What is a Future Search Conference?

• A large group planning conference involving around 64 participants.

• Involves 16 hours work spread over three days with two sleepovers.

• Includes a wide range of often conflicting stakeholders who have an influence on the future.

• Participants work in self managed groups which reduces hierarchies and dependence.

• The focus is on identifying and creating desired futures rather than fixing past mistakes.

• Stakeholders acknowledge their interdependence and discover the common ground from which they are prepared to work together.

 How does it work?

• A steering group identifies the theme and invites representatives from stakeholder groups.

• Participants begin by recording milestones and trends in their histories and tell the 'story' of the group to date.

• The focus shifts to the present and participants map the world and local trends as they affect the focus of the conference.

• Stakeholders analyse priorities for their groups and list their 'prouds and sorries' in relation to the conference theme.

• Turning to the future, mixed groups create their ideal future scenarios - what people want to work towards making happen.

• Groups consider which potential futures they would like to incorporate into the whole group's future and determine common ground.

• Stakeholder or volunteer groups make long and short range action plans, report them to the conference, agree next steps and communicate these to the wider community.

What Are the Business Applications?

• Co-create a shared vision, mission and values.

• Develop and implement strategy concurrently.

• Generate new product ideas and new initiatives.

• Build supply chain relationships, collaboration and innovation.

• Resolve complex intractable problems, particularly involving a diverse group of stakeholders in social, business and environmental areas.

What Are the Benefits?

• Have the whole system (organisation or community) represented.

• Brings together those stakeholders who can have a direct impact on the (your) future.

• Time not wasted trying to resolve conflicts but productively spent finding common ground.

• High commitment action plans developed.

• Create ownership and commitment.