Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Creating What Will Be    Las Vegas, Nevada / August 8-9, 2013

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a collaborative, strengths-based approach to both personal and organizational development that is proving to be highly effective in thousands of organizations and communities in hundreds of countries around the world. Appreciative Inquiry is a way of thinking, seeing, and acting for powerful, purposeful change in individuals, teams, and organizations.

With the current economy and the barrage of negative media that surrounds us, it is easy to lose sight of the good that transpires around us on a daily basis. Rather than fixating on the negative, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) provides an alternative approach that locates, highlights, and illuminates the life-giving forces within an individual, group, organization, or community.  By seeking out the best of ‘what is’ to help ignite the collective imagination of ‘what might be,’ Appreciative Inquiry aims to generate new knowledge that expands the ‘realm of possibility,’ and help individuals, groups and organizations envision a collective desired future and to carry forth that vision in ways that successfully translate images of possibility into reality and belief into practice. Appreciative Inquiry is proven successful in all human systems: individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  

This two-day introduction to Appreciative Inquiry (AI) workshop focuses on gaining an appreciation of Appreciative Inquiry and its applications.  By combining theory and practice, this experiential workshop provides participants with the skills to change their personal and professional relationships.

Workshop Outcomes:

• Learn the theory and research that support the process of Appreciative Inquiry.
• Practice strategies for using an Appreciative Inquiry process to enable innovative, creative personal and organizational change.
• Understand the power of words and its ability to transform perception and reality.
• Begin a personal paradigm shift from “what’s wrong to what’s right” and view the world from an appreciative lens.

Anyone who is curious about Appreciative Inquiry.

This Appreciative Inquiry foundations course includes mini-lectures, and experiential learning (individual, pairs, trios, small group, and large group) as well as auditory and visual materials to enhance the learning experience. Each day has a morning and afternoon session; a morning and afternoon break; and one hour for lunch.**

Day One - Experiencing Appreciative Inquiry
Learn basic process and experience AI by participating in a facilitated Appreciative Inquiry led by experienced Appreciative Inquiry Trainers.

Day Two - Understanding and Living Appreciative Inquiry
Actively learn about the concepts, principles, theories and research as well as practice exercises you can take home to use Appreciative Inquiry in your personal and professional life.

We start each day on time and work diligently to maintain the schedule, honoring the commitment to the learning experience. We have found full participation to be the most productive for the participants and the trainers.  Each day will begin at 8:30 a.m. for continental breakfast and networking. The training sessions will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. each day.

**If you have special dietary needs, please email Melissa Robaina.

• We are relationship-focused. We believe the success of any human endeavor is dependent upon the relationships between those involved. We value each person and strive to develop a rapport, trust, and understanding with all of our clients by investing time and energy into understanding each client, their business, and their aspirations.
• Trainings are small and intimate. The size of each of our training training varies based on the location of the event, but rarely exceed 24 participants. Our intimate training sessions allow for extensive interaction between our trainer(s) and participants – allowing each participant to receive more assistance with individual needs.
• Intensive and experiential. “We remember best what we experience. We understand best what we identify with. We learn best by doing.” We are aware of the importance of personal experience in the retention of learning. This is the underlying principle used in all of our workshops.
• Support. Our intimate training sessions create the perfect environment for networking, motivation, and support with other workshop participants. We encourage participants to continue to share their challenges and experiences with one another even after our trainings have concluded. Support from others can provide the strength needed to continue on the path of positive, sustainable change.
• Infused with Appreciative Inquiry. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a collaborative, strengths-based approach to both personal and organizational development that is proving to be highly effective in thousands of organizations and communities around the world. It is a way of bringing about change that shares leadership and learning, fully engaging everyone in the process. AI empowers our participants to create the processes they wish to use in order to put belief into practice and acquire their goals.
• Mentoring included. To ensure the successful implementation of the skill sets taught during our trainings, our trainer(s) make themselves readily available to answer questions, share knowledge, and provide on-going support and encouragement long after the training has concluded.
• Low cost. Evolving positively in today’s changing environment requires that we constantly improve and build upon our skill sets. By providing our workshops at a low cost, we hope to attract more individuals, groups, and organizations who are expected “to do more with less”. We now offer group rates that provide additional savings on top of our already reduced workshop prices.
• Expertise. Each of our trainers have a strong commitment to the theory and practice of their subject area — bringing a balance of education, consulting, and on-the-job experience to all of our trainings.

Airport
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). For your convenience, the Homewood Suites offers complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport 7 days a week. These shuttles are for use by hotel guests only.

Lodging
The Homewood Suites offers our participants a special room rate of $109.00 USD per night (taxes not included). The Homewood Suites is within five minutes of McCarran International Airport and full of inclusive perks such as a hot full breakfast every morning and evening dinner Monday through Thursday. Our other benefits include a free shuttle to/from the airport, complimentary WiFi, and much more. Attendees may make their lodging arrangements by calling the Homewood Suites at 702-407-0075. To receive the discounted room rate, please remember to ask for the "Company of Experts" group rate when booking your room.

Please note that travel, accommodations and hotel/airport transportation are not included in your registration fee.