A few words about the experience some people have had at KI-led events:

“Watching the KI team facilitate a scientific meeting is liking seeing one’s first Broadway show, having attended only high school plays, previously. Like most scientists I am naturally skeptical and adverse to facilitation, but their techniques immediately build trust. I’ve been a mentor at two meetings that they’ve run, and I’m so impressed by the productive and original outcomes that I am hoping to involve them in the next scientific meeting that my group holds.”  – Paula Mabee, Professor, Department of Biology, University of South Dakota

“There are occasional knowledge breakthroughs in Sandpits that may go completely unnoticed except by an individual participant. A case in point: the first FRENZ Sandpit in March 2011, when the juxtaposition of a series of presentations and discussions resulted in a breakthrough in understanding about the nature of man-made impacts on the health of rivers, a realisation that is now influencing new research in this area, and may in future pave the way for better management strategies to improve the health of our rivers. This breakthrough was silent, not entirely in line with the Sandpit’s objectives and hence did not surface in the sandpit proper. But in an increasingly time pressured world, the creation of a safe thinking space and the resultant exchange of ideas and knowledge should be highly valued, even though we may not always be immediately aware of all the consequences..” – Stuart Kirk, Head of Evidence Strategy, Water Availability and Quality Programme, DEFRA

“The Sandpit gave me an exhilarating international experience, talking to people from many backgrounds and sectors, exploring the common theme of ICT and governance. It opened up a new interpretation and understanding of this area that I can take back into my own development space. High involvement, a great experience and excellent facilitation. – Ian Everall, Senior Research Fellow, University of Salford Thinklab; Director of Gienova, Ltd, UK

“I was skeptical about having facilitators at a meeting, but it turned out to be not completely rubbish.” – an anonymous curmudgeon