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

  • (Members Only) MAFN Community of Practice: Conversations about Facilitation in Training

    • 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

    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (June): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 06/02/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 5
    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.


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  • (Members Only) MAFN Racial Justice Community of Practice: Legacy, Identity, and the Complexity of Passing

    • 06/03/2025
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Online using Zoom
    • 41
    Register

    Duration: 90-Minutes


    Date: Tuesday, June 3rd from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT


    Legacy, Identity, and the Complexity of Passing:

    A Guided Conversation


    Join us for a thought-provoking conversation exploring the legacy, complexity, and personal impact of racial passing in the United States. Using a powerful short video by Dr. Joy DeGruy as our starting point, we’ll reflect on how race, privilege, and identity have shaped—and continue to shape—the lives of Black Americans.

    This space is designed for reflection, connection, and dialogue. Together, we’ll examine how the historical realities of passing intersect with our personal experiences and workplace culture today. Whether you’re looking to share, listen, or simply better understand, your voice is welcome.

    Come with curiosity. Leave with perspective.

    Pre-watch video: Cracking the Codes: Dr. Joy DeGruy "A Trip to the Grocery Store"


    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!


    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.


    Speaker:

    Anastasia Greenmore

    Anastasia Greenmore is the Founder and CEO of Reclaiming Us, a Washington-based racial equity and inclusion consulting services firm. She has more than a decade of experience building diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging programs from the ground up in both nonprofit and corporate spaces. She approaches the work with the mindset of helping people understand and move through complex ideas and behavior changes. She founded Reclaiming Us to co-design a future where transformational, inclusive leadership is the norm in the workplace and where business doesn’t have to be done at the expense of its people's wellbeing.

    She is a mother and an advocate for environmental, social, and economic justice, passionately championing causes related to early childhood, parent support, and black mother and infant success.

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  • MAFN's June 13th Online Workshop - Power of the Debrief: Fueling Innovation Through Reflection

    • 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.
    Show details

  • June 2025 MAFN Salon: Vienna

    • 06/16/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • “Bear Cage” room at Bear Branch Tavern (133 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180)
    • 5
    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


    Show details

  • (Member's Only) 2025 MAFN Annual Meeting & Networking

    • 06/20/2025
    • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Online using Zoom
    Register

    Duration:  90 minutes

    About the workshop: 

    Come join your fellow MAFN members for our Annual Meeting. We will have networking, a review of our FY25 accomplishments, along with a preview of our updated strategic plan and FY26 goals. 

    This is an opportunity for you to share your ideas about MAFN's future activities and growth.

    We will also introduce our newly elected Board members! 

    See you there! 


    NOTE: This meeting will NOT be recorded, so please join us live!

    Please note that this is for MAFN members only.


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



    Show details

  • (Members Only) MAFN Small Business CoP - Small Business Community of Practice

    • 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.

    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (July): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 07/07/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 13
    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


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (August): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 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.


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (September): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 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.


    Show details

  • Partner Event: Ampersand Gathering 2025

    • 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


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (October): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 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.


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (November): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 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.


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (December): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 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.



    Show details

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.