Hands-on training to build your real-world facilitation capability
Certificate in Facilitation
Great facilitators are rare. They create conversations where people think better together, challenge assumptions and avoid the groupthink that slows innovation. These skills are increasingly expected of anyone moving into leadership or senior roles.
This certificate shows you can plan, lead and manage in-person workshops and meetings, including navigating group dynamics, personalities and differing thinking styles.
Duration
2 days: 22 and 23 June 2026
Format
In-person, small group, from 9am to 5pm
Location
Creative HQ Event Space, Wellington
Price
$1699 + GST
Early Bird Price open until 21 May: $1499
Certificate
Creative HQ Certificate in Facilitation
Registrations close 16 June
861
people trained
13
countries represented by participants
90
NPS
(net promoter score)
87%
report being more capable, confident and connected after the course
What you’ll learn
- How to open a workshop clearly and with purpose.
- The facilitator’s role: what to do, what not to do and how to prepare.
- Techniques for creating a safe, inclusive environment that brings out diverse contributions.
- How to read the room’s energy and guide groups towards useful outcomes
- Decision-making techniques that prevent dominant voices from steering the conversation.
- Tools drawn from design sprints, creative problem solving and Creative HQ’s facilitation practice.
- Real-world facilitation practice in mock scenarios with feedback.
You finish with a clear understanding of how to facilitate and the confidence to immediately apply these skills back at work.
I look forward to using what I learned during these sessions during my work life. I found the facilitation fantastic, and the facilitators were very deliberate with ensuring all participants had the opportunity to speak. I enjoyed learning the theory before practicing.
Facilitation workshop participant
Why facilitation matters
Facilitation is the art of bringing people together to solve problems. When done well, it is a core leadership skill that helps teams move through impasses and unlock collective wisdom for creative problem-solving.
This course builds the practical tools, confidence, and presence needed to lead workshops, sprints, and complex conversations with ease. It is immersive, people-focused, and designed for those who want to guide groups through meaningful work, not just run activities.
“Too many bosses silence the room. Skilled facilitators amplify dissenting views and quiet voices. This is key to curbing groupthink and preventing powerful people from dominating discussions.”
— Adam Grant
Frequently asked questions
Who this course is for
Ideal for people who work with groups, lead discussions or guide problem-solving. Common roles include:
- Managers and team leads.
- Product and project professionals.
- Innovation, strategy and development roles.
- Anyone preparing for senior responsibilities or wanting stronger people-leadership capability.
No prior experience is required.
What is the difference between facilitation and presenting?
Presenting is about delivering information. Facilitation is about guiding a group to think, discuss and reach outcomes together. This course focuses on the latter.
I’m not in a formal leadership role. Is this still relevant?
Yes. Anyone who runs meetings, leads discussions or works across teams will benefit from facilitation skills.
How is this different from online facilitation training?
In-person facilitation requires different skills: managing room energy, spatial design, pacing and using physical tools. This course focuses specifically on those. If you’re interested in online facilitation training, you can enquire below.
Do I need prior experience?
No. The course is designed to meet you where you are – from first-time facilitators to people wanting to expand their facilitation toolkit.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. By participating in the course in full, you’ll receive the Creative HQ Certificate in Facilitation, demonstrating your ability to plan and lead in-person workshops and meetings. This will look great on your CV!
How practical is the course?
Very. You’ll facilitate multiple scenarios, receive feedback and learn through doing – not sitting and listening.
Can we book this for our whole team?
Yes. For groups of 10 or more, Creative HQ can deliver the training at your workplace or another on-site location.
Meet your facilitators
Nedra Fu
GM School of Innovation
Chris O’Neill
Senior Innovation Specialist
Dr. Colin Kennedy
Chief Growth Officer
If the current course dates are not suitable for you, please express your interest below for future Certificate in Facilitation courses.