The Director Development Committee is pleased to offer these recordings of past on-line salons for the AKRI membership. These salons are designed as a virtual gathering of people interested in the topic of group relations conference directing – whether on the threshold of taking up this role, curious about it, new to the role, or experienced as a director.

March 18, 2025 5 PM- 6:30 PM PDT

“WORKING WITH GENDER IN GROUP RELATIONS CONFERENCES”

This Salon is an opportunity for new, aspiring, and experienced Group Relations Conference directors—whether you are actively directing, considering stepping into the role, or simply curious about the complexities of gender in conference spaces.

Panelists: Josh DeSilva (they/them), Angel Hu (they/them), Novien Yarber (he/el)

Sept 17, 2024 5 PM- 6:30 PM PDT

“THE EXPERIENCES OF LATINX/E GROUP RELATIONS DIRECTORS”

A panel discussion featuring directors from Latinx/e backgrounds who discuss their experiences navigating the intersection of their role and identity. Panelists share how they use their unique perspectives to promote learning about authority and identity .

Featuring Diana Castaneda, Dr. Yaro Fong-Olivares, mak wemuk, and Jaime Romo as moderator.

 August 22, 2023, 5:00– 6:30 PM (PST)

“Salon on the Experience of Intersectionality of Role and Identity on the Role of Director”

A panel discussion featuring directors from diverse backgrounds who discuss their experiences navigating the intersection of their role and identity. Panelists share how they use their unique perspectives to promote learning about authority and identity .

Featuring Joshua DeSilva, Psy.D.; Laura Dorsey-Elson, PhD; and Jeffrey D. Roth, MD

 July 17, 2023, 5:00– 6:30 PM (PST)

“Experience of Women in the Conference Director Role”

A panel discussion with three women conference directors as they share their experiences and insights.

Featuring Kathleen Cain, Patricia Kummel, and Flora Taylor

 2022 DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT SALONS

“WHY DO IT”

Nov 2, 2022, 5:00– 6:30 PM (PST)

An interview and discussion with Ed Shapiro
on his development as a conference director and his experience and learning in the role

 “CONFERENCE DYNAMICS:
“CHALLENGES FOR THE DIRECTOR/ADMINISTRATOR PAIR”     

NOV 9, 2022, 5:00– 6:30 PM (PST)

Conversations with Jack Lampl, mak wemuk (David Luna), and John Weng

 “THE MENTORING RELATIONSHIP:
FINDING YOUR WAY INTO THE DIRECTOR ROLE”

DEC 6, 2022 5:00– 6:30 PM (PST)

Conversations with two mentoring teams:
• Jaime Romo and Yaro Fong-Olivares
• Seth Harkins and Xumei Wang