Tuesday Talk: Designing Relational Experiences

A workshop on Purposeful, Connection-Centered Design. Not all spaces are designed to connect, but they can be. In this 90-minute interactive workshop, participants will explore an intentional design process for experiences that foster trust, belonging, and meaning. Whether you're shaping a meeting, conference session, or even a message, the way we hold space matters. Together, we’ll explore a six-step approach with a desire to inspire some creative conference session proposal for the VAM 2026 Conference in Williamsburg, VA. Participants will practice designing a real-life experience, get some feedback, and walk away with practical tools to support their work. This session is rooted in the belief that structure and feeling can and must coexist. When we design for connection, we build more than programs, we build culture. This workshop is ideal for facilitators, team leaders, educators, planners, and anyone shaping experiences. This is especially useful for anyone considering developing a conference session. You’ll leave with a clear framework for designing relational spaces and new language and tools to elevate how you design, invite, and connect.