1. Welcome

2. Forum Training New Chairs and Vice Chairs

3. Training Agenda Introductions Objectives
Critical Principles of Forum Success
Forum Roles and Responsibilities
Stages of Forum Development
Sample Forum Meeting Agenda

4. Objectives Understand critical principles of Forum success
Share best Forum practices
Offer suggestions for enhancing Forum experience

5. Critical Principles of Forum Success
Forum norms are based on the following six critical principles:
Group purpose
Confidentiality
Commitment
Membership
Participation
Leadership

6. Critical Principles of Forum Success
Group Purpose
The Forum must have a common purpose and a shared vision.

7. Critical Principles of Forum Success
Confidentiality
Members must have confidence that matters discussed in the Forum will not be shared outside the group.

8. Critical Principles of Forum Success
Commitment
Forum members must be present and available.

9. Critical Principles of Forum Success
Membership
The most effective make-up of a Forum includes a diverse group of peers who have
no conflicts of interest.

10. Critical Principles of Forum Success
Participation
How members interact in the group provides a direct link to trust and openness.

11. Critical Principles of Forum Success
Leadership
The Forum must have committed leaders.

12. Roles and Responsibilities
Chair
Creates and maintains a confidential, productive environment where members will be stimulated and can grow professionally.
Vice Chair
Supports the chair and assists with developing the meeting agenda

13. Roles and Responsibilities
Presenters
Bring detailed and candid case study presentations and facilitate a good discussion
Research an important topic and come prepared to lay the groundwork for discussion and exploration
Volunteer early and come prepared

14. Roles and Responsibilities
Members
Place a priority on participation
When you are there….be there (phones off)
Don’t dominate the conversation
Listen to presentations and discussions in a thoughtful manner
Share your own experiences in a frank and candid way

15. Stages of Forum Development
First Stage
Enthusiastic on the surface
Skeptical
Take few risks

16. Stages of Forum Development
Second Stage
Trust, respect, openness and risk taking
Gain personal knowledge of one another
Begin to believe in the Forum
Many Forums never go beyond this stage, but are still a very meaningful experience

17. Stages of Forum Development
Third Stage
An open atmosphere of acceptance
Attendance is an absolute top priority
Treat fellow members as your personal board of trusted advisors

18. Stages of Forum Development
Third Stage (con’t)
Very comfortable in sharing the most confidential information
Get and give thoughtful advice

19. Sample Forum Meeting Agenda
Open meeting
Start on time
Welcome
Confidentiality and Commitment Norm
Conduct Inclusion Exercise
Assign Timekeeper and Scribe

20. Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Inclusion Exercise Ideas
For new groups, each member states:
Name
Company
What they are working on
What they hope to get out of the Forum experience

21. Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Inclusion Exercise Ideas
For existing groups:
What is the best and worst thing that happened to your business since the last meeting?
Same as above for personal life

22. Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Inclusion Exercise Ideas
Using a market, or Research Foundation report, pick up a finding and ask members to go around the table ask if they agree/ disagree, and why.

23. Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Member Updates
Allow a certain amount of time per person
Structure the exercise with specific questions
Capture topics/issues for further discussion

24. Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Forum Member Presenters
Case studies
Issue, or topical discussion
Book or report review

25. Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Forum Member Presenters
Case studies
Issue, or topical discussion
Book or report review

26. Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Housekeeping
Plan for your next Forum meeting
Date/time/location
Select topics/issues
Identify and confirm presenters
Discuss possible tour options
Restaurants

27. Sample Forum Meeting Agenda Closing
Get feedback about the meeting
What worked? What didn’t
What to do differently next time
Conduct closing exercise – question about a focus area for next meeting.

28. Recap on Group Dynamics
Inclusion – Phase I – Am I in or out…the inclusion exercise is important to get the group focused
Control – Phase 2 – enthusiasm in the group can seem like a challenge to leadership
Openness – Phase 3 – once issues of inclusion and control are handled, openness occurs.

29. Forum Policies Must be a member of NAIOP
Appointment is for three years, or six meetings
Miss more than two meetings…asked to resign
May be reappointed for additional three-year terms

30. Forum Policies Please respond quickly to registration and restaurant
Let us know early about plans for extra sessions and tours
Recruit additional members to the Forum who fit the desired profile

31. Stay in Touch Contact your fellow Forum members between meetings
Use your List Serve

32. Don’t Hesitate to Call 703-674-1436
Bennett Gray
Vice President