MAFN is hosting a live and in-person one-day conference Friday, April 17, 2026, taking us into the future of facilitation in our fast-moving environment. Visit these new frontiers at George Mason University’s Fuse Center in Arlington, VA. This speeding trip into the future needs your insightful contributions to fill the agenda. Please use the link at the bottom to submit your proposal for any or all options (A, B, C) as detailed below. Submissions are due November 15th!

New Frontiers in Facilitation: Conference Tracks

·         Business Development in Dynamic Times: The facilitation field is experiencing significant challenges, with fundamental shake-ups in the government and non-profit sectors. At the same time, social media and other forms of connecting create opportunities for new ways to share your facilitation profile, promote your expertise, and build your business. We are looking for proposals which share insights, advice, and approaches towards business growth in this context, such as networking for co-promotion and referrals, using LinkedIn for success, etc.

·         Technology Shifts in Facilitation: AI Friend or Foe? Fast-paced changes in technologies are adding capabilities to our work as well as giving us perplexing questions about ethics, security, and functionality.  We are looking for proposals exploring or applying any technologies relevant to this context, including those using AI. 

·         Facilitating in Conflicted or Polarized Settings: The settings where facilitators serve are increasingly fragmented, polarized, or paralyzed in the face of mounting challenges. We are looking for proposals exploring approaches and techniques to support clients to navigate conflict within groups, to strategize and make decisions amidst uncertainty or (in)direct threats, and/or to engage thoughtfully amidst a flood of challenges. 

Speaker Benefit: Further the work of MAFN, facilitation community, personal visibility and marketing. Plenary and Workshop Speakers tickets will be free! World Cafe Table hosts tickets will be $50 off.

Who should submit: Facilitators, OD/Change/L&D leaders, coaches, strategy practitioners, and technologists applying tools to group process, across all industries. All experience levels welcome.

A/V & Other Needs:  Standard projector and microphones included, list any other items you will need.  The presenter may be asked to provide other items that MAFN is not able to provide.

Prior delivery (if applicable): Links to materials or short video.

OPTION A: Plenary: New Frontiers in Facilitation (45 minutes)

We are looking for: A moderator and 2-3 speakers to address the rapidly changing future of facilitation.

Format: A panel conversation.

Proposals sought: 

·         Moderators  

·         Speakers or 

·         Joint/team proposals for a moderator and suite of speakers. 

Proposal Abstract: The abstract section should describe the content and significance of the session, the title, the relevance to the theme, the expectations for attendee engagement during the session, and the incorporation of multiple perspectives.  This is the primary description of your proposal, please have it be as comprehensive as possible.

Brief Description: Describe how the session could be promoted in marketing materials. Make it compelling and brief.

Learning Outcomes: List up to five learning outcomes.

Session Takeaways: List up to three tangible takeaways; highlight what is useful and distinctive.

Prior delivery (if applicable): Links to materials or short video.

OPTION B Workshops: Track-focused (90 minutes)

Tracks: 

·         Technology shifts in facilitation 

·         Facilitating in conflicted or polarized setting

We are looking for: Two Presenters will be chosen for each track. The presentation will include two presenter lead workshops of 45 minutes. The two leads may collaborate when submitting their respective proposals or may be paired by committee to prepare for the workshop.

Format: 90-minute workshops with at least two presentators. There may be 30+ people in each workshop. 

Proposals sought: We invite proposals from individuals or pairs/trios to co-facilitate or be one of a pair in a 90-minute workshop.

Workshop Abstract: The abstract section should include the title of the 45-minute (or 90-minute if a pair/trio) session, which track it address or both if it is a joint proposal.  A description of the approach, framework, or tool that will be used, and what it will help participants to do. Individuals, pairs, and teams of presenters are welcome to submit proposals.

Background and Evidence of the Approach/Framework/Tool Being Presented: Please elaborate on the background and evidence of effectiveness. If your proposal pertains to a project or program, for which there is material on the web, please link.

Brief Description: Describe how the session could be promoted in marketing materials. Make it compelling and brief.

Plan For Participant Interaction: Please provide an outline of the session structure and specify how you plan to facilitate engagement and interaction during the workshop.

Learning Objectives: Describe what skill(s) the workshop participants can expect to gain or build on from being part of your workshop.

OPTION C World Café Table Host: Track-focused (90 minutes)

Tracks:

·         Business development in dynamic times

·         Technology shifts in facilitation

·         Facilitating in conflicted or polarized settings 

We are looking for: 8-12 table hosts

Format: 90-minute World Café, with hosts guiding two to three rounds of 30-45 minutes (TBD). 

Proposals sought:  Individuals who would like to guide a table, informing and prompting discussion, that will advance facilitation approaches, tools, and new ideas which address one of the three topics. Proposal description should include title and which track the table will address, a paragraph description of the approach or experience you are sharing and indicative questions you will explore with participants.

Presenters selected to present will be contacted by mid-December.  Sessions may be photographed/recorded for recap and learning; submission implies consent.  Questions may be addressed to: Workshops@mafn.org.