The power of face-to-face workshops

Designing sessions that actually deliver

In a world of Teams fatigue, AI-everything, and inbox overload, it’s easy to forget just how powerful it is to get people in a room together.

But here’s the thing – no digital tool can replicate what happens when smart people gather, roll up their sleeves, and get stuck into a shared challenge.

A recent session I ran with NICOLE in Antwerp reminded me why face-to-face (F2F) workshops still matter. When they’re well-designed, they don’t just spark ideas – they drive real decisions, momentum, and change.

So what makes a great workshop? Here’s what I’ve learned.

Why in-person workshops still work

When you’re face to face, a few powerful things happen:

• Conversations flow better – body language, tone, side comments… it all makes for deeper discussion.

• Ideas move faster – there’s an energy in the room you can’t get on screen.

• Trust builds naturally – relationships form when people interact in real time.

• People stay present – no screens hiding emails or distractions.

This matters even more in technical or complex industries like environmental consulting or engineering, where big problems need real collaboration.

What makes a workshop worth the time

Not all workshops are created equal. Here’s what separates the ones that work from the ones people forget by morning:

1. A clear goal

If people don’t know why they’re there, the session will drift. Make the outcome specific:

• Are we solving a problem?

• Making a decision?

• Setting a plan?

2. The right people in the room

Not too many. Not too random. The best groups:

• Include decision-makers

• Bring a mix of perspectives

• Are small enough for real conversations (8–12 is ideal)

3. Structure (with a little wiggle room)

You need an agenda – but not a straitjacket. Guide the session, but leave room for insights to emerge. Mix short presentations with discussion, breakout groups, or sticky-note tasks.

4. Firm but flexible facilitation

A great facilitator doesn’t just keep time – they keep things on track:

• Ask, “What’s the decision here?”

• Make space for quieter voices

• Cut tangents without cutting people off

5. Real outcomes

If no one owns a next step, nothing changes. Every workshop should end with:

• Key takeaways

• Clear responsibilities

• A quick summary email to keep momentum going

Lessons from Antwerp – a real-world example

The recent workshop I ran with NICOLE in Antwerp is a great case study of how F2F sessions can drive real impact.

The NICOLE session in Antwerp nailed the essentials:

• Focused brief – we tackled a single, defined challenge.

• Right-sized group – enough diversity to get good input, small enough to hear every voice.

• Hands-on format – we used exercises, group work, and shared notes to keep things active.

• Results-first mindset – we didn’t just talk; we planned, prioritised, and moved forward.

The result? Clarity, commitment, and next steps already underway.

Final thought – real change still happens in real rooms

Yes, digital tools are great. But F2F workshops can offer something unique—deeper conversations, faster alignment, and stronger relationships. If you’re serious about solving big problems, building teams, or driving change, in-person workshops should be a core part of your strategy.

✔ Need to align on a strategy? Get in a room.

✔ Have a big challenge to solve? Bring the right people together. Get in a room.

✔ Want to build relationships that actually stick? Nothing beats face-to-face. Get in a room.

So next time you need to align a team, solve a problem, or get things moving – get in a room. Done right, these sessions don’t just create plans. They create momentum. And that’s what makes change happen.

Want help designing a workshop that works? Let’s chat.