October 18th and 19th sees the return of the annual conference for mediators on the island of Ireland – bigger than last year, full of practical lessons and learning points, and relevant to all mediators, regardless of your specialist sector or particular perspective.

And, for the first time in the MII’s history, we’re holding the conference in Belfast, the scene of much conflict and resolution over the past 50+ years. It’s now home to many examples of creative perspective-sharing and a variety of positive peace initiatives. So, lots of learning for mediators even before we look at the programme…

All of our speakers have been asked to share insights that will be of value to all mediators, so that delegates will gain knowledge from every session that may be applied by them in which ever sector they operate.

We’re currently finalising sessions and speakers, and we can let you know that some of the topics will include:

* The Role of Mediators in Conflict Zones Part 1: with Baroness Cathy Ashton, former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and First Vice President of the European Commission in the Barroso Commission from 2009 to 2014.

* The Role of Mediators in Conflict Zones Part 2: with Nita Yawanarajah, Deputy Director at Oxford Process; Enda Young, Managing Director of Mediation NI and Pat Hynes, Programme Manager Political Dialogue & Legacy, Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation.
The MII would like to thank Enda Young from Mediation NI for bringing keynote speaker Cathy Ashton to the conference and for MNI’s involvement in our sessions on The Role of Mediators in Conflict Zones.

* Improving Your Mediation Practice and Skills: Up to 14 different sessions for members to choose from, such as Selling Mediation Skills, Website and Member Profile, and Mentoring and Supervision.

*Using Humour to Maximise Mediation with Alan Lyons, chartered psychologist and Managing Partner of Kinch Lyons

The psychology of humour and brain research shows that we can take things so seriously that we miss things. Connecting with humour effectively enables you to manage your emotions for better mediation. Obviously, hurtful humour is no laughing matter but there are different humour styles, so which one is best to use in mediation? And is it possible to develop a humour workout that brings joy and levity to your mediation practice?   

* The MII TED Talk Club – Live and (Not) Dangerous: Instead of watching a video of a TED Talk, Nita Yawanarajah will return to discuss a subject of her choice, which will be analysed by our panel for its relevance to mediators and mediation.

* Psychologically Informed Mediation: Studies in Conflict and Resolution: with renowned author Monica Hanaway, who is an accredited UKCP psychotherapist (1994), accredited mediator, clinical supervisor, executive and leadership coach, trainer and consultant.

* Risk Assessments for Mediators: with Dorcas Crawford, former solicitor and founder of The Better Way.

* Keeping the EI in AI: Mediators v Machine: how will our panel’s views compare LIVE with those of ‘ChatBob’ (Bob Cree-Hay, MII Council Member working with ChatGPT on screen)?

Full Conference Details with options for travel and accommodation and the booking link

In partnership with: