Facilitators Connect 2024 – An Unforgettable Event for Professional Growth and Networking

I was thrilled by the next Facilitators Connect event because it was in a castle!. I had been saving up for this experience and was eagerly anticipating what promised to be a memorable gathering. This time felt even more special because I was selected to be an internal speaker. My session focused on using the concept of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to help other facilitators explore new ideas and uncover opportunities for growth within their own businesses. I designed a workshop specifically for facilitators, ensuring it would be both impactful and engaging for the 3 hours.

I travelled from Sheffield to the south of France by train—a lengthy journey that took several hours. My decision was partly practical as I was carrying a suitcase full of Lego bricks for a workshop I had been planning. I didn’t want to risk flying and potentially losing my baggage, which would have disrupted the event. Opting for the train not only felt safer, but was also an eco-friendly choice. Plus I had never been on the Eurostar before so that bucket item needed to be checked off.

Traveling by train also gave me the chance to enjoy one of my favorite pastimes. I spent the journey gazing out the window, listening to audiobooks, sketching ideas in my journals, and planning for the year ahead. It was the perfect opportunity to organize my thoughts and prepare for upcoming workshops—all while embracing the adventure of rail travel.

I was thrilled at the idea of staying in a castle, and when I arrived and was picked up at the station by  Michiel who I hadn't seen for a year - I was on maximum giddy level. The castle turned out to be much larger and more stunning than it appeared in the photos. The day was blisteringly hot, with temperatures climbing to a sweltering 37°C. While the sunshine was enjoyable, it was only bearable with shady spots to retreat to. The thick castle walls provided a welcome escape from the heat, keeping the interiors refreshingly cool. Another option for relief came as two castle pools, perfect for a refreshing dip on such a scorching day.

Inside the castle were incredible rooms, surrounded by towering walls that had years of history and charm. After unpacking and settling in, I spent some time with the organizers before relaxing by the pool. The warmth of the sunlight, the chirping of birds, and the peaceful atmosphere made it a perfect moment—except for the relentless mosquitoes. I remembered from my previous visit to always pack mosquito repellent, fortunately, this time I was prepared, and the mosquitoes were repelled.

A difference this time round was the mix of people attending. We had some participants from the previous retreat and others from the new cohort, whom we had connected with through regular community calls. I had one-on-one calls with most of the attendees, building connections across different time zones. This turned out to be a wonderful experience—I felt like I already knew some of them before we even met in person. Along with the community calls beforehand, this allowed us to connect.

We had the privilege of hosting three incredible speakers, including Annette Simmons, who delivered a powerful talk on psychological safety. She also led an outstanding workshop, showcasing her remarkable style and technique. Her expertise in this field was truly inspiring, and I found her insights so valuable that I ended up purchasing all of her books. It was such a pleasure to have her not only lead sessions but also join us for other workshops. The opportunity to chat with her during breaks, over breakfast, and lunch made the experience even more enriching.

Jan Beuls shared valuable insights on change management within organizations, focusing on how to navigate resistance and drawing from his own projects and experiences. His perspective was incredibly useful, as it aligns closely with the challenges I frequently encounter in my UCD work. Hearing his expertise and knowledge on the subject was both insightful and highly relevant to my practice as well as facilitating stakeholders with change.

During the session, Alex shared insightful strategies on how to design training sessions more efficiently. He introduced several techniques, some of which I’ve since incorporated into the training sessions I run. His input was incredibly practical and valuable.

We all had the opportunity to run mini-workshops, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. These sessions proved to be just as impactful as they were in the past. What made this experience even more rewarding was the opportunity to take part in others’ workshops—a rare and cherished experience for facilitators, as we often crave the chance to step into the role of a participant.

One key speaker was Miriam’s talk on crafting powerful questions. It was eye-opening and thought-provoking. We also tried something new—a “wandering workshop” conducted outdoors. The weather was beautiful, extremely sunny, and we made full use of the castle grounds. The setting was perfect for group activities, paired exercises, and small group work. At times, we sought shade under trees to escape the heat, but it only added to the charm of the experience. The open space and picturesque surroundings created an ideal environment for collaboration and learning.

A highlight of the week was overcoming my fear of facilitating a workshop alongside other experienced facilitators. I remember writing in my journal last year about my dream of running a workshop abroad, and it finally came true. During the retreat, I had the opportunity to lead a session, and while it was initially intimidating—surrounded by facilitators with years of experience working with global corporate brands, they all made me feel welcome and at ease.

There I was, running a small LEGO workshop with this incredible group, and to my surprise, the session ran over. Not because of poor planning, but because everyone was so engaged. People were deeply immersed, playing, connecting in their groups, and having meaningful conversations. Some discussions touched on profound topics that left a lasting impact on the participants—and on me. It was truly beautiful to facilitate such a session.

What I love most about using LEGO is how everyone takes something different away from the experience. Some insights strike them immediately, while others emerge later—maybe months down the line—when they recall the models they built or the conversations they had. It’s not just about the activity, but also about the support and connection within the group.

Facilitating that workshop was such a powerful reminder of how much we underestimate the value of human connection in our work. Bringing people together, creating space for those connections to flourish, and witnessing the impact—it’s something I’ll always cherish.