Dates & Deadlines
Important Dates! |
Deadline for... (click the link for details) |
August 20 - CLOSED |
Post-Course Proposals |
September 13 - CLOSED |
Workshop and Breakout Session Proposals |
October 14 - CLOSED |
Scholarship Application |
October 31 - CLOSED |
Early Bird Registration Rates |
December 1 - CLOSED |
ToP Champions Nominations |
December 10 - CLOSED |
Regular Registration Rates |
December 18 - CLOSED |
Group Discount Hotel Room Rates |
December 24 - CLOSED |
Registration Closes Exhibitor Space Request Closes |
News & Updates
July 22 - Save the Date & Survey
|
Join us at this year’s Annual Gathering!
ToP Facilitators, Trainers, and interested and inquisitive community members from across the country will gather for three days in the SF Bay Area to share insights, ideas and approaches to shape our future through participation, creativity and action. During this three-day event, you will explore: • Rich connections with diverse practitioners from across the country • The latest methods to integrate ToP with processes in business, community development, organizational development, IT, and other fields • Innovative ways to promote and market the use of facilitation • Fresh ideas for facilitating collaboration and creativity for your teams and clients • Highly interactive sessions, led by teams of experienced facilitators Please click on the link below by August 8, for a 2 question survey that will help the planning team design a powerful event to meet your needs! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PTS8BXP Don't miss this rich experience! Look for registration and accommodation details at www.topgathering.org in early September! |
|
August 2 - Request for post-course proposals
The ToP Network Annual Gathering will be held January 11-13, 2020. The gathering team would like to invite proposals for post courses that will be held Tuesday, January 14 and Wednesday, January 15 for the 2020 year gathering. There will not be Pre courses due to schedule changes in the 2020 gathering.
The link to apply is here: https://forms.gle/TnpwqJQZPiiU6Vmo8
For questions to discuss, please contact BethMarie Ward at 612-210-5657 or wardbethmarie@gmail.com.
The link to apply is here: https://forms.gle/TnpwqJQZPiiU6Vmo8
For questions to discuss, please contact BethMarie Ward at 612-210-5657 or wardbethmarie@gmail.com.
September 7 - request for workshop proposals
|
The ToP Network is seeking proposals for the 2020 Annual Gathering! If you have an idea for an interactive, participatory session to highlight or explore the potential of ToP methods... we can't wait for you to share it!bit.ly/2020TNAGsessions
If your idea is a little half-baked, but you think it might have potential, post below and get some feedback (or find a collaborator)! Check out the RFP online at bit.ly/2020TNAGsessions for more details, and submit your idea by FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13! |
|
SEPTEMBER 23 - REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
|
The 2020 ToP Network Gathering website is LIVE!
** www.topgathering.org ** Experience the Gathering in images and explore the fantastic program that awaits you in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Be sure to check out this year’s exciting selection of post courses and start planning your travel and lodging… Come learn, connect, and be inspired! |
|
october 5 - APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
If you are interested in attending the 2020 ToP Network Gathering, but in need of financial assistance, check out this page for more info on scholarships to the Gathering! Application deadline is October 14!
https://www.topgathering.org/scholarships.html
https://www.topgathering.org/scholarships.html
OCTOBER 15 - 2 WEEKS TO EARLY BIRD
🎉 Attention ToP friends and family!
Early bird deadline for the Annual Gathering ends in just a few weeks, on Thursday, October 31. Register now and save $75 off the regular price!
Don't miss a fantastic time of learning, growth, and connection in the beautiful Bay Area. For lots more info and to register, visit www.topgathering.org
And be sure to check out this year's great post-courses:
📌 Designing for Change
📌 Facilitating Conciliation
📌 Making Data Dance
📌 Facilitation Graphics
📌 Designing Professional Learning Communities
(Full descriptions here: https://www.topgathering.org/post-courses.html
Early bird deadline for the Annual Gathering ends in just a few weeks, on Thursday, October 31. Register now and save $75 off the regular price!
Don't miss a fantastic time of learning, growth, and connection in the beautiful Bay Area. For lots more info and to register, visit www.topgathering.org
And be sure to check out this year's great post-courses:
📌 Designing for Change
📌 Facilitating Conciliation
📌 Making Data Dance
📌 Facilitation Graphics
📌 Designing Professional Learning Communities
(Full descriptions here: https://www.topgathering.org/post-courses.html
OCTOBER 22 - WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED
📣 Extra! Extra! 2020 ToP Network Gathering Workshops Announced!
These are just a FEW of the fantastic workshops being offered at this year's ToP Annual Gathering in the Bay Area...
🔥Engaging Non-Traditional Partners
🔥Using ToP Methods with Liberating Structures
🔥Taking the Pain Out of Naming Underlying Contradictions
🔥The Urgency of the Climate Crisis
🔥Creating a Unified Voice for the Opioid Crisis
🔥"But I'm a Facilitator, not a Salesperson!"
🔥Mash Up: Design Thinking and ToP
🔥All Things Certification! For Candidate and Coaches
🔥Simplifying Change Management: The What, When and How
🔥Dabbling in the Data: Hands-On Meaning Making for Teams
🔥Creative Ways to Solicit Stakeholder Feedback
🔥Virtual "Sticky Wall" for Online Facilitation
🔥Social Media Secrets to Enhance Your Business
🔥How'd I do? An assessment tool for diversity, equity and inclusion
Visit www.topgathering.org to see the full roster of workshops and register by October 31 for $75 off regular rates!
These are just a FEW of the fantastic workshops being offered at this year's ToP Annual Gathering in the Bay Area...
🔥Engaging Non-Traditional Partners
🔥Using ToP Methods with Liberating Structures
🔥Taking the Pain Out of Naming Underlying Contradictions
🔥The Urgency of the Climate Crisis
🔥Creating a Unified Voice for the Opioid Crisis
🔥"But I'm a Facilitator, not a Salesperson!"
🔥Mash Up: Design Thinking and ToP
🔥All Things Certification! For Candidate and Coaches
🔥Simplifying Change Management: The What, When and How
🔥Dabbling in the Data: Hands-On Meaning Making for Teams
🔥Creative Ways to Solicit Stakeholder Feedback
🔥Virtual "Sticky Wall" for Online Facilitation
🔥Social Media Secrets to Enhance Your Business
🔥How'd I do? An assessment tool for diversity, equity and inclusion
Visit www.topgathering.org to see the full roster of workshops and register by October 31 for $75 off regular rates!
NOVEMBER 5 - Breathtaking Views & New BFFs!
|
As you make your travel arrangements to the Bay Area for the 2020 ToP Annual Gathering, consider coming early to hike the summit of Mt. Diablo with our local host team!
Mount Diablo State Park is one of the ecological treasures of the San Francisco Bay Area, and every season in the park has its special qualities, from the mountain's 3,849-foot summit to its beautiful wildflowers, extensive trail system, fascinating wildlife, and distinctive rock formations. Learn more at https://www.mdia.org/ We'll be meeting on Friday, January 10, at 9:00am and returning by 1:00pm, in time for Gathering check-in and happy hour! Speaking of planning ahead, once you register, you'll get access to our handy tool to help you find and coordinate roommates and rideshares during your visit. (If you've already registered and need the link again, just send us a note!) And if you haven't yet registered, be sure to grab regular rates this month to save $75 before they go up again December 10! |
|
NOVEMBER 12 - Nominate a champion and snag a sweet deal!
What organizations in your community demonstrate ToP values and have made a significant impact with the use of ToP methods? Let's honor those who support and promote ToP across the country... nominate them to be a 2020 ToP Champion! https://www.topgathering.org/top-champions.html (But be sure to hurry - nominations close December 1!)
Have you checked out this year's fabulous post-courses yet? https://www.topgathering.org/post-courses.html This is a great opportunity to snag special limited-availability courses at deeply discounted rates (up to $600 off!). You can register for the post-courses separately from the Gathering, so be sure to let your colleagues and networks in the Bay Area know... feel free to pass along the attached flyer with details!
And remember, rates go up again December 10, so be sure to register now if you haven't already! https://www.topgathering.org/register-now.html
Have you checked out this year's fabulous post-courses yet? https://www.topgathering.org/post-courses.html This is a great opportunity to snag special limited-availability courses at deeply discounted rates (up to $600 off!). You can register for the post-courses separately from the Gathering, so be sure to let your colleagues and networks in the Bay Area know... feel free to pass along the attached flyer with details!
And remember, rates go up again December 10, so be sure to register now if you haven't already! https://www.topgathering.org/register-now.html
DECEMBER 3 - ONE MONTH COUNTDOWN!
Welcome to December, Facilitator Friends! The Gathering is just a month away and we can't wait to see you there!
Last Call for Discount Registration and Room Rates!
If you've been on the fence, now's the time to register for the Gathering to save $75 before rates go up again December 10.
And be sure to lock-in our special hotel room rate of $155/night before the December 18 deadline. See more at https://www.topgathering.org/venue--lodging.html.
Eggs, Elephants, and Electric Fences
What do eggs, elephants and electric fences have to do with participatory processes? Don't miss the Sunday afternoon Social Impact Sessions for the powerful stories behind these words. Come explore how we as facilitators can help cultivate meaningful change!
Show off your Skillz
An exhibitor table at the Gathering is a great opportunity to shine a light on what you are doing in your consulting practice, promote a product like a book or custom templates, or share useful skills and tools you bring to the art of facilitation, like proposal-writing, website-development, book editing, and more. Who knows who might need your unique skills and talents? If you have already registered as a participant, just log in to add an exhibition space!
Hike Mt. Diablo
Join a small group of your colleagues for a walking adventure to the summit of Mt. Diablo on Friday, from 9am-1pm. There's still a few spots left... to reserve yours, email Paula Whitney at paula_whitney@sbcglobal.net
The Cure for Cabin Fever
Got travel on your mind? You can buy raffle tickets at this year's Gathering for a hosted stay in any or all of four fabulous travel locations, including Cuenca, Ecuador! Spend a week exploring this world heritage city from your homebase at Jane Stallman's penthouse apartment... for just the price of a raffle ticket that will go to support scholarships for the 2021 ToP Gathering.
Find a Roomie
If you haven't reserved your hotel room yet, be sure to check out the roommate list to make some new friends and save some cash on suites that sleep up to 6!
Last Call for Discount Registration and Room Rates!
If you've been on the fence, now's the time to register for the Gathering to save $75 before rates go up again December 10.
And be sure to lock-in our special hotel room rate of $155/night before the December 18 deadline. See more at https://www.topgathering.org/venue--lodging.html.
Eggs, Elephants, and Electric Fences
What do eggs, elephants and electric fences have to do with participatory processes? Don't miss the Sunday afternoon Social Impact Sessions for the powerful stories behind these words. Come explore how we as facilitators can help cultivate meaningful change!
Show off your Skillz
An exhibitor table at the Gathering is a great opportunity to shine a light on what you are doing in your consulting practice, promote a product like a book or custom templates, or share useful skills and tools you bring to the art of facilitation, like proposal-writing, website-development, book editing, and more. Who knows who might need your unique skills and talents? If you have already registered as a participant, just log in to add an exhibition space!
Hike Mt. Diablo
Join a small group of your colleagues for a walking adventure to the summit of Mt. Diablo on Friday, from 9am-1pm. There's still a few spots left... to reserve yours, email Paula Whitney at paula_whitney@sbcglobal.net
The Cure for Cabin Fever
Got travel on your mind? You can buy raffle tickets at this year's Gathering for a hosted stay in any or all of four fabulous travel locations, including Cuenca, Ecuador! Spend a week exploring this world heritage city from your homebase at Jane Stallman's penthouse apartment... for just the price of a raffle ticket that will go to support scholarships for the 2021 ToP Gathering.
Find a Roomie
If you haven't reserved your hotel room yet, be sure to check out the roommate list to make some new friends and save some cash on suites that sleep up to 6!
DECEMBER 17 - LAST CALL!
Last Chance to Register
As you prepare to celebrate with loved ones, don't forget to grab a last minute gift for yourself too... new skills for the New Year! December 24 is the LAST opportunity to register for the Gathering. Don't miss out! Register at https://www.topgathering.org/register-now.html
Hotel Rate Ends Tomorrow
If you're already registered to attend but don't yet have a room reserved, keep in mind that group rates at the hotel end on December 18! (That's tomorrow!) Reservation details at https://www.topgathering.org/venue--lodging.html
Post-Courses for a Song
Even if you're not attending the Gathering, you will still be able to sign up for one of our fantastic post-course offerings at incredible discounts off of normal course fees. This year's courses dive deep into skill building around conflict resolution, graphics and visuals, quantitative data, learning communities, and change management! Check out what's available at https://www.topgathering.org/post-courses.html
Social Impact Sessions - Open to the Public
Finally, if you are near to the Bay Area but can't make it to the full Gathering, we'd love to extend a special invite to join us for our Sunday and Monday Social Impact Sessions at no cost! RSVP at https://www.topgathering.org/social-impact-sessions.html
As you prepare to celebrate with loved ones, don't forget to grab a last minute gift for yourself too... new skills for the New Year! December 24 is the LAST opportunity to register for the Gathering. Don't miss out! Register at https://www.topgathering.org/register-now.html
Hotel Rate Ends Tomorrow
If you're already registered to attend but don't yet have a room reserved, keep in mind that group rates at the hotel end on December 18! (That's tomorrow!) Reservation details at https://www.topgathering.org/venue--lodging.html
Post-Courses for a Song
Even if you're not attending the Gathering, you will still be able to sign up for one of our fantastic post-course offerings at incredible discounts off of normal course fees. This year's courses dive deep into skill building around conflict resolution, graphics and visuals, quantitative data, learning communities, and change management! Check out what's available at https://www.topgathering.org/post-courses.html
Social Impact Sessions - Open to the Public
Finally, if you are near to the Bay Area but can't make it to the full Gathering, we'd love to extend a special invite to join us for our Sunday and Monday Social Impact Sessions at no cost! RSVP at https://www.topgathering.org/social-impact-sessions.html
DECEMBER 31 - GATHERING NEWS TO KNOW!
Happy New Year!
We can't wait to see you at the Gathering in just a few weeks!
Friday Festivities
While the Gathering officially starts Saturday morning, if you arrive early, don’t miss these great activities on Friday!
• Exhibitor Showcase 3:30 - 6:00 pm Atrium
• Welcome Reception Happy Hour 5:00 - 6:00 pm Atrium
• Dinner on the Town - 6:30 pm
Exhibitor Showcase
Bring an extra suitcase to snag some sweet stuff from our exhibitor showcase! https://www.topgathering.org/exhibitor-showcase.html
Dinner on the Town
Join with colleagues and a local host to experience fabulous local cuisine. Sign up at the registration table by 4pm. Learn more at https://www.topgathering.org/dinner-on-the-town.html
Baila! Baila! Baila!
Bring your dancing shoes to the 2020 ToP Network Annual Gathering! Saturday night, ToP Facilitator Selma Abinader will kick off our evening of dancing and fun with a 20 minute salsa lesson before we enjoy live music by Trio Sin Lio, featuring three Grammy Award winning and nominated Bay Area musicians. Check them out at https://triosinlio.bandcamp.com/
Book Charting
If you'd like to participate in charting Margaret Wheatley’s book, “Who Do We Choose To Be?” be sure to purchase and read your book ahead of time! https://amzn.to/38M7ZJu
Resource Library
Do you have a facilitation treasure you could share with the network this year? Many facilitators have asked for virtual and online tools, visual templates, Spanish language resources, favorite energizers, and research on ToP-related topics, to name a few. Add your contribution to https://www.top-network.org/resource-library!
Raffle Items
Is there something unique or interesting from your hometown that we can add to our regional raffle baskets to support future TNAG scholarships? Email Hannah.k.adams@gmail.com what you'd like to contribute and then bring your items to the registration table when you arrive!
Sched is going live!
Keep an eye out! You should be receiving an email on January 3 inviting you to download the Sched app so you can start exploring what's on tap for the Gathering and building your customized gameplan! If you are a session presenter, you'll be able to upload any supporting documents or slides and keep track of who's planning to attend your session!
All Hands on Deck!
Are you willing to pitch in with setup, tear down, and general Gathering organization? Take a peek at the volunteer opportunities and sign up to help!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090945abab2aa5fa7-tng2020
We can't wait to see you at the Gathering in just a few weeks!
Friday Festivities
While the Gathering officially starts Saturday morning, if you arrive early, don’t miss these great activities on Friday!
• Exhibitor Showcase 3:30 - 6:00 pm Atrium
• Welcome Reception Happy Hour 5:00 - 6:00 pm Atrium
• Dinner on the Town - 6:30 pm
Exhibitor Showcase
Bring an extra suitcase to snag some sweet stuff from our exhibitor showcase! https://www.topgathering.org/exhibitor-showcase.html
Dinner on the Town
Join with colleagues and a local host to experience fabulous local cuisine. Sign up at the registration table by 4pm. Learn more at https://www.topgathering.org/dinner-on-the-town.html
Baila! Baila! Baila!
Bring your dancing shoes to the 2020 ToP Network Annual Gathering! Saturday night, ToP Facilitator Selma Abinader will kick off our evening of dancing and fun with a 20 minute salsa lesson before we enjoy live music by Trio Sin Lio, featuring three Grammy Award winning and nominated Bay Area musicians. Check them out at https://triosinlio.bandcamp.com/
Book Charting
If you'd like to participate in charting Margaret Wheatley’s book, “Who Do We Choose To Be?” be sure to purchase and read your book ahead of time! https://amzn.to/38M7ZJu
Resource Library
Do you have a facilitation treasure you could share with the network this year? Many facilitators have asked for virtual and online tools, visual templates, Spanish language resources, favorite energizers, and research on ToP-related topics, to name a few. Add your contribution to https://www.top-network.org/resource-library!
Raffle Items
Is there something unique or interesting from your hometown that we can add to our regional raffle baskets to support future TNAG scholarships? Email Hannah.k.adams@gmail.com what you'd like to contribute and then bring your items to the registration table when you arrive!
Sched is going live!
Keep an eye out! You should be receiving an email on January 3 inviting you to download the Sched app so you can start exploring what's on tap for the Gathering and building your customized gameplan! If you are a session presenter, you'll be able to upload any supporting documents or slides and keep track of who's planning to attend your session!
All Hands on Deck!
Are you willing to pitch in with setup, tear down, and general Gathering organization? Take a peek at the volunteer opportunities and sign up to help!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090945abab2aa5fa7-tng2020
JANUARY 6 - WELCOME TO TNAG 2020!
It’s HERE!
Pack your bags and hit the road for TNAG 2020!
Friday Festivities
If you’ll be arriving on Friday, don’t miss these great activities!
• Exhibitor Showcase 3:30 - 6:00 pm Atrium
• Welcome Reception Happy Hour 5:00 - 6:00 pm Atrium
• Dinner on the Town - 6:30 pm
Raffle Items
Don’t forget to pack a couple extra goodies from your hometown for our regional raffle baskets! (And leave a little space in your suitcase to take some new treasures home!) Check out the vacation homes being offered in the raffle.
Sched is LIVE!
You should have received an email inviting you to download the Sched app. Start exploring and building your customized Gathering gameplan! If you haven't received the link, email Suzanne at shesber@gmail.com
All Hands on Deck!
We’re all about inclusive participation! Take a peek at Gathering volunteer opportunities and sign up to help! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090945abab2aa5fa7-tng2020
Photo Guidelines
We want to document and capture the great time we are having at our gathering and that we also want to honor if people choose not to be in photos. Take a moment to read our photography guidelines for the gathering here: https://www.topgathering.org/photography.html
Check In
Find the registration table in the Atrium to check in:
7:00-8:00 am Fri Jan 10
3:00-6:00 pm Fri Jan 10
7:00-8:00 am Sat Jan 11
7:30-8:30 am Sun Jan 12
Let us welcome you, get your name badge and browse the swag buffet!
Meals and Munchies
Many of the meals at the Gathering will be provided by the ToP Network, but there are a few opportunities to venture out for some local exploring.
• Free breakfast is provided every morning for those staying at the hotel
• A buffet lunch will be provided each day
• Snacks breaks will be provided each morning and afternoon
• Dinner every night, except for Saturday, will be on your own
• A plated dinner will be provided Saturday
• A dinner-on-the-town event to local restaurants is being organized Friday evening for those who arrive early
Bring your own reusable water bottle and help make this a sustainable Gathering!
Getting to the Gathering
Be sure to check this helpful directions page for steps on how to get from your airport to the hotel:
https://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/embassy-suites-by-hilton-walnut-creek-SFOPHES/maps-directions/index.html
Using Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is easy and affordable. You can buy a ticket at any station kiosk and head toward Pleasant Hill (two words, not to be confused with Pleasanton - a different stop.) Visit https://www.bart.gov/ for transit maps and fare details.
If you are driving, there are 3 options for parking:
• $14 valet for any Gathering participant (hotel stay not required)
• $9 daily parking at the parking garage next to the hotel
• $4 daily parking in the BART lot at Pleasant Hill
More info on parking available here:
Pack your bags and hit the road for TNAG 2020!
Friday Festivities
If you’ll be arriving on Friday, don’t miss these great activities!
• Exhibitor Showcase 3:30 - 6:00 pm Atrium
• Welcome Reception Happy Hour 5:00 - 6:00 pm Atrium
• Dinner on the Town - 6:30 pm
Raffle Items
Don’t forget to pack a couple extra goodies from your hometown for our regional raffle baskets! (And leave a little space in your suitcase to take some new treasures home!) Check out the vacation homes being offered in the raffle.
Sched is LIVE!
You should have received an email inviting you to download the Sched app. Start exploring and building your customized Gathering gameplan! If you haven't received the link, email Suzanne at shesber@gmail.com
All Hands on Deck!
We’re all about inclusive participation! Take a peek at Gathering volunteer opportunities and sign up to help! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090945abab2aa5fa7-tng2020
Photo Guidelines
We want to document and capture the great time we are having at our gathering and that we also want to honor if people choose not to be in photos. Take a moment to read our photography guidelines for the gathering here: https://www.topgathering.org/photography.html
Check In
Find the registration table in the Atrium to check in:
7:00-8:00 am Fri Jan 10
3:00-6:00 pm Fri Jan 10
7:00-8:00 am Sat Jan 11
7:30-8:30 am Sun Jan 12
Let us welcome you, get your name badge and browse the swag buffet!
Meals and Munchies
Many of the meals at the Gathering will be provided by the ToP Network, but there are a few opportunities to venture out for some local exploring.
• Free breakfast is provided every morning for those staying at the hotel
• A buffet lunch will be provided each day
• Snacks breaks will be provided each morning and afternoon
• Dinner every night, except for Saturday, will be on your own
• A plated dinner will be provided Saturday
• A dinner-on-the-town event to local restaurants is being organized Friday evening for those who arrive early
Bring your own reusable water bottle and help make this a sustainable Gathering!
Getting to the Gathering
Be sure to check this helpful directions page for steps on how to get from your airport to the hotel:
https://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/embassy-suites-by-hilton-walnut-creek-SFOPHES/maps-directions/index.html
Using Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is easy and affordable. You can buy a ticket at any station kiosk and head toward Pleasant Hill (two words, not to be confused with Pleasanton - a different stop.) Visit https://www.bart.gov/ for transit maps and fare details.
If you are driving, there are 3 options for parking:
• $14 valet for any Gathering participant (hotel stay not required)
• $9 daily parking at the parking garage next to the hotel
• $4 daily parking in the BART lot at Pleasant Hill
More info on parking available here:
