CONFERENCES
Convergence 1995
By David McCauley
(as reported to his organization -- USDA, Forest Service)
The first Innovation Network Convergence, "The Conference for Both Sides of Your Brain", was held in Santa Barbara, California, April 9-12, 1995. The following describes that gathering of 140 people who were interested in expanding innovation/creativity in themselves and their organizations.
LOCATION
The Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel with it's Spanish Mission style
architecture and beautiful views of the ocean (whales could be
seen migrating north from the dining room patio) catered
cheerfully to the comfort of its guests...great meals, break
refreshments, comfortable meeting rooms, and colorful outdoor
garden gathering areas. Arrangements were made with nearby inns
for attendees with budget limitations. The sunny Santa Barbara
shirt sleeve weather encouraged people to gather outside.
ATMOSPHERE
The conference had an air of friendliness, fun, and caring with
lots of opportunity for sharing of ideas and experiences.
Informality was encouraged by suggested dress of levis, T-shirts,
and tennis shoes. Wearers of the Best T-shirt and Ugliest tennis
shoes were rewarded with creative prizes. Participants were
encouraged to share pictures of their family. An atmosphere of
humor and playfulness permeated the conference, beginning with
the opening activity and carrying through most of the class
sessions, activities, and meals.
OPENING ACTIVITY
When participants arrived on Sunday afternoon, they were assigned
to small groups of 5 to 10 people. Their task was to get to know
each other, find out their strengths, choose a team name,
objective, greeting ritual, name tag, and prepare to present
themselves creatively to the large group. The talent and
silliness displayed during the 14 presentations was funny and
heartwarming. The small groups gathered several other times
during the 4 days, including the first and last meals. Our group
was called the Diverging Convergers.
FELLOW INNOVATORS
There was an eagerness to get to know many of the diverse
participants, and find out what sort of innovations they were
using or planning. Many of the speakers were full conference
participants, attended many of the sessions, and were available
to discuss their ideas and books. Long breaks between sessions
and for meals were ideal for networking and browsing or
purchasing participants' books.
GIFTING
Each participant brought 25 token gifts which were representative
of them- selves, their philosophy, or their work. The gifts
served as an ice breaker as well as a way to remember the people
you had met.
SESSIONS
There were 5 Shared Learning Sessions offered during each 1-1/2
hour period, allowing many choices. These sessions were designed
to fit into one of the following categories:
- Tools & Techniques for Groups
- Personal Growth Tools & Techniques
- Creating the Innovative Environment
- Marketing Innovation & Creativity
- Training & Group Facilitation
There was also one 2-1/2 hour period for a more in-depth Experiential Session. The sessions incorporated humor, fun, participation, and small group exercises.
RESOURCE ROOM
This special multipurpose room was set aside for registration,
relaxation, idea sharing, humor, company literature, and
innovative creations. There were graffiti boards for messages,
ideas, favorite quotes and cartoons, which particapants had been
requested to bring. There was always a friendly staff person
available to answer questions. This room housed the NEST
(Naturally Enhanced Sound Transmission), a 3 dimensional
cuboctahedron lined with soft pillows and 4 speakers through
which a broad selection of soft music could be played. Many
participants discovered the rejuvenating effect from nestling
themselves in the Nest and relaxing to the sound of the beautiful
music which surrounded them.
THE BARBECUE
A very special evening began with a 50-minute bus ride through
the beautiful, green Santa Ynez hills to a horse ranch belonging
to the family of Monty Roberts.
Upon arriving at the ranch, Monty gave us all an amazing demonstration (in a 50-foot diameter circular arena) of how they "start" their horses. Instead of "breaking" a young mare to accept a rider through intimidation and hurting, Monty showed how he starts horses by allowing them to follow their natural instinct to flee by running around the arena, gradually gaining their trust by gentle touches while speaking to them with a soft human voice and using the horse's body language, and finally gradually applying the saddle, reigns, and rider with tender words and actions. The whole process of starting took 20 minutes, where the traditional breaking method usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Monty then opened his beautiful ranch-style house to all of us for a delicious barbecue dinner, western music and dancing, and displays of his wife's wonderful animal sculpture. Monty visited each dinner table to answer our questions.