Training · Workshop & large group methods
Training for workshops, large group methods & interactive conferences | initio
classic large group formats – plus an individual method toolkit
Award-winning consulting with more than 21 years of experience – we use these methods in our practice every day.
What we offer
- Tailor-made training in interactive methods for large group workshops and seminars
- Large-group training: training in the use of large-group methods
- small interaction-triggering methods for every seminar/workshop
- Methods for strategy development, action planning, feedback and structured discussions
Individual formats for every purpose and every objective
Our trainings are always individually suited to your needs, because we train "tailor-made and precisely fitting", adjusted to your needs, requirements and concrete objectives.
Depending on your objective we teach you the classic large group formats or an individual method toolkit – or both, of course. It depends entirely on the workshops and events you are planning to run.
In any case you get a great deal of proven practical knowledge on planning, running and facilitating modern, interactive methods. For workshops, large groups and interactive conferences of any conceivable size.
With our methodological knowledge you can:
- Develop strategies with any and all conceivable group constellations and sizes
- Make plans for action
- Skillfully resolve polarities and differences and transfer them to common ground and a feasible action plan
- Generate insights and knowledge
- generating feedback and using it to carry on working purposefully and constructively
- Gather opinions quickly and efficiently
- Collect different ideas and perspectives, bring them together and achieve a joint result - regardless of group size or topic
- Skillfully Apply Interaction-Triggering Methods That Don't Take Much Time - But Are Highly Effective
- Make presentations more interactive
- ... and many other application scenarios with the "gold nuggets" from our tried-and-tested methodologies kit
Method Selection
Choose the topics you would like to go deeper into – we always train to fit your requirements and objectives, and we are glad to prepare a free quote for you.
Individual formats for every purpose and every objective
Our training is always tailor-made and fitted individually to your needs. Here are two example structures for a first rough orientation:
- Activating workshop scenarios
- Involving all participants
- Individual formats
- for meetings, workshops, interactive conferences
Example 1: focus on the classic methods
Choose the topics you would like to go deeper into – we always train to fit your requirements and objectives, and we are glad to prepare a free quote for you.
Moderation of Large Group Processes and Interactive Workshops
- Workshop Methods and Formats for Large, Small, and Medium Group Sizes
- A variety of formats for conferences, trade fairs, information events
- Expanding your toolbox
- Finding the right "mix of methods"
- Learning large and small formats "in-depth" and "hands-on" and how to apply them
Professional preparation and implementation
- Dramaturgy and Methods for Interactive, Activating Workshops
- for small and medium group sizes
- and also for (large) group processes such as Open Space, World Café, Appreciative Inquiry, Real Time Strategic Change, Future Conference
- Methodical and logistic preparation
Finding the Right Methods and Formats
- to achieve the goals set
- in the time available
- under the existing framework conditions
Appropriate mix of methodologies and activating arrangements
- Make plans for action
- Develop Strategies
- Use feedback constructively
- Create useful networks among the participants
- Conduct dialogs on equal terms
Get results
- Achieve actionable results within a short time
- in large and small formats, even within a short period
Create energy for implementation
- Coordinate, make decisions, create commitment, "hand over" responsibility for content in a targeted manner
Meaningful embedding
- of interactive formats in conference settings
- and/or into ongoing processes in organisations
Concrete planning for facilitation formats:
- From clarification of the assignment to presentation of the results and planning follow-up formats
- Structuring, presentation and visualisation in an interactive workshop
Tips and tricks
- Planning tools, templates, best practices, workshop toolbox
Developing suitable, meaningful questions
- for the respective formats
- Systemically develop frameworks, topics and specific issues for large groups
Role clarification
- What is the task of the facilitation and planning team, and what is not? How can responsibility be distributed sensibly at this early stage between several stakeholders?
Advance communication
- Announcement of the event through suitable media (culturally appropriate sensitisation and attunement) and involvement of the participants in the run-up to the event.
Event Management
- Technology, premises, organisation
Evaluation and follow-up
- Proven end-of-event and follow-up formats
Possible training scenarios
Our training is always tailor-made and fitted individually to your needs. Here are two example structures for a first rough orientation:
Our training approach
We train the "classic methods" (Open Space, World Café, Future Search Conference, Appreciative Inquiry, etc.) in a mix of "frontal input", trying out, and reflecting:
We do not just teach interactive methods, we use them in our training as well. That way you learn from us twice over: theory (input) and the practice of applying it.
Practise what you preach
Understanding the basic mechanics of large groups
- Which basic steps are underlying the majority of formats?
- How do they build on each other?
Overview of different methods for each step
- Which methods are suitable for each "basic step"?
Positioning each method in an application matrix
- Build your own methodologies toolkit
Decoding the classic formats
- How do the familiar formats map onto the individual basic steps?
- How can these be sensibly varied according to the objective?
Case studies
- Showing scenarios from our consulting practice
- Discussion & transfer
case clinic
- Developing your own large group dramaturgy with the acquired method toolkit
- against the backdrop of upcoming events
Optional extra: on-the-job coaching
- for workshop planning, preparation and delivery
We demonstrate what you want to learn from us methodologically: pointed input alternates throughout with phases of transfer and of doing it yourself.
Interactive Training Methods
We show you real cases from our consulting work and the effective methodological designs that went with them. That way you quickly get a feel for which methods suit which occasion. Not infrequently our participants bring cases from their own working context. That is very welcome, because it ensures ideal transfer into their own working world.
Practise what you preach
We demonstrate what you want to learn from us methodologically: pointed input alternates throughout with phases of transfer and of doing it yourself.
Work on "real world" case studies
We always adapt the content of our in-house training courses and seminars precisely and individually to your needs. In the past we have trained, among others:
Evaluation and transfer:
- Why do the methods work so well *In-depth explanation of the psychological and group dynamic foundations, so that you understand in depth what you are actually applying - and why the methods work so well*
- Which are possible applications and scenarios
- Useful variations and modifications (always related to the goals and the respective context of application)
- QA - rounds - so that all relevant questions will be covered.
Managing Consultant · initio Organisationsberatung
- Tailored Training Content We always adapt our training to the exact needs of the participants. Are you a beginner, would you like to refresh your existing knowledge or go deeper in certain areas of your facilitation practice? We have the right training concept for every scenario.
- Modern, up-to-date method knowledge taught by experienced trainers.
- With us, you not only learn the "original formats", but also practical "variations" of the original methods. This way, you are prepared for large group practice and can develop your own formats from existing building blocks - suitable for every initial situation and objective!
- We know what we are talking about: we are experienced practitioners and we keep developing our method repertoire.
- Modern and interactive knowledge transfer Activating, interactive and discursive training formats
- Top references and satisfaction We would be happy to provide you with a tailored offer with verifiable references.
Advantage of the "in-house training" approach: Tailor-made to your needs!
We always adapt the content of our in-house training courses and seminars precisely and individually to your needs. In the past we have trained, among others:
- Consulting company ("train the trainer")
- Internal consultants and trainers from corporations and SMEs
- Internal strategy departments
- HR development professionals
- Change-Agents
- Managers with planning and facilitation responsibilities
- Pedagogical staff
- Teams of event agencies who want to expand their methodological toolbox
- Trade fair organisers and agencies
- and many other teams.
Our approach
To ensure that you receive the best possible quality for your training or seminar, we attach great importance to a thorough clarification of the job and context:
What exactly do you need?
Additional needs assessment
among the participants by telephone, email or survey form
Creating an individual training approach
Tailored to your needs. Guaranteed: you and the participants learn nothing you already know.
Alignment and finalisation of the training design
Implementation
Structured evaluation of benefits and success
Money back guarantee
If you are not satisfied, you get your money back. Without "ifs and buts". Period.
Not convinced yet? Put us to the test in a free initial consultation:
Further articles on interactive methods: a collection of workshop methods and an overview of facilitation techniques.
- know current, activating and interactive methods for conferences, training sessions and seminars and can apply them themselves after the seminar ("application competence")
- combine elements of individual methods into new, individual formats - depending on the target group and needs ("modular system")
- through the application of interactive methods in the seminar setting, interactive methods are taught and deepened ("learning on two levels")
FAQ
- Practitioners as Trainers
- Our trainers apply these methods virtually "daily" in their professions as consultants. So we are all seasoned practitioners and are happy to share our knowledge.
- Always "fresh" and current methods
- We are aware of current method trends and know from practice which methodological variations achieve which effects.
- Best Seminar Quality
- Activating and interactive training, didactically well-thought-out, proven many times over and constantly refined.
- Materials with hands-on practical tips
- So that you can easily apply the methods yourself afterwards.
Free initial consultation
Florian Grolman, Managing Consultant at initio Organisationsberatung
- Together we look at your challenge
- Kalkulation der anfallenden Kosten
- If you are interested in going further, we produce an outline proposal
- Costing of the costs involved
Your contact
FAQ
Managing Consultant · initio Organisationsberatung
When will the next Large Group Method Training be offered?
Whenever you want. We offer the initio Method Training flexibly in terms of time, anywhere in Germany. Training at short notice is also possible!
Are there open method training sessions for individual participants?
Our training is aimed at existing, established groups from companies, organisations, associations, clubs and the public sector. We do not offer open seminars for individual participants.
For which objectives are the large group methods suitable?
Developing strategies and action plans, making decisions, weighing up risks, generating ideas, developing innovations - the whole range. We design our training courses precisely to your needs!
How much does the Large Group Method Training cost?
You pay us for the time we spend, not per participant. That pays off even with a small group. You get a quote without obligation, tailored specifically to your group and your objective.
For which group sizes are the large group methods suitable?
For really any group size: From small groups (3-4 people) to 1000 people, we have a fully packed suitcase of methods that we would be happy to teach you.
Who are the trainers?
Our trainers come from practice - and work primarily as passionate and experienced practitioners of the methods that we use ourselves in our consulting practice. Get first-hand application tips and tricks from experienced practitioners!
What our clients say
What clients say about working with us
A very helpful, well-run workshop. The results served us well through the restructuring phase too.
The strategy workshop was exceptionally productive. You kept the group focused on what mattered throughout. We recommend your facilitation without reservation.
It was striking how much came out of our workshop. That was outstanding.
Many thanks again for the excellent collaboration, the organisation and the very good workshop results.
I am very happy with the consulting. The workshop moved us a long way forward. Thank you.
We received very positive feedback on your training. Thank you for that.
You prepared our workshop thoroughly and precisely. Both the method and the facilitation fitted our objectives very well. We were able to carry on working very successfully with the results. Many thanks.
Four days of workshop and still playful, creative, inspiring and well structured, with good methodology. Thoroughly recommended.
Thanks again for the excellent workshop — we have already started putting the first ideas into practice, and enjoying it.
Many thanks for a genuinely helpful seminar.
Rarely have I been given a seminar so well structured and so well put together in terms of content.
The methods training was very helpful. We can warmly recommend initio Organisationsberatung for future seminars.
Free initial consultation
Contact.
What our clients say