Running a group relations conference requires careful consideration of numerous factors both in the planning and lead up to the conference, and during the conference itself. 

And yet, conference directors and staff rarely have the luxury or time to reflect with others about everything from administration and staffing to design and innovation, or about some of the dilemmas that they may be presented with. Nor do they have much opportunity to engage in a discussion with senior colleagues in different parts of the world.

What is in the course?

This course will consider the essentials of Group Relations Conferences: their purpose, design and core components, together with key considerations in planning a conference and some of the dilemmas encountered during a conference itself. It will look at the philosophy and fundamentals, as well as some of the complexities and new developments in the field. Its aim is both to facilitate the taking up of the director role, and to enrich and deepen the perspectives of seasoned group relations practitioners.

With a team of experienced directors from the global group relations network, together with a group of international participants, and through a combination of lectures, readings, panel discussions and small group work, the course will offer opportunities for rich discussion and debate, for exposure to multiple viewpoints, for learning from the experience of ‘elders’ – senior figures in the field – and contemporaries, and for challenging one’s own perspectives and developing new insights.

Who are the guest lecturers and panelists?

Eliat Aram, David Armstrong, Daphna Bahat, Jan Baker, Moshe Bergstein, Gabi Bonwitt, Sarah Brazaitis, Leslie Brissett, Louisa Diana Brunner, Jolita Buzaitytė-Kašalynienė, Leila Djemal, Kenneth Eisold, Shmuel Erlich, Mira Erlich Ginor, Yigal Ginath, Zachary Gabriel Green, Rachel Kelly, Olya Khaleelee, James Krantz, Susan Long, Mary McRae, Luca Mingarelli, René Molenkamp, Brigid Nossal, Debra Noumair, Avi Nutkevitch, Joan Roma i Vergés, Allan Shafer, Ed Shapiro, Mannie Sher, Chris Tanner, Flora Taylor, Mike Teplitz, Yossi Triest, Rosemary Viswanath, Kathleen Pogue White.

What is the format?

The course combines lectures, readings, panel discussions and small group work. It includes 9 meetings, some of which will be 6.5 hours long and others 3.5 hours long, and will take place on Zoom.

Who is it suitable for?

New group relations conference directors and those who hope to direct in the future, more experienced conference directors who would like to broaden their perspectives, and anyone who has previously staffed a group relations conference and would like to be part of a stimulating and vibrant learning community

This course is international and will be held in English. It is open to those who have held staff roles at group relations conferences.