Through learning and practicing a process of collaborative inquiry, task groups look at themselves within a larger framework, discover and acknowledge what they hold as common ground with other stakeholders, evaluate the present, generate an ideal future, and get together with other stakeholders to create action plans which are shared with the whole conference. Stakeholders form action teams, take responsibility for implementation, and open lines of communication to share knowledge and resources. A clear picture of the future that all stakeholders want for the organization, specific action steps to move towards it, and commitment of all key players to make it happen. Conference stakeholders come from a broad cross-section of the organization, including executives, directors, managers, and people from many levels and functions. When appropriate, the group also includes customers, suppliers, allies, alumni, the media, the community, similar organizations, and others.
Great diversity is encouraged to encompass the organization's entire system.
True stakeholders want to participate. They see your future as vitally important to their own. They come because this event matches their highest aspiration for something important to them. Make clear the importance of this process to those you invite, and you'll fill the room in no time. Invite important representatives of all your key stakeholders.