Tools for Effective Facilitation Workshop (formerly Facilitative Leadership) - April 2026

April 28-30, 2026

Kewadin Casino
2186 Shunk Rd.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Tools for Effective Facilitation Workshop

Want to lead meetings that people enjoy—and get things done? The Tools for Effective Facilitation (formerly known as “Facilitative Leadership”) workshop is all about helping you build the confidence and skills to guide groups toward positive, productive outcomes. Whether you’re working with a team, a community group, or an organization, this training gives you practical tools to make meetings more focused, creative, and effective.

This is Session One: Introductory Level. If you already facilitate regularly or consider yourself advanced, you may want to check out our Tools for Effective Facilitation in Conflict workshop instead. That program is designed for experienced facilitators who work with groups on controversial, “high-heat” community issues and want to deepen their skills for navigating conflict.

What to Expect: Over three interactive days, you’ll learn by doing. Each participant will have two chances to facilitate, a short 10-minute session and a longer 45-minute experience. You’ll receive personalized feedback from instructors and peers to help you grow your skills. You’ll practice techniques like:

• Leading group discussions that stay on track
• Building consensus and encouraging creativity
• Setting clear, outcome-based goals
• Keeping energy high and conversations productive
• Turning ideas into actionable plans

Why no technology?
This program is intentionally technology-free. While that may sound old-school, it’s by design. Before using digital tools, it’s essential to master the fundamentals of facilitation—how to engage people, guide conversations, and build consensus without relying on screens. Once you understand these basics, you can apply them effectively in any setting, in-person or virtual.

What’s Included for $900 workshop cost: 

• Day 1: Morning refreshments
• Day 2 & 3: Hot breakfast each morning
• All three days: Lunch, plus snacks and drinks throughout
• All materials for activities
  (Lodging is not included.)

Class size is limited (24–30 people) so everyone gets plenty of practice and coaching. Because this workshop is highly interactive, we ask that you commit to being fully present for all three days with no outside meetings or calls so you and your peers get the most out of the experience.

Cancellation policy:
If you can’t attend, please let us know right away so we can offer your spot to someone on the waiting list. Cancel at least one month before the workshop and we’ll refund your fee if we can fill your seat. Otherwise, a $250 cancellation fee applies. With less than three weeks’ notice, the full registration fee is forfeited.

Accessibility:
Michigan State University is committed to full participation. If you need accommodations, contact Will Cronin at croninwi@msu.edu or 906-281-7270 by April 13, 2026. Requests after that date will be honored whenever possible.

Materials used:
We’ll use items like markers (scented/unscented), flip charts, tape, and other supplies. Activities involve standing, moving around, and writing. If you have allergies, sensitivities, or need any accommodations, please let us know in advance.

Agenda at a Glance

Day 1 – Tuesday,

• 8 – 8:30 a.m. | Light Refreshments
• 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Welcome & Overview
• 9:30 – 11:20 a.m. | Facilitation Skills: Verbal Techniques, Flip-Chart Recording, Graphic Symbols
• 11:20 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Lunch
• 12:15 – 3 p.m. | Practice: Facilitating with Verbal Skills (Small Groups)
• 3:15 – 5 p.m. | Tools for Brainstorming & Consensus: Sticky Wall, Mind Mapping, Prioritization Techniques

Day 2 – Wednesday,

• 7 – 7:45 a.m. | Hot Breakfast
• 8 – 10:30 a.m. | Tools for Consensus & Meeting Design
• 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Planning Time
• 12– 1 p.m. | Lunch
• 1 – 2 p.m. | Planning Time
• 2 – 5 p.m. | Facilitative Leadership Practice (Small Groups)

Day 3 – Thursday,

• 7 – 7:45 a.m. | Hot Breakfast
• 8 – 8:10 a.m. | Group Pulse
• 8:10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Facilitative Leadership in Practice (Small Groups)
• 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. | Lunch
• 1:15 – 2:40 p.m. | Facilitative Leadership in Practice (Continued)
• 2:40 – 3:30 p.m. | Group Photo, Evaluation & Wrap-Up

Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting

All participants will be expected to participate in a preworkshop zoom meeting. When registering please select which zoom meeting you in which you participate: 

• April 14, 2026, at 3 p.m. 
• April 23, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Lodging: 

Lodging is available at the Kewadin Casino and Resort for $103.50 a night. Rooms are available April 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 April 13, 2026, to receive the discounted rate.

You may book your own lodging at the hotel by calling 800-839-2346  using group code: 2631 or online at https://book.rguest.com/wbe/group/1256/KewadinCasinoSault/auth