The ‘ROUND TABLES’ are an idea which we introduced at the 2006 Conference and have been a great success every time we have used them since!

The aim is to provide the Conference Delegates with opportunities to find out more in specific areas that relate to their work and involvement in the playwork sector. The delegates will be able to move freely from table to table during the ‘ROUND TABLES’ Sessions.

The facilitator will make the ‘ROUND TABLES’ idea work! This will not necessarily be an easy job especially as there will be a definite ‘noise overlap‘ from the tables next door. They will gain the fine balance between direct input and the discussion and learning taking place around the ‘ROUND TABLES’. They will spark involvement and encourage participation. Some delegates will come to the table and want to lap up everything whilst other delegates will come to get specific questions about the subject area answered and will then move on.

Delegates at each table will be reminded that they can move on during the session – so you will not need to worry about getting up and moving.

The potential problem with setting up this fluid dynamic is what to do to keep moving the person forward who has already been sitting with at the table for an hour whilst at the same time bringing in a new arrival to the ‘ROUND TABLES’ and not repeating exactly what has already been said.

The facilitators will have various inputs that they can make throughout the ‘ROUND TABLES’ time and that these would be supported by notes and handouts. The notes and handouts will only go to people who have participated in each specific ‘ROUND TABLE’. The day will not become a handout ‘feeding frenzy’.

Look at daily programmes to see whats happening and when.