✨ WOW – what an experience!
The 2025 Facilitator Matters Festival was a true celebration of the art and impact of facilitation. With every session packed full of insight, it was a chance not only to learn new tools and approaches but also to connect with others who share the same passion for creating meaningful conversations.
One of the most powerful sessions for me was the Inclusive Facilitation workshop led by Shaheen. The session reminded us that facilitation is never just about the process—it’s about people. At its heart, inclusive facilitation is about creating safe, positive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, feel heard, and be valued.
In practice, this means paying close attention to dynamics in the room:
- Who is speaking, and who isn’t?
- How do we create opportunities for quieter voices to come forward?
- What unconscious biases might influence the way we guide conversations?
The answers to these questions shape whether people walk away feeling included—or excluded.
Beyond the formal learning, the festival was also a wonderful chance to reconnect with long-time friends and colleagues like Sally Cannon and Sharon Spence. These connections remind me that facilitation is not only a skill but a community.
A huge shout-out to Kerri Price and the organising team for bringing the festival to life so brilliantly. I left energised, equipped, and excited to take these insights back into my own facilitation practice.
Here’s to continuing the journey of creating spaces where every voice matters. 🌟