Seminars and collective intelligence
Facilitation for strategic seminars
Facilitating a seminar means holding the frame that lets a group think and decide: time, voice, instructions, energy. The facilitator does not give the answer; she makes sure the group finds it and puts it into words.
When to call us
- The seminar is designed, but you have no team to run it on the day.
- The topics are sensitive and a neutral third party needs to hold the conversation.
- The group is large and you need several facilitators working together.
- You want your managers to take part rather than facilitate.
- A strategy session has to end with written decisions before the day is over.
What does a facilitator do during a seminar?
She opens each session with a clear instruction, keeps time and adjusts the plan when the group needs it. She brings in the quiet voices, reframes disagreements and steers the work back towards the expected output. She also coordinates the team around her: production, logistics, speakers.
How do you facilitate a strategy seminar that leads to decisions?
By keeping the phases apart. First open up and understand, then explore options, then choose. Each phase has its rules: no judging ideas while exploring, no reopening everything while choosing. Decisions are written down in the room, each with an owner and a deadline.
- Decision criteria agreed before the debate
- Votes or trade-offs visible to everyone
- A list of decisions read back in plenary before closing
What is the difference between a host and a facilitator?
A host brings a moment to life. A facilitator works towards a result: she agrees with the sponsor what the group has to produce, then adapts the method live to get there. At Flow Design the two go together, because group dynamics and clear roles matter as much as the atmosphere in the room.
What happens when the seminar does not go to plan?
It almost never does, and we plan for that. Sensitive sessions come with alternatives. If a topic overruns, we offer the sponsor a decision during the break. If people are missing, flowAI rebuilds the teams with the smallest possible change. The group simply sees a smooth day.
Can you facilitate alongside a consultant or speaker we have already chosen?
Yes, and we often do. The consultant owns the content and the sponsor relationship; we own the set-up, the production and the pace. Roles are written down during preparation so that everyone knows who does what at every point. This is what our support for consultants is about.
Frequently asked questions
How many facilitators does our seminar need?
One person can hold a group of about fifteen. Beyond that, you need a lead facilitator plus table or production facilitators. We propose a team in the quote, based on the number of teams and how complex the sessions are.
Do you only come in on the day?
We can, but we advise against it. Good facilitation depends on preparation: understanding what is at stake, knowing the plan, meeting the sponsor. We ask for at least one working session before the event.
How much does seminar facilitation cost?
It depends on the number of days, the number of facilitators and the preparation involved. We send a quote after a scoping conversation. We do not publish prices.
Where do you work?
Anywhere in France and abroad. We are based in Versailles and Paris.
Do you facilitate in English?
Yes, in French and in English. Materials and reports follow the language of the seminar.
Do participants need to know these methods?
No. Instructions are written for people who are new to these formats. The opening part of the seminar is there to set the shared frame.