Convening for Impact: Eight Essentials
We plan and host meetings that have impact on the future of the environment and our community.
Convening for Impact: Eight Essentials
Strategic Analysis
We determine whether the issue is timely, important and aligned with our mission, and identify, consider and selectively engage partners. We must be convinced that the Foundation’s unique convening model can make a difference in the outcome.
Planning
Understanding the landscape of the issue is critical as well as knowing who has a stake in the problem and in the solution. Individual conference topics are crafted to move the issue along the value chain. Specific objectives are essential.
Participants
Each conference engages 25 to 40 knowledgeable people who look at the issue and possible solutions from different viewpoints. Our neutrality and lack of bias provides assurance that all opinions are valued. The intimate size ensures all voices will be heard.
Preparation
Creating a mutual understanding of the conference purpose, objectives and desired outcomes among participants is critical. Often, a framing document is sent in advance to stimulate ideas. Digital and social networking introduces and connects conference participants to encourage pre-conference dialogue.
Program
While the topic and outcomes drive the structure and design of a conference, the quality of the facilitation determines its success. Agendas are carefully constructed to achieve the right balance between work sessions, where credibility and respect are built, and social activities, where trust and relationships are established.
Venue
A private, serene setting promises a safe, inviting environment for the free and open exchange of ideas through civil discourse. Comfortable accommodations and attentiveness to participants’ every need minimizes distractions and maximizes engagement.
Follow-up
Dialogue must lead to action. Agreed-to action steps, assigned accountability and detailed timelines ensure continued engagement and progress.
Execution
Execution sets expectations. We can only ask of others what we ourselves deliver. We set the bar high, targeting nothing less than flawless execution in all aspects of convening.
