Designing Effective Engagement: Identifying the Tools and Tactics

Consultation and engagement is a mandatory component of any planning assignment. In order to generate meaningful, effective and accessible engagement and consultation one must first understand the audiences that they wish to engage, the outcomes that are desired and the opportunities and challenges that may be presented. Through our presentation we will provide attendees with a better understanding of the principles and considerations that inform effective and meaningul consultation and engagement and the processes and protocols that can help to set-up a project for success.

 

Navigating the tools and techniques of engagement can also be challenging and if not appropriately selected can be the element that determines whether aor not a project is supported by the community members, stakeholders, staff and decision makers. Through our presentation we will also provide attendees with an overview of the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) approach, it's application and the various consultation and engagement tactics, their applications, benefits and draw backs. The presentation will form the foundation of the session which will be an interactive session to allow attendees to work together to design a consultation and engagement program based on a unique planning scenario. The scenarios will range from highly contentious planning assignments which require consensus building to typical master plan projects where innnotative and interst building is needed.   

 

The intent of the session is to demonstrate to attendees that preparing an innovative, interactive, well-planned and strategic consultation and engagement program is possible, feasible, manageable and enjoyable.