Welcome to The International Forum of Visual Practitioner’s Conference 2006!

		page contents This Year's Theme An Extra Day!! Conference Agenda Pre-Conference Workshop Info Conference Highlights Registration, Fees and Lodging FAQ's - frequently asked questions    Return to IFVP Home Page
October 26 – 29, 2006 Granlibakken Resort & Conference Center, Tahoe City, California

“HEAD, HEART and HANDS:
Catalyzing Powerful High-Touch Communication”

THIS YEAR’S THEME

This year’s theme is all about exploring what it means to be professionals who truly integrate head, heart and hands in our work.  Those of us working in this field embody a sensibility and capability that is contemporary and needed. As communication becomes more digital, fragmented and reactive, the need for a balancing practice that is analogic, integrated, and responsive is growing. Remote work teams need excellent, productive face-to-face experiences through which to get to know each other and then sustain their connection when working at a distance.  Organizations trying to conduct business by PowerPoint truly need alternatives that support big picture thinking, deep dialogue, and true alignment. We provide these alternatives.

Digital natives are already fluid in word, image, and sound, and think in terms of multiple intelligences and multi-media. Graphic facilitation is this kind of intelligence applied to professional group work, and could become the preferred medium as the younger generation finds out about us, and we become more able to work across the line between face-to-face and digital communications.

This conference will provide experiences across the spectrum of head, heart & hands and directly engage the question of how we communicate the value of this kind of integration. In the main part of the conference we will engage the key elements separately and together.

For the head we will consider the underpinnings and structure behind various types of recording; we will explore the role of visual metaphor in providing a portal into systems level thinking; we will look at strategies for marketing our work and our value proposition to clients, and we will share best practices for organizing text/graphic information.
 
For the heart we will enjoy the beauty of the Lake Tahoe area through a metaphor walk in the woods, have circle dialogues, social times, and storytelling about our practices.  In the evenings we will gather to enjoy each other’s company – making new friends and reconnecting with old ones.

For the hand we will have a new practitioner’s workshop focusing on quickdraw skills and recording, a digital workshop actually making presentations, a cartooning section, and many opportunities to record.  We will also have opportunities to deeply engage in sessions on visualizing and drawing.  In addition, drummer, Marlin Boisen has also agreed to attend with his drums and lead us in whatever ways we would like to engage him.

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AN EXTRA DAY!

Based on feedback from last year’s conference, we have added a full day onto the beginning of the conference, to allow for two separate tracks of learning and skill building.  Two concurrent workshops will be offered (you have to choose!).  One will be a Multi-Media Workshop and will focus on using multi-media to provide your clients a wider range of meeting report options as well as generating your own multi-media marketing materials.  The second workshop is a New Practitioners Workshop and has been designed specifically for those new to the field, to gain invaluable insights, techniques and skills around various aspects of graphic recording.  By adding this extra day, we are giving you more choices, and opportunities for in-depth learning (see below for more details on the workshops). You can come on Thursday for the workshop of your choice and stay for the main conference, or you can come on Friday for the main conference. We invite you to join us for the optional workshops!  If you choose not to attend the workshop sessions, please join us for the main portion of the conference, which will be held Friday through Sunday.

Once again we’re offering an “Early Bird Registration” special where you can save a good chunk of money by registering early (and IFVP members get an even bigger discount!), and the Granlibakken offers several rooming options for shared rooms, shared townhouses, or private sleeping rooms, all for your convenience.  When you register through the Granlibakken, you are reserving your room and also securing your registration…in one simple step!

We know this year’s conference will be a valuable learning experience for everyone and hope that you can join us!  It’s going to be a fantastic journey of learning…come along with us!

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CONFERENCE START/END TIMES

Pre-Conference WORKSHOPS:

MAIN CONFERENCE:

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WORKSHOPS  

We have two outstanding workshops to choose from: The Multi-Media Workshop or The New Practitioners Workshop. Below are descriptions of the workshops to further entice you!

The Multi-Media Workshop is designed to advance your practice and understanding of multi-media communications in order to offer clients the next step beyond paper meeting reports, as well as develop your own multi-media marketing materials. We will explore how to leverage our hands-on work with the new media of presentation software, the web, digital photography and tablet PCs, and engage the newcomers in the idea that they are entering into not only a profession but a practice of become integrated human beings in service of group collaboration.

You will learn about:
    - Processing digital photographs
    - Including video clips in your reports
    - Using software such as Keynote to create interactive e-books
    - Creating meeting reports in Powerpoint
    - Using the Tablet PC to create images and incorporate them in reports
    - Web-based reports
    - Interactive reports

This promises to be a fun and exciting way to expand our technical horizons and enjoy working together! Participants will work in teams during this workshop, so while it is not necessary to bring your own equipment (laptop, digital cameras, scanners, video camera, tablets, software etc.), it will be very helpful if you bring what you have!  We will send out more information and details on what you will need to bring with you as we get closer.  Register now for this outstanding opportunity to learn to market your work utilizing the power of multi-media!  Space is limited and is on a first come, first served basis.
 

The New Practitioners Workshop will be a hands-on introduction to the exciting field of graphic recording!  You will learn the basic ideas behind graphic recording, it’s different uses, applications and impacts and have various opportunities to learn and practice specific skills.  In this workshop you will learn:

• How to listen for key information when others are talking (and take graphic notes that the audience will treasure)
• To begin clustering information into a workable, easy-to-read format
• How color dramatically affects people and how to use it for impact
• Basic drawing skills and begin creating your own “database” of icons to think of when you hear words
• Learn how to effectively partner work with consultants, presenters, educators and other clients
• How to think like a businessperson and figure out how to begin selling your uniqueness and talent

This workshop is open to practitioners of every level of experience.  Repetition is a powerful learning tool – often we learn the most when we review material we’ve seen once or twice before - so everyone is invited!

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CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS  

We are planning what promises to be an exciting conference,
with dynamic speakers and workshops,
and want to share with you some of the highlights...

Keynote Speaker – Jan Adkins

Our keynote speaker on Friday afternoon is Jan Adkins. He is a nationally known, award winning designer and illustrator.

Most of his professional life has been given to telling how things work in words and pictures: technology, mechanics, physics, medicine, nature and history. This is his calling: he is an Explainer. He has explained a bewildering variety of subjects, though he insists that they are all connected, part of one great puzzle.

For nine years he was the associate art director at National Geographic Magazine, explaining the space shuttle, lasers, submarines, Soviet
rockets, satellites, nuclear physics, marine archaeology, forest fires, volcanoes and the voyages of Christopher Columbus.

He taught editorial illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design for several years, and taught illustration and graphic design at
Maryland Institute, College of Art, in Baltimore.

Jan is a dynamic presenter and teacher. We look forward to an energetic and informative keynote on issues around information design and illustration principles. He will also be teaching a hands-on drawing workshop on Saturday.

I've been exploring Ken Wilber's  Integral Theory this year. It's helped me to both develop and
increase the  sophistication of my work, and has strengthened my resolve about the  importance
of our work in the world. As a community, I think we have a  friend in Wilber, so I'd love to lead a conversation about his work and ideas.  Participants will take away:
- An introduction to Wilber's Four Quadrant  Model and an overview of Integral Theory.
- An introduction to Beck &  Cowan's Spiral Dynamics model, and how it fits into the Four Quadrant Model.  
- Shared conversation

Graphic Recording and Group Process
with Christine Valenza IFVP link and Nancy Margulies IFVP link

 In this interactive workshop we will share our experiences working with processes that reflect a changing way of being in the world -- one where our clients are learning from each other and building relationships. In this networked, decentralized world processes like The World Cafe and Open Space reinforce a non-hierarchical way of being. Our capacity to reflect back to the group the themes and patters as well as the details of their experience take on a special meaning for groups who are evolving into to new way of working together. We will also explore what may be the next steps for our profession as we empower others to use visual thinking and visual language to express their own thoughts and "think on  paper".

The Business of Graphic Recording:  Powerfully Marketing Your Uniqueness and Effectively Managing Your Business
with Michelle Boos-Stone IFVP link and Martha McGinness IFVP link

In this session you will discover your unique selling proposition as a graphic recorder and how to market yourself in your preferred niche, and with the clients YOU want!  We'll discuss the benefits of utilizing social and professional networks and "connector" individuals to your advantage, as well as how to partner with a PR firm.  Find out how to position yourself to get repeat client work, and also "alternative" work.  We'll also talk about what it takes to manage your business: proposals, contracting, partnering with consultants/firms, invoicing, confidentiality agreements, bookkeeping and general organization of your financials.  Come prepared to create your own marketing plan!

Make Meetings Meaningful:  Practical Facilitation for Visual Practitioners
With Ruth E. N. Siguenza IFVP link

Good meetings save time, reduce conflict, and build trust.  Discover the four stages of the meeting lifecycle and how to blend the professions of facilitation and graphic recording to promote effective co-facilitation of meetings.  Learn practical skills to design and conduct productive meetings.  Understand the values and core competencies that professional facilitators use to make meetings meaningful.  Workshop objectives:
 
1.  To clarify the role of the facilitator
2.  To understand the importance of clearly identifying the desired objectives, outcomes, and deliverables of a meeting
3.  To learn the key components of a complete meeting design and meeting agenda, including the three basic types of facilitation tools
4.  To discuss practical tips for facilitating a meeting and addressing challenging situations
 
This workshop is appropriate for participants of all skill and interest levels.

Knowledge Harvest: Collecting our Insights, Building our Capacities
with Emily Shepard IFVP link and Christine Valenza  IFVP link

Having done this work for years, many of us have gleaned significant insights into process design and group work. This workshop will be a chance for practitioners to come together and discuss our collective intelligence. What makes an engaging process? When is it time for the group to stop working so intensely and instead refresh with a walk? What role does environment/room set up/ music play in setting the mood for a session? Participants in this session will leave with a deepened understanding of the breadth and value of our insights, and will be more aware of how to better partner with the process facilitator on designing a powerful, effective event.

Nature Metaphor Walk
With David Sibbet IFVP link

In this workshop we will explore the role of metaphor in providing a portal into systems level thinking.  We will first consider the uses and power of metaphor in graphic recording and then we will have an experiential exercise - a nature walk to both enjoy the beauty of the Lake Tahoe area as well as stretch your metaphor muscles.  We will then reconvene to share our learnings and insights.

...And more!!
 We are also planning time for more informal, less structured conversations among attendees around topics of interest, as well as opportunities for drawing and creative expression, and other activities.  We plan to fully engage you – head, heart and hands!

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CONFERENCE AND LODGING FEES 

The below fees represent the total cost for conference registration, group meals, and for accommodations in a double room in a townhouse at the Granlibakken. There is a member discount given for IFVP members, as well as a discount for Early Bird registrations!

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PLEASE NOTE that the rates quoted above are for accommodations IN A DOUBLE ROOM IN A TOWNHOUSE. This means you will be sharing a room.  If you would like a single room, will be staying an extra night or arriving a day early, or would like Granlibakken’s “Executive” level accommodations, please let them know when you register.         

? - How do I become a member of IFVP to get the best conference rate?  
If you want to become a member of the IFVP and get a conference discount, a personal webpage, insurance access and a whole slew of other member benefits, click on the following link, which will take you to the IFVP Membership page, and follow the easy directions!        www.visualpractitioner.org/members/membership.htm

? - Will there be scholarships available, and how can I make a donation to The Scholarship Fund?” 
Each year, we ask our community to dig into their pockets and contribute money towards registration and lodging fees for other graphic recorders who want to attend and may not be able to cover the expense.   This year we are again asking for monetary donations to help “fill the fund” and we are also coordinating other fundraising activities to raise money as well.  If you can donate money to the Scholarship Fund, please make your check payable to “IFVP” and in the memo line write “for 2006 IFVP Conference Scholarship Fund.”  Please send your check to our IFVP Treasurer, Greg Gollaher, at 7120 Backer Court, Elk Grove, CA  95758.    If you are someone in need of a scholarship, or you would like to nominate someone for a scholarship, please contact Michelle Boos-Stone at mboos13@aol.com.  Please note that IFVP members will be given priority over non-members.   ”How can I get an agenda for the conference?”  The Conference Planning Committee is hard at work formulating the details and gathering up the best speakers and facilitators we can, and will soon finalize the agenda.  You can get a copy of the agenda when it becomes available on the IFVP website at www.ifvp.org, and keep looking for more email updates to come your way!

? - How can I find out who’s registered to attend the conference?” 
If you want to find out which of your friends are attending, just log onto the IFVP website at www.ifvp.org for updates.  

? - Who is on the Conference Planning Committee and how can I contact them?” 
Your 2006 IFVP Conference Planning Committee includes our Co-Chairs, Emily Shepard and Paula Hansen, Linda Pedelty, Lynn Kearny, David Sibbet, Dana Wright and Michelle Boos-Stone.  You can contact our Co-Chairs with questions, concerns or offers to volunteer by emailing them at: e_shepard@sbcglobal.net or paula_hansen@grove.com  

? - How can I volunteer to help with the conference?” 
Even if you can only volunteer to do one job, that’s a huge help to us!  We will soon have a master list of To-Do’s and are looking for individuals to help out in any way they can!  We realize that some of you may want to volunteer but don’t have a lot of time…we GET it!  There will be small jobs on the list, such as helping hang charts, small spot illustration, signage creation, registration desk greeters…stuff like that that you can help with, without a huge time commitment.  We appreciate anything you can offer!

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN OCTOBER!

Warm regards,

Paula Hansen and Emily Shepard

Conference Co-Chairs

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