Upcoming Events

Science Networking Online
— Monthly   View upcoming dates 
— 60-90 minutes on Zoom 

Networking helps scientists to build relationships, to share resources and to find career opportunities. And networking with a group can amplify our investment of time -- as members of the group get to know us, they are more likely to remember what we need and send good stuff our way! 

But many of us don't have time for networking. Others find networking to feel awkward and don't have safe spaces to practice networking skills. 

Our Science Networking Online (SNO) events provide support for both -- a short primer on networking, one-on-one conversations with other scientists, and optional conversations in small groups about topics that matter to scientists who want to have an impact. 

We are experimenting with what works (days, times and format), For now through May, we have settled on the third Wednesday of the month in the afternoon. 

Check out upcoming dates, learn more and sign up on the SNO webpage. 

From Intention to Action:
Plan Events with Purpose to Practice
— Wednesday, January 28, 2026
— 9 am PT / 11:00 am Central / Noon ET
— 60 minutes, online on Zoom  

In this 1-hour interactive webinar, participants will learn and experience the Liberating Structure "Purpose to Practice" by using it to plan a meaningful going-away celebration for a colleague. You will leave with a practical planning tool you can apply to meetings, events, and transitions.

Register on Event Brite 

Having trouble registering for P2P?  Here are step-by-step instructions:

1. Click on the link above (“register on Event Brite”)  
2. On the Event Brite page, look in the upper right corner for “Check availability”. Click on that link. 
3. A calendar will appear. Find the date of this event, which is January 28^th  and click on that date.
4. Click on the field that says “Time” to confirm the time, then click on “Register”. 
5. The next screen asks for your contact information. Fill in those fields and click on “Register”. 
6. The last screen asks for more information about where you are located. After completing the questions, click on “Complete order”  You should receive a confirmation email.  

 RestUP: How to Get Just a Little More Rest 
— Friday January 30, 2026
— 10 am PT / noon CT / 1 pm ET

Are you dragging and feeling overwhelmed? You're caring for everyone and everything, and frankly, you need caring for, too!  

But being well-rested isn't just about getting a good night's sleep. In this 90 minute workshop, you'll learn about eight types of rest, experience several of them, take an inventory of your rest and make a plan for getting just a little more rest.

Join Sandy Salvo and Barb Bickford for an hour of rest!

Sign up here 

-- If you do not receive regular emails from Barb Bickford, you are a "new client." Choose the "new client" option, enter your email address and create a password.

-- If you have never bought or attended anything from Improve Your Meetings, you are also considered a "new client."  See bullet above. 

-- If you have bought a product or signed up for an event in the past, you are a "returning client."  Choose that option and fill out your Username and Password. 

-- If you don't remember your Username, try entering your email address as your Username.  If that doesn't work, send an email Barb to bickfordcollaboration [AT] gmail.com about it.
-- If you don't remember your Password, enter your Username and click on "Forgot your password" to set a new password. We do not have access to your password.

Empathy Circle 
— Saturday, February 21, 2026   
— 1:00 PM Eastern / Noon Central / 10 AM Pacific.   
— 60 minutes, online on Zoom  

Join Barb Bickford and Cassandra O'Neill for a deep dive into empathic listening in an Empathy Circle.

The only requirement for joining our circle is a willingness to receive and give empathy. Each participant will have a chance to be both a speaker (say what is on their heart and mind) and an active listener (reflect back a summary of what someone says).

You'll be invited to speak on the theme of transitions or whatever is most alive with you.

Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

What is an empathy circle?

How do you do an empathy circle?

What are the benefits?

Register

Transitions and New Beginnings Retreats 

-- February 4-8, 2026 / In person, Sun City West, Arizona
-- April 10-12, 2026 / In person, St. Anthony's Spirituality Center, Marathon City, Wisconsin

Are you going through a life transition, such as a job change, retirement, new relationship or just an inner change of direction?  Join us to make sense of what has led you to this point and to explore where you will go from here. 

Learn about the retreat in Arizona at Arizona retreat.

Learn about the retreat in Wisconsin at Transitions Retreats. 

Learn about 1 day events at Transitions Day Retreats.

Join the waiting list for Transitions retreats or contact us to set up a custom Transitons retreat for your group. 

Get emails 

Our newsletter emails include a story, announcements of upcoming events, and tips for improving your meetings.

Select topics  

Choose the topics you care about and you'll receive emails when we offer something about them. 

Customize an event

We can adapt our events to support your group's needs.