Workshop Planning and Facilitation

Using a creative and engaging approach to share knowledge and gather insights

— A successful workshop or focus group requires attention to detail in the planning process and a skilled facilitator to ensure participants are engaged and the desired outcomes are achieved. —

At Wilton Consulting Group, we are experienced with planning and facilitating both in-person and virtual workshops and focus groups for the agri-food industry and rural communities.

We work closely with clients to understand their needs and develop agendas that align with their goals. The agenda must be fast paced enough to keep participants interested, while ensuring they do not experience an information overload. Similarly, the agenda must include a mix of opportunities for participants to “sit back” and absorb information, as well as opportunities to “sink their teeth” into the material by asking questions and sharing their insights. We leverage our expertise to develop an agenda that strikes an ideal balance.

Once the high-level agenda is set, we support speakers and panelists through the preparation process so they will be ready to shine during the workshop or focus group. We also develop the full range of supporting materials for workshop/focus group promotion, preparation, hosting, and wrap up, including:

• Information packages, pre-read documents, and backgrounders

• Graphics for event promotion on social media

• Summary reports and what we heard reports

We are experienced with hosting events on Zoom. We handle the technical logistics of registration pages, ensure a seamless participant experience, and record the session (if desired).

We leverage our strong project management skills to ensure all the little, yet crucial, details are addressed. For example, we gather PowerPoint slides from presenters and combine the slides into a master deck to serve as a backup in case of technical difficulties. Attention to detail matters!

The day of the workshop or focus group, we ensure we sign on early to answer any final questions from the client or the speakers. Once the session kicks off, our facilitator(s) are agile, tweaking the timing of agenda activities as needed to ensure the session stays on schedule and accomplishes the desired outcomes.

Clients for whom we have provided workshop/focus group planning and facilitation services include:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

• Farm Management Canada

• Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance

• The Arrell Food Institute

• The Canadian Federation of Agriculture

• The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

• The Do More Agriculture Foundation 

• The European Commission Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

• The Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association

• The Ontario Soil Network

• The Town of Caledon

• The University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus

• Tourism Simcoe County

As you can see, we offer personalized and comprehensive service! We can support your company or organization in planning and executing a flawless virtual or in-person workshop or focus group.

Check out all of our projects