Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict - October 2026

Oct. 27-30, 2026
Farm Bureau
7373 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917

Program times: 
Day 1: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Day 2: 8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Day 3: 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m.
Day 4: 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict (formerly Advanced Facilitative Leadership),  is a practical workshop focused on developing comfort with high-heat situations in group settings. The course has been revised to a 4-day format to create more space for feedback and hands-on practice with facilitation scenarios. The workshop is offered as a next-level training to our other facilitation programs: Tools for Effective Facilitation and Communicating through Conflict.  

Working with Groups in Conflict will focus on leading groups that are faced with difficult situations that impede progress and even threaten the group's continuation.

We’ll use realistic situations and a simple framework to help you practice key skills and processes. The framework focuses on four essential clusters of competencies—self-awareness, self-management, group awareness, and group facilitative leadership. Participants will pair up and practice facilitating to develop trust, uncovering underlying interests, and create common goals. These facilitation practices will involve role-play with real-life conflicts. You will receive intensive feedback in a subsequent debrief session. You will also explore the importance of working with emotions and create a personal philosophy statement to guide your future work. Because this workshop is built on co-learning experiences, attendance is mandatory for the entire four days.

The cost of the workshop is $1,200. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. on October 27 and end on October 30 at 4 p.m.

The program cost covers all breakfasts, lunches, and Tuesday's dinner, a book, and additional materials. Lodging is not included for this session. You will need to reserve and pay for lodging on your own. There is typically a waiting list for this session, so please indicate as soon as you become aware if you are no longer able to attend, so that we may fill your seat. Cancellations received before October 6 at 5 p.m. ET will receive a full refund if we are able to fill your space. If we are unable to fill your spot there will be a $250 cancellation fee.  After this date, there are no refunds.

Limited, partial scholarships may be available if cost is a barrier to your participation. For scholarship information, please contact Eric Walcott at walcott3@msu.edu. 

Participants will be expected to attend one of two Zoom orientations before the session:

• Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 | 10-11:00 a.m. ET

• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 | 2:30 -3:30 p.m. ET 

Lodging: 
Lodging is available at the Hilton Garden Inn Lansing West 633 N. Canal Rd Lansing, MI 48917 for $139 a night. Rooms are available Oct. 27-30, 2026.
If you need a room outside the block please contact Megghan with ANR Event Services at honkemeg@msu.edu to work with the hotel to adjust the block.

Rooms must be reserved before Sept. 26, 2026, to receive the discounted rate.

You may book your own lodging at the hotel by calling 517-999-9930 option 0 using code: EFO or at https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/lanwegi-efo-bd6ce024-8389-4560-a2d7-a4e0e8801b98/

Michigan State University is committed to providing participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested two weeks prior to the start of the event by contacting either  Kim Chung at kchung@msu.edu or Eric Walcott  at walcott3@msu.edu. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Additionally, the Tools for Effective Facilitation: Working with Groups in Conflict training uses a variety of teaching materials, such as chalk, scented markers, dry-erase markers, glue, lamination, and adhesives such as masking tape. You will be asked to record on a flip chart, stand, and both participate in and lead a variety of facilitation techniques demonstrated in the workshop. We would like to accommodate all needs individuals might have prior to the session. Please explain below if you have allergies or require a learning accommodation.