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Events

MAFN workshops feature a variety of topics related to deepening and broadening the skills of facilitators. Our workshops are designed to be interactive and provide experiential learning for all participants as they learn from the expertise of others. 

MAFN offers a variety of learning opportunities, such as monthly online workshops, networking events, in-person 3-hour workshops, communities of practice events, and various multi-part online learning series.  Our individual online workshops offer grounding and resources on the focus topic and are included in MAFN membership.  In-person workshops and multi-part learning series offer more time for discussion and practice and are discounted for MAFN members.

See details below for upcoming events. 

MAFN offers a wide range of learning opportunities to develop new skills and master new techniques and approaches. For almost 20 years, MAFN has been the leader in professional development opportunities in facilitation across the Mid-Atlantic region. Catering to all levels of facilitation experience, MAFN's workshops receive rave reviews from participants!

Upcoming events

  • (Members Only) MAFN Small Business CoP - Small Business Community of Practice

    • 06/23/2025
    • 12/22/2025
    • 7 sessions
    • Online using Zoom
    Register

    Duration: 60-Minutes 

    4th Monday each month at noon

    (Note: We are not meeting on May 26, 2025, due the Memorial Day Holiday.)


    The MAFN Small Business Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of MAFN members with small facilitation businesses who work together to improve their business knowledge and skills through support, innovation, and shared resources.  This CoP will be a co-creation space for MAFN members to host, bring topics to the table and use this space to support one another, innovate and share resources. We are seeking volunteers to join as co-facilitators and tech hosts.


    Responsibilities include:

    • Ability to work with other leaders to identify a topic each month.
    • Ensure there are a minimum of two facilitators each month.  
    • Commit to shared responsibility for 6 months (you do not need to facilitate, host or attend each CoP) to help strategize the future of the SB CoP.
    • For those interested in volunteering, please contact christine@swangnomy.com.

    Mission:

    To foster a learning environment where members can exchange knowledge, tools, and resources to manage and grow successful facilitation businesses.

    Benefits:

    • Collaboration: Connect with like-minded professionals to co-create and innovate.
    • Business Expansion: Gain insights into marketing, client engagement, and scaling small facilitation businesses.

    If you're passionate about facilitation and looking to enhance your small business, this community will provide the resources, inspiration, and support to help you thrive.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 

    Our guiding principles are:

    • Come open to learning

    • Bring your questions, share your expertise

    • Don’t expect closure - our shared learning is a process!


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    ONLINE CoP Discussion REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight the day before the discussion group.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details 1 day in advance and the morning of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email.

    • MAFN CoP discussions will not be recorded in order to support space for learning.

    • For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.

    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (July): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 07/07/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 11
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.

    Guest Host: Denesha Miller

    Topic: Ways of Using AI in Facilitation to Support Mission-Driven Organizations

    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    Show details

  • (Members Only) Technology COP: Streamline Your Strategic Planning Process With StratSimple, an AI-powered Application

    • 07/08/2025
    • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Online using Zoom
    • 30
    Register

    Duration: 60-Minutes


    Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, 5:00-6:00 PM EDT


    This month we will have an interactive presentation and exploration of StratSimple, an AI-powered application that streamlines the strategic planning process. The platform helps consultants and facilitators by automating stakeholder interviews, providing analysis, and supporting the development of measurable goals. StratSimple is built around the critical role of professional facilitators and designs their software to enhance your work.

    Join us to learn how this tool can help you prepare more efficiently for group facilitation while giving clients the resources to build and implement engaging plans that drive results. Mike Burns, co-founder and CEO of StratSimple, will lead this interactive demonstration. The company partners with consultants and facilitators to gather community insights at scale and improve plan implementation through increased accountability and tools to help plans stay relevant in changing environments.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early.


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Come open to learning (growth mindset)
    • Not expert-led – will be hosted by peers with space to learn from all
    • Bring your questions, share your expertise


    ONLINE CoP Discussion REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come.
    • Registration closes at midnight the day before the discussion group.
    • Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details 1 day in advance and on the morning of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email.
    • MAFN CoP discussions will not be recorded to support space for learning.
    • For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.
    Show details

  • (Members Only) MAFN Community of Practice: Conversations about Facilitation in Training

    • 07/22/2025
    • 07/28/2026
    • 7 sessions
    • Online using Zoom
    Register

    Duration: Each session is 75 minutes (5:00 - 6:15 pm EST).


    • July 22nd, 2025: Topic - "How does spontaneity show up in your practice?" 
    • September 30th, 2025: Topic - "How do you manage 'stuck' individuals or groups?"
    • November 25th, 2025: Topic - "Working with vulnerability."

    Interested in participating in lively conversations with your peers about where our professional practices intersect?  What can we learn from each other's professional experience, knowledge, skills and abilities?  The MAFN Conversations About Facilitation in Training community of practice explores intersections of three separate but compatible practices of MAFN members: facilitation, coaching, training.  In small-group topic-based breakout-room conversations led by rotating volunteer practitioners, we share best practices, challenges and strategies to stimulate new insight and expand our individual practices.  Topic suggestions and volunteers are always welcome. Come with curiosity; participate with passion; leave with new learning.  MAFN CoPs are member-only forums, a benefit of MAFN membership.


    You are welcome to attend as many meetings in the series as your schedule allows. They will not build on each other. Once you register for the series, you will receive a notification for each meeting.

    Please note that this is for MAFN members only. These sessions will NOT be recorded.



    Recipient of the inaugural 2024 NYS Justice Peer Initiative Impact Award in Training & Development, Ruth Riddick, CARC-RCP/f, is a coach and trainer with a specialization in addiction recovery and a 20-year practice at Sobriety Together.  She is co-founder and program manager of the New York Certification Board Trainer Registry, an organization of professional trainers enhancing standards in non-clinical role training.  As a curriculum developer, she has contributed to role training for Veteran Supported Recovery, CRPA-Family and CRPA-Youth trainings for professional certifications.  She serves on the Board of the New York Association of Treatment Court Professionals.  She has been widely honored for her work.


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Come open to learning

    • Bring your questions, share your expertise

    • Don’t expect closure - our shared learning is a process!


    ONLINE CoP Discussion REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight the day before the discussion group.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details 1 day in advance and the morning of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email.

    • MAFN CoP discussions will not be recorded in order to support space for learning.

    • For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org

    Show details

  • Virtual MAFN Salon - July 2025

    • 07/25/2025
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Online using Zoom
    • 0
    Join waitlist
    This will be our very first MAFN Salon, where participating members will have a chance to help shape the format, timing, frequency and content of future virtual salons. We’ll share the results of our recent member survey, followed by a discussion about the challenges each of us (and our clients) are facing due to Federal budget cuts, policy changes, economic shifts, etc., how we’re pivoting, and what support we might need.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (August): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 08/04/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    Show details

  • August 2025 MAFN Salon: Vienna

    • 08/18/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • “Bear Cage” room at Bear Branch Tavern (133 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180)
    • 12
    Register

    Come join us Monday, August 18th, 2025 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM with optional lunch afterward, for our monthly Vienna MAFN Salon!

    Each month, we will have a topic or theme as well as open time for networking and sharing challenges and best practices in our facilitation. 

    THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: Gaming for Facilitation: We will be playing a game that a facilitator can use for a simple bonding exercise or a deeper dive for strategic planning and priorities.

    Afterwards, those who are available are invited to stay and share community over lunch. 


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    Show details

  • Virtual MAFN Salon - August 2025

    • 08/22/2025
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Online using Zoom
    • 11
    Register

    Topic will be determined after the July Salon meeting.

    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (September): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 09/08/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    Show details

  • Partner Event: Ampersand Gathering 2025

    • 09/10/2025
    • 09/12/2025
    • 3 sessions
    • Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital in Washington, DC - 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE Washington, DC 20003


    Join Us for the Ampersand Gathering

    September 10th - 12th, 2025

    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT (Click here for schedule)


    Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital in Washington, DC

    921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003


    The Ampersand Gathering is a three-day in-person event from September 10 to 12, 2025, at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital in Washington, DC. It will bring together visual practitioners, facilitators, coaches, and creatives to connect, collaborate, and experiment.

    This event offers a hands-on, playful experience to deepen your skills, build networks, and explore new tools—all in a relaxed and energizing atmosphere.

    Why Attend the Ampersand Gathering?

    • Connect with like-minded professionals from across disciplines.
    • Collaborate and build stronger networks.
    • Experiment with new tools and approaches in a supportive environment.

    What’s Included with Your Ticket?

    • Access to All Sessions: Hands-on workshops, open space activities, and networking opportunities.
    • Meals and Snacks: Lunch, snacks, and beverages to keep you energized throughout the day.
    • Participant Directory: Share your details and be included in the participant directory - including the printed program
    • Event Materials: Receive a printed program booklet with the directory, resources, and more.


    MAFN MEMBERS receive a 10% discount for the full 3-day event ticket (not individual daily tickets): 

    ANDMAFN2025


    For more information or general inquiries please contact: 

    hello@ampersandgathering.com


    Show details

  • September 2025 MAFN Salon: Vienna

    • 09/15/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • “Bear Cage” room at Bear Branch Tavern (133 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180)
    • 11
    Register

    Come join us Monday, September 15th, 2025 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM with optional lunch afterward, for our monthly Vienna MAFN Salon!

    Each month, we will have a topic or theme as well as open time for networking and sharing challenges and best practices in our facilitation. 

    THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: TBD

    Afterwards, those who are available are invited to stay and share community over lunch. 


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    Show details

  • Virtual MAFN Salon - September 2025

    • 09/26/2025
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Online using Zoom
    • 14
    Register

    We will determine a list of topics/themes in our July Salon, and will update this document afterwards.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (October): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 10/06/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    Show details

  • October 2025 MAFN Salon: Vienna

    • 10/20/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • “Bear Cage” room at Bear Branch Tavern (133 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180)
    • 13
    Register

    Come join us Monday, October 20th, 2025 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM with optional lunch afterward, for our monthly Vienna MAFN Salon!

    Each month, we will have a topic or theme as well as open time for networking and sharing challenges and best practices in our facilitation. 

    THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: TBD

    Afterwards, those who are available are invited to stay and share community over lunch. 


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (November): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 11/03/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.


    Show details

  • November 2025 MAFN Salon: Vienna

    • 11/17/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • “Bear Cage” room at Bear Branch Tavern (133 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180)
    • 12
    Register

    Come join us Monday, November 17th, 2025 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM with optional lunch afterward, for our monthly Vienna MAFN Salon!

    Each month, we will have a topic or theme as well as open time for networking and sharing challenges and best practices in our facilitation. 

    THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: TBD

    Afterwards, those who are available are invited to stay and share community over lunch. 


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    Show details

  • MAFN Salon (December): Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington

    • 12/01/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Java Nation 11120 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
    • 14
    Register

    Join fellow MAFN members in a lively, casual discussion on all things facilitation.


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing


    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact manager@mafn.org.



    Show details

  • December 2025 MAFN Salon: Vienna

    • 12/15/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • “Bear Cage” room at Bear Branch Tavern (133 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180)
    • 12
    Register

    Come join us Monday, December 15th, 2025 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM with optional lunch afterward, for our monthly Vienna MAFN Salon!

    Each month, we will have a topic or theme as well as open time for networking and sharing challenges and best practices in our facilitation. 

    THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: TBD

    Afterwards, those who are available are invited to stay and share community over lunch. 


    Please note that this is for MAFN members only and there is limited space, so please register early. 


    Our guiding principles are:

    • Connection + Conversation + Community = Salon

    • Come open to listening and sharing

    Salon REMINDERS

    • If you register and cannot attend, please cancel to allow someone else to come. 

    • Registration closes at midnight 2 days before the event.

    • Registered participants will receive instructions with any additional details 5 day in advance of the event. Please be sure to check your email.

    • Salon discussions are live events and are not recorded.

    • For membership questions contact info@mafn.org


    Show details

CANCELLATION POLICY

MAFN does not offer refunds for events. Anyone who registers for an event will receive a credit that can be applied to any other MAFN event, or to MAFN membership. Credits must be used within 2 years. 

Support MAFN

Donation's help sustain MAFN, including a waiver program for members who have lost their jobs. Donations are not tax-deductable.

Every contribution makes a difference.

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