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The 2004 Future Search Network Learning Exchange, Stockholm Sweden At 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 13th the 2004 Future Search Network Learning Exchange – the annual meeting of the Future Search Network – convened at the Brygghuset Conference Center in Stockholm, Sweden. The event continued through May 15. The decision to hold the 2004 Learning Exchange in Sweden, was made at the 2003 Learning Exchange when participants responded to an offer from Drusilla Copeland and Bengt Lindstrom to host the 2004 meeting in Sockholm. It felt like a perfect way to move closer to parts of our growing global membership that live outside of the United States. Over the years, the Future Search Network has expanded internationally to the point that of the 330 members of the network, more than a third of whom come from countries other than the Unite States. Members come from 20 countries, spread across every continent on the globe. The 2004 Learning exchange broke all records with members attending the meeting from the following countries: Austria, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States of America
The first LE was in 1997 in Philadelphia and about 50 members attended, mostly from the US and a few from Canada. 1998 was the same. In 1999, 65 attended, adding Germany, India, Ireland and Sweden to the mix. Since 2001, we have had about 45-50 each year, mostly from the US and Canada. The LE in Sweden brought about 55 members and sponsors from 16 countries.
The meeting was designed by an international group of planners. Logistics and an amazing array of hosting activities were provided by Drusilla and Bengt and their colleagues. May Gauffin worked overtime to provide housing for everyone attending the conference, to the point of welcoming members and taking them to their lodging in the middle of the night.
Anders and Lindstrom, the consulting firm with which Drusilla and Bengt are associated, hosted a party in their offices and helped with various aspects of logistics. Music was provided by our own marv Weisbord at the keyboards accompanied by other netswork members. The Learning Exchange gave network members an opportunity to find out how future search members around the world have been using future search in their practices.
In addition, for the first time, the group set aside a section to heard from recent future search clients and to see future search through their eyes. The group also had a chance to meet in small groups to discuss issues of current interest.
In addition, participants had a chance to get to know the beautiful city of Stockholm. Groups toured the “Old City” and took a four hour boat ride through the beautiful archipelago surrounding Stockholm. Groups visited museums, experienced Swedish foods and wandered through the beautiful city. |
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