The IAF Conference (International Association of Facilitators) in Istanbul was an opportunity to share ideas, be inspired and remember what it's like to be a participant.The IAF Conference reminded me how important it is to spend personal time re-energising and recharging. It’s a vital part of staying fresh and enthused about our profession. Facilitators tend to spend all their time developing and working with others and so it’s easy to neglect personal development.

The IAF (International Association of Facilitators) conference is an annual event which gives facilitators an opportunity to share ideas and experiences, learn from each other, and spend some time on the ‘receiving end’ of facilitation.

The membership is an eclectic bunch, attracting facilitators from all over the world and from many different branches of facilitation. Specialisms range from working with groups to help solve complex technical challenges to facilitating peace and reconciliation between different community groups but everyone has one thing in common: They are keen to learn, support and share ideas.

Jean-Philippe from Formapart ‘l’art de la faciliation’ ran an inspirational session entitled the Consensual Circle and demonstrated a simple yet effective of method of encouraging a group to air differing view points, confront disagreements and build consensus. It was however Jean-Philippe’s style of facilitation that was most valuable, it was a light touch, unhurried, relaxed, reflective, always responsive to the group and encouraging wide participation. I don’t want to forget how positive it felt as a participant to be in such a group or the style that enabled Jean-Philippe to build such a constructive group dynamic.

The theme of the conference was Building Bridges which gave MTa an opportunity to deliver a session for facilitators using our activity from the MTa Team KIT activity ‘Over the Bridge’. 12 participants from 7 countries undertook the activity and reflected on the key skills and attitudes that such an activity could support facilitators in developing. Suggestions included a range of team skills, challenging and working to common objectives and customer focus. With only 2 native English speakers in the room the key message was that experiential learning breaks down all sorts of communication barriers that may inhibit learning. The message was seen and felt, not just verbalised or written.

The IAF Europe Branch are already planning the IAF Conference 2012. Rumour suggests it will be in the lovely city of Geneva. If you’re a new facilitator or have many years experience under your belt it will be worth the trip. See you there!