectures, interactive boards, practice exams, presentations, handouts, and assessments, are the intellectual property of Grow-Lean and are protected by copyright law.
- You may not record, photograph, livestream, distribute copies of, alter, or otherwise capture or reproduce the training, the training material, or images of other attendees, for any reason.
- You are granted a non-exclusive license to use course materials for your own personal learning and may not reproduce or distribute them in any form without the express written consent of Grow-Lean.
- Any unauthorized use or distribution of course materials will be considered a violation of copyright law and may result in legal action.
- If you wish to use course materials for any purpose other than personal learning, you must obtain written permission from Grow-Lean.
- Grow-Lean reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.
Discounts
Options for your circumstances
Request your discount on the session (a class on date/time with a trainer) you want. If more than one discount applies explain in your comments.
You can pay in installments by choosing Splitit at checkout.
For Grow-Lean Alumni, log in or use your account email when registering, and receive an automatic discount. If you also qualify for another discount, request it, and, if your email matches, we know you are an alumni.
If you have a Visa or Mastercard credit card you can pay in monthly installments. There are no fees or interest if you pay on time! Your available credit must be enough to cover the full cost and there is a hold on your credit card for the amount that you have not paid.
For example, if your final fee is $999 and you choose three installments:
- You would pay $333 today and have a $666 hold placed on your credit card.
- The following month your credit card would be charged another $333 and the hold would be reduced to $333.
- Your final payment would be $333.
If you are not familiar with the term "hold" this is similar to what hotels do when you check in, to cover extra expenses you may incur including the mini bar.
The benefit to you is that you do not pay any interest or fees if all payments are on time.
After entering your request you may email us at [email protected] or call us +1.609.975.9294 for questions.
Able to register now?
Combines With: Alumni, Group, Hardship, Out of Pocket, Student, Veterans
If you qualify for another discount, like out of pocket, request it to get combined savings. If not, just register.
Won't be reimbursed?
Combines With: Alumni, Early Bird
Request an out of pocket (self-pay) discount. If you're a Grow-Lean Alumni, mention that in your description.
Multiple participants?
Combines With: Early Bird
The larger the group the larger the discount. If you want a private session, tell us in the comments. You will be able to register the attendees or they will be able to register themselves.
Grow-Lean Alumni?
Combines With: Early Bird, Hardship, Out of Pocket, Student, Veterans
Get 5% off for each public session you took with us (with a cost of $225 or more), up to 25% off, for Grow-Lean delivered sessions. Automatically combines with Early Bird just register.
Suffering a hardship?
Combines With: Early Bird, Alumni
Provide an unemployment notice or separation agreement. If you're a Grow-Lean Alumni, mention that in your description.
Student or educator?
Combines With: Early Bird, Alumni
Use your .edu email address to take advantage of a student / educator discount.
Active military or veteran?
Combines With: Early Bird, Alumni
Request a veteran discount and specify if you are paying on your own.
Preparation for Session
Maximize learning by preparing your technology for the session
We use common tools for our virtual sessions. Please read on to confirm what you need for the Certified Agile Facilitator session.
- Internet connected Computer / Tablet: Many participants use a single device for the session, others use two devices, perhaps their work laptop for the webcam and a separate device for sharing.
- Working Webcam: Virtually all laptops have integrated webcams. If you don't have that, you can set up your phone as a webcam.
- Working headset or speaker plus microphone: Your laptop microphone, laptop speaker, or earphones are options.
- Access to Zoom: If you haven't used Zoom, test it at: https://zoom.us/test. Click "Join", and follow the prompts. If you have problems, check the Zoom article at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115002262083-Joining-a-Zoom-test-meeting
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A location from which to participate: .
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Ideally this location will:
- Have good lighting
- Be relatively quiet
- Ensure that you have minimal interruptions
- But, no worries if you don't have a perfect spot. It is expected that kids, dogs, cats, spouses, siblings, roommates, parents, or someone else makes some noise, or appears on camera.
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Ideally this location will:
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Practice with Mural: Mural is a virtual white board.
- Prior to the session, visit https://learn.mural.co/.
- After the session, we will provide you with an electronic copy of the completed Mural Board.
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Appropriate Display(s): If you are using a computer, such as a laptop, with a small display, you will benefit
from one of the following:
- Using a secondary device, such as an iPad, a tablet, or even a iPhone or Android phone, for Mural, while using your primary device for Zoom (or vice a versa).
- Using a secondary monitor attached to your primary device.
- Using a TV, perhaps connected via HDMI, for Zoom and use your primary device for Mural. You can also purchase a small, portable, external monitor that runs 1080p for under $50 USD.
- Purchasing a small, portable, external monitor that runs 1080p for under $50 USD. In addition to being low-cost a portable monitor takes up very little space.
- Getting into the Session: The Zoom information will be provided to you prior to the session.
Arlen Bankston
CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL | A-CSM | CSM | A-CSPO | CSPO | LSS MB | SAFe SPC5
Arlen is your primary trainer for the session and will be delivering the majority of the session.
Jessie Shternshus
Jessie is an adjunct trainer for the session and will be available to deliver a section or sections of the class material depending on class size, requirements and availability.
Arlen Bankston's Testimonials
Validated testimonials for Google and TrustPilot. Click to go to source website.
Diana Clark
Arlen was well organized and the class ran smoothly. I enjoyed that he not only knew the material but also the history behind it. The exercises were great.
Jenni Dixon
Arlen was very knowledgeable about agile at scale and had many practical examples of organizational scenarios to illustrate his points. I appreciated his assessment of agile scaling frameworks and their pros and cons
Timothy Shawn Conver
Great instructor and format of the learning
Soumen Dutta
Vastly experience faculty and amazing content
Brandi Hatley
This comprehensive training program exceeded my expectations in terms of content, delivery, and value. The course content was well-structured and covered a wide range of topics essential for an advanced Scrum Product Owner role. One aspect that truly stood out was the quality of the instructor, Arlen Bankston. Not only does he possess extensive practical experience as a Product Owner, but he was able to present complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner. He encouraged active participation, fostered discussions, and shared valuable real-life examples that enriched the learning experience. Grow-Lean's online training for the Scrum Alliance Advanced Scrum Product Owner Certification (A-CSPO) exceeded my expectations in terms of content quality, expert instructors, interactive learning materials, and overall value. I highly recommend this company and training program to anyone seeking to enhance their skills as a Scrum Product Owner and achieve advanced certification.
L M
David Bulkin and Arlen (Grow-Lean) are great instructors! I've already taken part on three certifications provided by them, and am every time grateful that I took the time to do it. They have a lot of experience and thrive on teaching us how to use Scrum on an real-life Agile Environment! Would recommend to anyone!
James W Walls
The instructor was very knowledgeable and the curriculum was current and relevant. Great course. Would recommend to anyone.
Ruben E. Rodriguez
Mr. Arlen Bankston was an outstanding instructor. He is very knowledgeable of the topic and speaks from his own experience and not from a slide. The class was very interactive and fun. I enjoyed the Mural presentation because they were a lot of fun and easy to understand. I also liked the assignments that required us to get in teams. Sometimes articles aside from the reading book gave me a better idea and understanding of the subject for the course. I never expected to learn so much from an online class; I now see Scrum in a whole new way. I will reach out to him for future classes or some advice.
Ankita Upadhyay
Arlen Bankston took my A-CSPO course and this was the first Scrum course that I recommended to other people because I absolutely loved it. The way he conducted the exercises helped me understand concepts. We also had a small exercise with David Bulkin which was also worth it.
Paul Kolmodin
The training offered by Grow-Lean for the Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster was a master class on advanced scrum methodologies and theory. The material compiled and presented by Arlen Bankston was high quality and it was clear that we were in great and experienced hand for the subject matter. I highly recommend this course for all who have chosen Scrum mastery as their career choice.
Certified Agile Facilitator
Tired of awkward meetings, disengaged teams, and misaligned stakeholders?
Learn to lead powerful, purposeful conversations that drive results. The Certified Agile Facilitation (CAF) Workshop helps you become the facilitator your teams need to solve problems, build trust, and deliver value.
Learn from two leading voices in agile facilitation
Co-designed and co-trained by Arlen Bankston and Jessie Shternshus, this 100% live and interactive workshop gives you real-world tools and experience using Zoom, Mural, Mentimeter, and AI-powered collaboration.
Grow Your Career, Grow Your Organization
What You Will Learn
Facilitation supports groups of people as they collaborate, create, and make decisions. The Certified Agile Facilitator course provides training for anyone interested in developing their facilitation mindset and knowledge while learning from experienced agile practitioners.
Foundations of Facilitation
Foundations of Facilitation
Learn what facilitation really means and when to apply a facilitative stance. Define the characteristics of an effective facilitator and adopt the mindset needed to guide teams through meaningful conversations.
You will explore how to define facilitation, recognize when to use it, and embody the mindset of an effective facilitator.
Understanding a Group’s Context and Needs
Understanding a Group’s Context and Needs
Learn to identify the purpose and intended outcomes for a session while assessing environmental context and group norms that impact participation.
You will explore multiple approaches based on team maturity, understand components of psychological safety, and plan for sessions on forming, conflict, safety, and agreements.
Facilitation Techniques
Facilitation Techniques
Practice effective facilitation in holding to a group’s agenda, ethical conduct and alliance design.
You will foster psychological safety, define collaborative space, and try out techniques to establish your facilitation presence before, during, and after a session.
The Orientation of a Facilitator
The Orientation of a Facilitator
What does it mean to manage from the front, back, and inside? Learn how to perform optimally when preparing a collaborative space, dealing with emerging situations within a group and managing your own behavior and emotions.
You will examine techniques for group decision-making, deep listening, and delivering and receiving feedback. The course also explores emotional intelligence and self-awareness as foundational facilitation capabilities.
Facilitating through Conflict, Reflection, and Co-Facilitation
Facilitating through Conflict, Reflection, and Co-Facilitation
Learn how to navigate conflict in ways that protect group safety and maintain creative tension. Discover how to recognize when conflict shifts from constructive to destructive and explore techniques for keeping the group productive.
You will also design plans that move ideas forward, reflect on what worked, and practice co-facilitating sessions that lead to better results through shared ownership.
Should You Take the Course?
If you want better collaboration and outcomes
Do You Want to Produce Positive Outcomes?
Ensure every voice is heard, build psychological safety, and run meetings that produce real outcomes. CAF teaches practical techniques to design inclusive conversations, guide group decision-making, and keep teams focused and productive. If you care about helping groups work better together, this course gives you the tools to make a measurable difference across projects, teams, and organizations.
Are You in a Role that Involves Collaboration?
Professionals from any role that involves collaboration will gain value from CAF. The skills taught here strengthen your ability to lead constructive dialogue, resolve conflicts, and surface the best ideas, enabling your team to tackle complex problems more effectively and deliver stronger results.
Team Leaders & Facilitators
- Anyone who wants to build highly relevant facilitation skills to have more impactful conversations, meetings, and interactions at work
- People leading teams
- Professional facilitators
Scrum & Agile Professionals
- Scrum masters, product owners, agile team members
- Current and aspiring agile coaches
- Agile consultants and team members
Certified Scrum Professionals
CSP-SM, CSP-PO, CSP-D and people who hold other advanced certifications holders seeking to validate an important skill set on their journey as agile coaches
Anyone Seeking Better Collaboration
- Professionals who want to guide large meetings with competing stakeholders
- Those looking to improve one-on-ones and team interactions
What You Get
Globally recognized cert with great learning
With these skills, you can increase the impact and efficiency of any conversation or collaboration. Have better one-on-ones, guide large meetings with competing stakeholders, and make sure you're showing up for your team whenever you meet. It's all possible with strong facilitation know-how.
Certification
Certification from the Scrum Alliance, the world's first agile certification body.
SEUs and PDUs
For those with a Scrum Alliance Certification, two more years of certification. For a PMI Certification, 14 Professional Development Units.
Support Innovation
Support innovation with effective facilitation in any interaction.
Global Recognition
Receive a globally recognized certification to prove your skill set.
Save Time & Money
Save organizations time and money by guiding focused, productive collaboration.
Navigate Conflict
Guide groups through conflict and varied opinions to reach creative solutions.
Increase Commitment
Increase a group's commitment and buy-in by ensuring diverse voices and perspectives are included and valued.
Career Advancement
Boosts credibility, helps you stand out in the job market, and can lead to higher earning potential as a sought-after skill.
Key Details
Gain practical skills that make you a stronger facilitator
A Hands-On, Interactive Experience
Assess your skills as a facilitator and get tips for improving.
Experience over 35 exercises and 10+ games that you can immediately apply.
Practice planning and running meetings that lead to clear outcomes.
Learn practical tools to structure collaborative conversations and decision-making.
Leave with real confidence and a toolkit you’ll use for the rest of your career.
Practical and Real
- Apply tools and mental models to common situations like forming teams and collaborating with stakeholders.
- Explore novel and engaging ways to run typical agile sessions like the Daily Scrum, Retrospective and Sprint Review.
- Assess your personal skills and highlight specific ways to amplify your strengths and shore up your weak spots.
Fill Your Facilitation Toolbox
Fill Your Facilitation Toolbox
Learn a host of unique tools, patterns, tips and tricks, as well as strategies for creating them yourself. Leave ready to apply your new-found knowledge immediately.
Facing a hardship?
We’re offering extra support.
When we lift each other up, we all rise to new heights
We have heard from many students about their challenges with job loss and the fear of it.
We have expanded our discounts from now through March 15, 2026, to help you keep moving forward.
Deep discounts are available for:
- Students, Vets, Active Military
- Groups and Not-Profit-Organizations
- Individuals facing financial hardship
Browse our upcoming sessions, pick a session, and select the “Discounts” link to apply.
Let’s navigate this journey together.
No Outside Work Required
Get Certified by taking the class
Earn your certification in a 100% live, online class, with no additional / outside work required. We do ask that you read the Scrum Guide which is at most 30 minutes of time.
The class has exercises followed by discussion and reflection about real-world opportunities and challenges.
Avoid offline study and low interaction training by signing up today.
Love it or Learn Again
for Free Guarantee™
Ensure Your Quality
Want more value from the session we will work with you to make it happen with options including a free retake and/or one-on-one support.
Get the best quality training from a provider you can trust.
Small Class Size. Big Impact!
Get Individual Attention
Other providers often pack 50+ students into a class. At Grow-Lean, we keep class sizes small, so you can get more personalized attention, deeper engagement, and direct access to your trainer.
With fewer distractions and more chances to ask questions, you'll leave the course better prepared to apply your learning in real-world situations.
Secure your spot and experience the Grow-Lean difference.
Why Choose Grow-Lean?
Longest tenured trainers, smaller classes and higher quality.
- Small group of elite, experienced, experts.
- The highest quality for a fair price.
- Caring customer support before and after training.
- Interactive class experience.
- Everything is included. No hidden fees!
- Trainers are practitioners, not talking heads!
- Unique exercises, templates and approaches.
- Small class size so you get personal attention.
Session Schedule
Certified Agile Facilitator (CAF)
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Certified Agile Facilitator Thu, 26 Mar to Fri, 27 Mar 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EST) Online - 2 days Discounts |
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Certified Agile Facilitator Mon, 20 Apr to Tue, 21 Apr 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EST) Online - 2 days Discounts |
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Certified Agile Facilitator Thu, 25 Jun to Fri, 26 Jun 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EST) Online - 2 days Discounts |
| Date & Time | Trainer / Logistics | Price / Discount | Details / Register | ||
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Thu, 26 Mar 10:00 AM (EST) |
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Fri, 27 Mar 4:00 PM (EST) |
Arlen Bankston
Online : 2 days |
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Mon, 20 Apr 10:00 AM (EST) |
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Tue, 21 Apr 4:00 PM (EST) |
Arlen Bankston
Online : 2 days |
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Thu, 25 Jun 10:00 AM (EST) |
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Fri, 26 Jun 4:00 PM (EST) |
Arlen Bankston
Online : 2 days |
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