ToP Network Annual Gathering

The ToP Network Annual Gathering is an event designed to bring members of the ToP Network and ToP practitioners together for three days of laughter, learning, sharing and participation. The term ‘gathering’ means to bring people together or assemble from various places. Gathering represents the spirit of the event better than the definition of a conference, which is defined as an act of conferring or consulting.

This is an intimate event typically bringing together about 125 ToP colleagues. It is traditionally held in a different location around the US, usually in January. For 2021, our 30th gathering, we will be meeting virtually March 11-13, in new ways that make the most of the opportunities of gathering without spending the time and money on travel, increasing our range of diversity and geography and participation. Watch this page for details.

Learn more about this year's gathering.

Traditional Features of the Gathering include:

• Learn via a series of workshops and post-courses facilitated by skilled practitioners of participatory methods. Expand your toolbox and learn fresh ways to use ToP methods.
• Connect with colleagues from across the U.S. and from around the world. Expand your network of peers and mentors.
• Participate during full-group plenary sessions and experience ToP methods in a new way.
• Share your methods and experiences by presenting in 'unconference' sessions led by participants (new in 2021)
• Challenge your thinking by participating in Community Issues Sessions
• Explore the local area with your colleagues (just virtual sharing this year to keep us all safe)
• Attend the ToP Network annual business meeting and participate in planning (a separate meeting in 2021)
• Engage with Committees and Action Teams to shape the work of the ToP Network
• Contribute to the network's legacy of more than 50 years of global community and organization development work
• ToP Trainers meet for a day of planning to grow and shape the ToP training program (a separate meeting in 2021)