2018 Fall Conference
MARK THE DATE
The 2018 WMA Fall Conference will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at the Tukwila Community Center. We have a panel of great speakers for our morning session! Roger Moss will speak on using mediation skills to address larger community issues like homelessness. Astrid Aveledo will talk about her innovative approaches in reaching out to Tribal and Latino communities. Jamie Clausen will tell us how to integrate conflict coaching into our practice. And, Rick Brady will discuss how, as an Assistant Attorney General, he has expanded the use of mediation and other methods to address public sector issues.
Our format will be similar to last year, a modified “unconference,” so you can plan to convene sessions of interest to you or others. We welcome your input. Send comments or offers to volunteer to admin@washingtonmediation.org.
Lunches will be available for purchase from Ingallina’s. WMA will provide a link to registrants to pre-order and pre-pay for lunch prior to the conference from Thursday, September 27 through Friday, October 5, 2018.
CONVENE
Convene a session! Conference participants convene sessions to share expertise or insight, or to create conversations with peers about important questions and issues. The format emphasizes conversation and dialog to improve the practice of mediation, conflict resolution, and management.
While the Conference theme looks to expand mediation skills into other realms many sessions will focus on best practices and how-to-do-it approaches.
FORMAT
The WMA Fall Conference creates the forum for on-going conversation and dialog about conflict resolution trends, practices, and futures and provides the opportunity for practitioners to develop and maintain professional relationships.
The Conference format will blend sessions that are pre-planned (CLEs pending) with sessions proposed at the conference (a modified unconference format). Session conveners are encouraged to emphasize discussions engaging the participants. Any participant may elect to convene a session on a relevant topic.
CLE credit pending for several sessions. WMA CERTIFICATION requirements including those for diversity and ethics can be met by attending sessions.
Soliciting 2018 Sponsors
We are currently soliciting sponsors for our 2018 Fall Conference. For more information on sponsorships, contact admin@washingtonmediation.org.
Unconference FAQ
General
What is a hybrid unconference?
Are there any rules for an unconference?
What sessions are planned for the unconference?
How will I know there will be topics that I’m interested in being offered?
Has this idea been tried before?
Can I earn CLEs for attendance?
Can I earn WMA certification credits for attendance?
Registration
How do I register?
What types of payments are accepted?
Can I register at the door?
What’s included in the registration price?
My organization or company is a sponsor of the conference. How do I take the sponsorship discount?
Can I take both the WMA and sponsorship discount?
I registered but can’t make it. Can I get a refund?
What is a hybrid unconference?
WMA’s hybrid Fall Conference will provide some pre-proposed sessions so that attendees can plan to convene sessions or have a better idea of some topics that may be offered. The unconference portion creates a participant-driven space where attendees decide on the agenda based on the issues they’re most interested in and passionate about.
At the beginning of the unconference, the facilitator helps attendees create the day’s agenda. Any attendee can host a session so the agenda organically develops from the expertise and interests of those participating. Attendees who want to convene a session share their topic along with a brief introduction with the group. Others get the chance to mark the sessions they’re interested in and then time slots and spaces are assigned based on the size of each group.
Sessions don’t have to be typical presentations. Remember, attendees create the experience. The session can be used to:
- pose a question and brainstorm solutions
- have a panel Q and A
- facilitate a debate on a hot topic
- share experiences around a common issue
- problem solve around an industry or organizational challenge
- whatever else you can think of!
To help prepare for the conference we’ve created a page where attendees can see suggested and proposed sessions. Please convene a session of interest to you – forward the information to us and we will post it to the page.
Are there any rules for an unconference?
There aren’t any rules you have to follow. However, there are a few principles that will help everyone get the most out of the experience.
- Whoever comes are the right people.
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened.
- Follow The Law of Two Feet: If you’re not contributing or learning it’s your responsibility to respectfully use your own 2 feet to find somewhere where you can contribute or learn.
What sessions are planned for the unconference?
Only a few sessions are preplanned because the day’s agenda will be created the day of the event by the attendees. You’ll be able to attend sessions based on what you’re most interested in and passionate about.
How will I know there will be topics that I’m interested in being offered?
You and others can share preplanned ideas for sessions on the blog or bring them up at the planning convocation. Imagine gathering with a group of amazing mediators and having the opportunity to ask questions, get opinions, brainstorm solutions, and share ideas with them. The hybrid conference provides that opportunity. As sessions start to go up on the board, chances are you’ll see many that you’d like to participate in. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you have the opportunity to add sessions. This is a new approach for the mediation community but who better to embrace a new way of communicating and learning?
Has this idea been tried before?
Yes! There have been successful unconferences and hybrids in non-profits and businesses around the world. Anywhere people are open to collaborative learning, there are unconferences happening.
Can I earn CLEs for attendance?
CLE credit is pending.
Can I earn WMA certification credits for attendance?
Yes, this is a great opportunity to earn some of the educational credits you need to renew your WMA certification. You’ll receive a form in your event registration packet. Simply complete the form detailing the sessions you attend and submit it for approval along with your re-certification application.
We are encouraging WMA members to convene sessions in diversity and ethics, two areas where in-service credits are sometimes hard to find.
How do I register?
What types of payments are accepted?
We accept all major credit cards at registration.
Can I register at the door?
If there is room available, you’re welcome to register at the door. However, space is limited so chances are the unconference will sell out before the event day. So we recommend you pre-register to save your seat. Please note that all registrations after October 2nd won’t receive a customized name tag due to internal deadlines.
What is included in the registration price?
Your registration includes all sessions, morning coffee and pastries, afternoon snack, 2 CLE credits (application pending) and credits towards your WMA certification or certification renewal.
My organization or company is a sponsor of the conference. How do I take the sponsorship discount?
Your sponsoring organization or company will provide you with a discount code. Simply enter that at the time of registration and you’ll receive $20 off the regular price.
Can I take both the WMA and sponsorship discount?
Sorry no, you’re only allowed to take one discount.
I registered but can’t make it. Can I get a refund?
You can receive a refund minus a $20 fee if WMA receives written notification no later than midnight, October 4, 2018, of your cancellation. Please email your notification to info@washingtonmediation.org.
