Menu
Log in


EVENTS

MAFN workshops feature a variety of topics related to deepening and broadening the skills of facilitators. Our workshops are designed to be interactive and provide experiential learning for all participants as they learn from the expertise of others. 

MAFN offers a variety of learning opportunities, such as monthly online workshops, networking events, in-person 3-hour workshops, communities of practice events, and various multi-part online learning series.  Our individual online workshops offer grounding and resources on the focus topic and are included in MAFN membership.  In-person workshops and multi-part learning series offer more time for discussion and practice and are discounted for MAFN members.

See details below for upcoming events. 

MAFN offers a wide range of learning opportunities to develop new skills and master new techniques and approaches. For almost 20 years, MAFN has been the leader in professional development opportunities in facilitation across the Mid-Atlantic region. Catering to all levels of facilitation experience, MAFN's workshops receive rave reviews from participants!

Upcoming events

    • 05/09/2025
    • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Online using Zoom
    Register

    Duration:  90 minutes

    About the workshop

    As a facilitator, you design your meetings to be interactive, agile, and engaging. Improv games can make your sessions more creative, memorable, and playful while still enabling you to accomplish your learning and discussion objectives. 

    This workshop will introduce you to several games you can use online or in-person to generate and deepen the conversation, stimulate planning and visioning, safely explore areas of concern and disagreement, and much more. 

    Session leaders will select volunteers to demonstrate the games, and create opportunities for participants to explore ways in which to use them. 

    Learning Objectives 

    In this session, participants will:

    • Explore the concept of Applied Improv and how it can be used in group facilitation. 
    • Experience a sample of games to assess their potential and impact
    • Expand their own facilitator’s toolkit

    NOTE: This workshop will be recorded for distribution to all who register (breakout rooms will not be recorded).

    This is a 90-minute workshop. It will take place starting at 12pm EDT.


    Speakers:

    Claudia Lach (Principal, Lach Training & Consulting) is passionate about partnering with clients to identify the change they need to achieve their desired outcomes. She is an OD consultant, facilitator, and leadership coach who founded her private practice in 2000. Her practice focuses on leadership development, strategic planning, inclusive and equitable workplaces, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Claudia works with various nonprofit, public, and private organizations.  Her clients work in education, legal services, social services, worker rights, civil rights, municipal services, community organizing, community development, affordable housing, philanthropy, health care, and consulting services. Claudia has an MS in Management from Lesley University.



    Sheree Galpert (Principal, Dramatic Results) is a trainer, actor, writer, and educator with over three decades of experience delivering highly engaging, interactive, and playful learning experiences.  One of her favorite areas of expertise is Applied Improv - using improvisation as a jumping-off point for team building, data gathering, and management training. Clients include Harvard University, Merck, Nestle, Xerox, Partners Healthcare, Microsoft, and Simmons Leadership Institute. Sheree did her graduate studies in Organization Development at American University/NTL, and earned her BFA in Theater. 



    ONLINE WORKSHOP REMINDERS

    • No refunds or credits for registration cancellations.
    • Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details 1 day in advance and the morning of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email.
    • Workshops begin promptly at 12:00PM Eastern.  Please log on at least 15 minutes in advance to ensure your internet connections, audio and other settings are functioning properly.
    • MAFN Members have access to all online workshop recordings via the MAFN website.
    • For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.
    • 05/16/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • COPT Training Room, Suite 850 at 1753 Pinnacle Drive, McLean, VA
    Register

    Duration:  3 hours


    About the workshop


    In this workhsop, Brian will teach the Drexler/Sibbet Team Performance® Model, a visual tool which is the foundation for The Grove's team development practice.


    The Team Performance Model is a comprehensive tool for understanding the stages of team development. Allan Drexler and David Sibbet spent 10 years refining a comprehensive model of team performance that shows the predictable stages involved in both creating and sustaining teams. 


    This powerful tool for developing and sustaining teams can be used as a framework and common language for supporting a team-based culture.


    Learning Objectives 

    In this session, participants will:


    • Explore the Grove's Team Performance Model with a lens towards applying it to facilitation


    • Gain a new tool to plan the flow of group processes, diagnose stallers and stoppers, and prescribe methods and remedies to get groups unstuck.


    This is a 3-hour IN-PERSON workshop. It will take place starting at 9:00am EDT.



    Speakers: 

    Brian Tarallo is the managing director of Lizard Brain.  He is a facilitator who specializes in visual methods and virtual meetings.  He facilitates clients through illustrating their visions, seeing their strategies, and mapping their futures.  
    Brian brings facilitation to federal agencies, national associations, and companies in the healthcare, defense, engineering, and consulting industries.



    • 05/19/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • “Bear Cage” room at Bear Branch Tavern (133 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180)
    • 4
    Register

    Come join us Monday, May 19th, 2025 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM with optional lunch afterward, for our monthly Vienna MAFN Salon!

    Each month, we will have a topic or theme as well as open time for networking and sharing challenges and best practices in our facilitation. 

    Afterwards, those who are available are invited to stay and share community over lunch. 


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    • 05/20/2025
    • 05/22/2025
    • 3 sessions
    • Friendship Heights, DC
    • 14


    May 20 - 22; 10:30 - 4:00 pm

    Friendship Heights, DC

    Click here for more information and to register. 


    Barometer XP’s Play Facilitator Certification program is experienced facilitators, coaches, and consultants. The highly interactive program equips you with everything you need to bring more games and play into you work for everything from team bonding, to learning and development, to organization and culture change.


    This spring, we’re offering MAFN members a 15% discount off the $2,500 program fee, which also includes a full year subscription to the Pro Tier of our Play Concierge Platform and a year membership in our Play Facilitator Community of Practice.


    If you have any questions, please contact Alex at (202) 643 5688 or alex@barometerXP.com


    • 05/20/2025
    • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Online using Zoom
    • 27
    Register

    Duration: 60-Minutes


    Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, 5:00-6:00 PM EDT


    This month we will play with the app StreamAlive: an application that pulls responses from the chat directly into interactive visuals: maps, word clouds, polls and much more. https://www.streamalive.com/

    We are still new to this app ourselves, but wanted to test it out after having heard great things about it. Join us to discover all the options StreamAlive has to easily make our sessions more engaged.

    If you have a lot of experience with StreamAlive already and would like to show us how you use it, please reach out to us before the COP (anneclairefrank@gmail.com).


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early.


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Come open to learning (growth mindset)
    • Not expert-led – will be hosted by peers with space to learn from all
    • Bring your questions, share your expertise


    ONLINE CoP Discussion REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come.
    • Registration closes at midnight the day before the discussion group.
    • Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details 1 day in advance and on the morning of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email.
    • MAFN CoP discussions will not be recorded to support space for learning.
    • For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.
    • 05/27/2025
    • 11/25/2025
    • 4 sessions
    • Online using Zoom
    Register

    Duration: Each session is 1 hour (60-minutes)


    • March 25th, 2025
    • May 27th, 2025
    • July 22nd, 2025
    • September 23rd, 2025
    • November 25th, 2025


    Core facilitation skills and values inform not only facilitation practice but aligned professions such as training (where trainers often describe themselves as “facilitators!”). In this bi-monthly peer-led COP, we discuss how facilitation expertise enhances training delivery, sharing best practices from our experience as facilitators and/or trainers. These online facilitated conversations are standalone topic-based forums, with discussion groups limited to encourage maximum participation from all attendees. Topic suggestions and volunteer leaders are always welcome. Come with curiosity; participate with passion; leave with new learning.


    You are welcome to attend as many meetings in the series as your schedule allows. They will not build on each other. Once you register for the series, you will receive a notification for each meeting.

    Please note that this is for MAFN members only. These sessions will NOT be recorded.



    Recipient of the inaugural 2024 NYS Justice Peer Initiative Impact Award in Training & Development, Ruth Riddick, CARC-RCP/f, is a coach and trainer with a specialization in addiction recovery and a 20-year practice at Sobriety Together.  She is co-founder and program manager of the New York Certification Board Trainer Registry, an organization of professional trainers enhancing standards in non-clinical role training.  As a curriculum developer, she has contributed to role training for Veteran Supported Recovery, CRPA-Family and CRPA-Youth trainings for professional certifications.  She serves on the Board of the New York Association of Treatment Court Professionals.  She has been widely honored for her work.


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Come open to learning

    • Bring your questions, share your expertise

    • Don’t expect closure - our shared learning is a process!


    ONLINE CoP Discussion REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight the day before the discussion group.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details 1 day in advance and the morning of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email.

    • MAFN CoP discussions will not be recorded in order to support space for learning.

    • For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org

    • 06/02/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 9
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.

    This month's salon theme is: Reframing self-promotion for growth and influence


    • What's one internal barrier that holds you back from sharing your value more confidently—and what mindset shift, tool, or support could be your bridge forward?


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    • 06/13/2025
    • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Online using Zoom
    Register

    Duration:  90 minutes

    About the workshop

    Join Tes Cohen from Transformative Gatherings for a dynamic, participatory workshop where we will explore the often overlooked power of the debrief. Discover how creating space for post-gathering/engagement discussion, to reflect on successes and lessons learned, can pave the way for continuous improvement and innovation.

    Learning Objectives 

    In this session, participants will:

    • Explore the importance and tremendous value of debriefing
    • Gain a deeper understanding of potential debrief components
    • Be inspired to debrief more often and with more intention, ultimately resulting in increased impact

    NOTE: This workshop will be recorded for distribution to all who register (breakout rooms will not be recorded).

    This is a 90-minute workshop. It will take place starting at 12pm EDT.


    Speakers: 

    Tes Cohen’s life purpose is to create meaningful opportunities that foster curiosity and community in order to cultivate interconnectedness and continuous learning. She delights in doing that in her consulting practice by co-creating transformative workplace gatherings. Her career began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica and includes nonprofit program management and CSR at Gap Inc. Tes is also cofounder of Radical Reset, creating a movement of rested leaders and a world in which rest is normalized, democratized, and celebrated.


    ONLINE WORKSHOP REMINDERS

    • No refunds or credits for registration cancellations.
    • Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details 1 day in advance and the morning of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email.
    • Workshops begin promptly at 12:00PM Eastern.  Please log on at least 15 minutes in advance to ensure your internet connections, audio and other settings are functioning properly.
    • MAFN Members have access to all online workshop recordings via the MAFN website.
    • For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.
    • 06/16/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • “Bear Cage” room at Bear Branch Tavern (133 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180)
    • 9
    Register

    Come join us Monday, June 16th, 2025 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM with optional lunch afterward, for our monthly Vienna MAFN Salon!

    Each month, we will have a topic or theme as well as open time for networking and sharing challenges and best practices in our facilitation. 

    Afterwards, those who are available are invited to stay and share community over lunch. 


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    • 06/23/2025
    • 12/22/2025
    • 7 sessions
    • Online using Zoom
    Register

    Duration: 60-Minutes 

    4th Monday each month at noon

    (Note: We are not meeting on May 26, 2025, due the Memorial Day Holiday.)


    The MAFN Small Business Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of MAFN members with small facilitation businesses who work together to improve their business knowledge and skills through support, innovation, and shared resources.  This CoP will be a co-creation space for MAFN members to host, bring topics to the table and use this space to support one another, innovate and share resources. We are seeking volunteers to join as co-facilitators and tech hosts.


    Responsibilities include:

    • Ability to work with other leaders to identify a topic each month.
    • Ensure there are a minimum of two facilitators each month.  
    • Commit to shared responsibility for 6 months (you do not need to facilitate, host or attend each CoP) to help strategize the future of the SB CoP.
    • For those interested in volunteering, please contact christine@swangnomy.com.

    Mission:

    To foster a learning environment where members can exchange knowledge, tools, and resources to manage and grow successful facilitation businesses.

    Benefits:

    • Collaboration: Connect with like-minded professionals to co-create and innovate.
    • Business Expansion: Gain insights into marketing, client engagement, and scaling small facilitation businesses.

    If you're passionate about facilitation and looking to enhance your small business, this community will provide the resources, inspiration, and support to help you thrive.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Come open to learning

    • Bring your questions, share your expertise

    • Don’t expect closure - our shared learning is a process!


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    ONLINE CoP Discussion REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight the day before the discussion group.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details 1 day in advance and the morning of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email.

    • MAFN CoP discussions will not be recorded in order to support space for learning.

    • For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.

    • 07/07/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    • 08/04/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    • 09/08/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    • 09/10/2025
    • 09/12/2025
    • 3 sessions
    • Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital in Washington, DC - 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE Washington, DC 20003


    Join Us for the Ampersand Gathering


    September 10th - 12th, 2025

    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT (Click here for schedule)


    Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital in Washington, DC

    921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003



    The Ampersand Gathering is a three-day in-person event from September 10 to 12, 2025, at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital in Washington, DC. It will bring together visual practitioners, facilitators, coaches, and creatives to connect, collaborate, and experiment.

    This event offers a hands-on, playful experience to deepen your skills, build networks, and explore new tools—all in a relaxed and energizing atmosphere.

    Why Attend the Ampersand Gathering?

    • Connect with like-minded professionals from across disciplines.
    • Collaborate and build stronger networks.
    • Experiment with new tools and approaches in a supportive environment.

    What’s Included with Your Ticket?

    • Access to All Sessions: Hands-on workshops, open space activities, and networking opportunities.
    • Meals and Snacks: Lunch, snacks, and beverages to keep you energized throughout the day.
    • Participant Directory: Share your details and be included in the participant directory - including the printed program
    • Event Materials: Receive a printed program booklet with the directory, resources, and more.


    MAFN MEMBERS receive a 10% discount for the full 3-day event ticket (not individual daily tickets)

    ANDMAFN2025


    For more information or general inquiries please contact: 

    hello@ampersandgathering.com


    • 10/06/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    • 11/03/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    • 12/01/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.



CANCELLATION POLICY

MAFN does not offer refunds for events. Anyone who registers for an event will receive a credit that can be applied to any other MAFN event, or to MAFN membership. Credits must be used within 2 years. 

Copyright 2025 MAFN | Privacy Policy

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software