The ToP Gathering 2024, held in picturesque Myrtle Beach, concluded in February, leaving attendees enriched with new insights, connections, and a rejuvenated spirit for facilitation. This year’s theme, “Coastal Oasis: A Place for Facilitators to Connect, Create, and Rejuvenate,” beautifully encapsulated the essence of the gathering, offering a blend of professional development and personal growth opportunities.

Event Highlights and Key Takeaways

Creating Community Agreements
On February 6, Gathering participants met to co-create community agreements for the Gathering. This session was led by Krista Rowe who explained that agreements serve as equitable practices designed to foster inclusion, belonging and accountability as we meet.

Read more about the community agreements

Dynamic Workshops and Sessions
The gathering featured workshops that addressed current trends and challenges in the facilitation world. Highlights included "Failing Forward with the Business Side of the Facilitation Business," where facilitators discussed the realities of entrepreneurship, and "ToP Facilitation in Africa: Lessons Learned," which explored the application of ToP methodologies in development projects. Workshops like "Integrate Go-to Organization Development Frameworks with ToP Facilitation" showcased practical tools that participants could immediately apply in their professional practice.

Take a look at the program schedule

Plenary Sessions
The opening plenary set the tone with interactive activities designed to foster connections among facilitators. The focus on inclusive engagement and introductions was discernable, as participants shared the space to learn from each other. The closing plenary emphasized rejuvenation through creative expressions like music and poetry, helping participants wind down and reflect on their learnings.

Key Presentation
During the ToP Gathering 2024, Dr. Yvette Pressley's presentation, titled "Implicit Bias - What, So What, Now What," and the following World Café session stood out as significant contributions to the understanding and practical application of addressing implicit bias.

Dr. Pressley’s session provided a comprehensive exploration of implicit bias, its implications in various interpersonal and institutional contexts, and strategies for mitigating its effects.

Following the presentation, the World Café facilitated by June Klaphake and Eileen Pippens expanded on the themes introduced by Dr. Pressley. This session was structured around small group discussions at café tables, where participants could deepen their understanding and personal reflection on implicit bias.

Open Space
The Open Space session at the ToP Gathering 2024 proved to be a dynamic and participant-driven experience, where facilitators and participants engaged in deep discussions on several pressing topics within the facilitation community.

We started with a group circle when all suggested topics for discussion. Topics included: Exploring the ToP trainer journey, Riches in the Niches, Trainer trauma, Mentor match, Practicing inclusivity, Training adaptation, and status of facilitators in Ukraine and Russia. Participants then joined the discussion group of their choosing. For the closing, we reflected on the highlights and methodology.

BBIPOC Get Together
Facilitators and trainers met to discuss many topics. The ToP Network values diverse experiences that contribute to the body of knowledge that helps us all improve, support, and thrive in our understanding of one another and ToP practices. The Gathering provided an opportunity for an in-person community of practice session.

Networking and Socializing
Structured networking events and informal social gatherings, such as the "Dine Around Town", shag dancing, bingo night, and miniature golf, provided ample opportunities for participants to form new bonds and strengthen existing ones. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, as facilitators exchanged ideas and shared experiences in a relaxed setting.

Trainer Meetup
Fifty Qualified, Mentor, and Apprentice ToP trainers attended the Trainer Meetup on Wednesday, February 21. This was a time for all trainers to annually get together in person to tend to the business and advancement of the ToP training program.

Post-Gathering Courses
We held two ToP courses after the Gathering: Making Data Dance and Facilitation for Innovation. Thank you to trainers Robert Quintana Hopkins, Jane Stallman, Kathleen Paulo, Librada Estrada, and Ann Epps for offering these courses.

Looking Forward
As participants returned to their daily lives, the connections made and lessons learned at the ToP Gathering 2024 will undoubtedly influence their approaches to facilitation. The success of this event has set a high benchmark for future gatherings, promising even more innovative and enriching experiences for facilitators around the world.

In conclusion, ToP Gathering 2024 was more than just a conference; it was a revitalizing retreat that provided valuable professional development and a much-needed space for personal renewal. The facilitation community looks forward to gathering again next year, ready to explore new challenges and celebrate the evolving art and science of facilitation.

Next year’s ToP Gathering will be held February 20-22, 2025 and will be virtual.