Facilitating Engaging Meetings
Course Details
1 Day Online course on Zoom:​
June 6th 8:00am-1:00pm PDT
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Course Aims
In my course participants will:
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Learn the skills, strategies, and tools needed to have engaging meetings that include the voices of individuals with disabilities.
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Lead conversations that will help groups develop a shared understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives and options.
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Learn facilitation skills that will empower participants to feel engaged and heard.
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Learn to use an evidence-based method created by the Technology of Participation (ToP) in the context of disability inclusivity.
How can you use this information?
This knowledge can transform the way you facilitate your meetings and lead community trainings. Whether you're facilitating a workgroup, teaching a class, or organizing an event, you’ll know how to include everyone from the start.
The information provided in this course came from my experience working at the UCLA Tarjan Center for thirty years. As the Director of Operations, I attended numerous meetings and participated in projects where individuals and their family members could not engage in the conversations or feel included. As a consultant, and trainer, I decided a course was needed to teach professionals on how to facilitate engaging, and accessible meetings for all learning styles. After my first Technology of Participation (ToP) course, it clicked that I could use the focused conversation method to train professionals to offer meetings that would allow all participants to engage authentically.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
“This week, I had the opportunity to attend a two-night online training on Facilitating Engaging Meetings, organized by Stoffmacher Consulting. The training offered me a more profound understanding of facilitation, with a particular focus on conducting focused conversations.
The sessions allowed me to critically reflect on how we currently conduct conversations and meetings within our organization. It became clear that there is significant room for improvement, especially in integrating the focused conversation method into our practices.
As part of the Technology of Participation (ToP) facilitation framework, we engaged in practical exercises that helped solidify our understanding of the method. The trainer, Beth Stoffmacher, CTF , is a highly skilled and experienced facilitator, certified in ToP methodologies. Her delivery was engaging and insightful, making the training both practical and inspiring.
Dr. Yasamin Bolourian, Director of Outreach & Dissemination,
UCLA Tarjan Center, UCEDD
"Beth Stoffmacher, CTF is one of those rare professionals who can navigate complex systems and diverse stakeholders with both ease and heart. Whether she was engaging with community members, advocates, researchers, or leadership, Beth ensured that every voice was heard and every individual felt valued—regardless of title. She is authentic, efficient, and deeply committed to fostering inclusive spaces.
You never had to ask Beth twice—she always delivered with care and precision. Her ability to hold both the big picture and the smallest details makes her an incredible asset to any group or initiative."
Dr. Blake Warner, PEERS Postdoctoral Fellow,
UCLA Tarjan Center
“Beth's expertise in guiding meaningful conversations provides invaluable support in navigating complex decision-making processes. Her thoughtful approach fosters efficient and productive dialogue, helping individuals and teams gain clarity and alignment, leading to innovative solutions that support mission-driven goals."