Facilitation & Meeting Planning

Meetings and Retreats are one tool in your toolkit when it comes to the professional development of your team, and the advancement of your organization. Let's make sure they work!

Effective meeting planning and facilitation can be the difference between a productive gathering and a wasted opportunity. I believe that every gathering is an opportunity for individual and collective learning. That's why I offer comprehensive meeting planning and facilitation services to help my clients make the most of every opportunity. I will work with you to customize a plan that suits your specific needs, ensuring that we create an agenda that actually accomplishes your goals.

As a skilled facilitator, I will ensure that your meeting runs smoothly, keeping everyone focused and on track and adapting as necessary to changing needs. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a large conference, I can help make it a success.

I can help you with:

  • Determining the purpose and goals of your meeting;

  • Developing an effective agenda with diverse opportunities for participation;

  • Organizing the logistical aspects of your meeting or conference;

  • Outlining participant roles and responsibilities;

  • Moderating panels or sequenced presentations;

  • Facilitating brainstorming sessions;

  • Documenting discussions and agreements;

  • Designing and hosting online meetings;

  • Writing post-meeting summaries, plans, or outcomes.

I particularly enjoy planning and hosting retreats that help to rejuvenate teams, build community, and develop individuals' skills and talents.

Client Testimonial

I have had the pleasure of seeing Carrie work as a facilitator several different times. She is always thorough, well-prepared and productive, even when groups are wrestling with thorny issues. Those sessions and events have invariably led to valuable, high-quality work product for the participants.

Dan Smith, Vermont Community Foundation

Sample Meeting Planning & Facilitation Projects

Advance Vermont

I worked with this collective impact initiative, designed to increase post-college degree and credential attainment in Vermont, from 2017-2019. My roles included: facilitating meetings of diverse constituents during the course of a year-long policy planning initiative; planning and facilitating a statewide convening; and planning a curriculum revision initiative.

The Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economy Collaborative

In  June, 2017, Vermont’s Governor (Phil Scott) signed an executive order identifying outdoor recreation as a key economic opportunity for the state and creating the “Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economy Collaborative (VOREC).”  A committee was formed to guide VOREC’s initiatives, but input from those in the field and from the public was also essential.  I was hired to help plan and facilitate a 2-day “Grafton Conference” at the Grafton Inn, sponsored by the Windham Foundation, The Vermont Community Foundation, and the High Meadows Fund.

Vermont Women in Higher Education (VWHE)

The VWHE conference brings over 100 women together to advance their leadership and reflective learning. In 2018 & 2019, I served as the Conference Committee Chairperson (pro bono). My role was to ensure that this conference met and exceeded attendees’ expectations. I handled all venue selection and logistics, and collaborated with the committee to request workshop proposals and plan the agenda. We took new approaches to speakers, networking events, and professional development in order to make the conference more meaningful for attendees.

Let's Work Together!

Contact me to discuss your organization's needs or explore a potential project.