An Introduction to Facilitation
Master the tools, mindset, and confidence to lead dynamic, inclusive, and productive engagement sessions. Move from managing meetings to inspiring meaningful dialogue.
Facilitating Groups; An Introduction to Facilitation is an interactive workshop that equips public participation professionals with the tools, techniques, and confidence to lead dynamic, inclusive, and productive engagement sessions.
Through interactive lectures, real-world case studies, hands-on practice, and peer coaching, participants learn foundational facilitation concepts; how to design effective processes; manage group dynamics; and build the soft skills that turn meetings into meaningful dialogues.
Whether you're new to facilitation or formalizing your practice, this course delivers immediate, practical value you can apply the very next day.
Practical, immediately applicable learning grounded in internationally recognized facilitation principles.
Learn facilitation approaches grounded in IAP2's Core Values and recognized globally by leading practitioners in 30+ countries.
Practice real facilitation techniques, receive immediate feedback, and leave with templates and tools you can use the next day.
Connect with fellow practitioners from across sectors; share challenges, solutions, and build relationships that last your career.
Better-facilitated sessions lead to richer input, stronger trust, and more actionable outcomes. Practitioners report measurable impact.
Core competencies you will develop and apply to your engagement work.
Whether you're new to facilitation or deepening your skills, this course meets you where you are.
Engagement professionals seeking to strengthen their group facilitation skills and confidence
Professionals who need to run effective stakeholder meetings and gather meaningful input
Leaders seeking to facilitate more engaging, productive team meetings and discussions
Facilitators who want to deepen their ability to guide learning and group experiences
Organizers, advocates, and community members who bring groups together around shared goals
I've run hundreds of meetings, but this course fundamentally changed how I think about facilitation. It's not about managing the meeting; it's about creating the conditions for people to be heard and to hear each other. That shift in mindset has made me a better facilitator and a better listener.
The essential foundation for understanding public participation and engagement frameworks.
Learn MoreExplore the full range of engagement methods and learn when and how to deploy each one.
Learn MoreAdvanced skills for navigating difficult conversations, managing emotions, and moving toward resolution.
Learn MoreSessions run throughout the year in English and French, virtually and in-person across Canada. Check our full calendar for dates and locations near you.