Organizational Ombuds – Using Mediation to Impact Evolving Organizations

Join a panel of Ombuds moderated by Anthony Keen-Louie – Associate Ombuds at UC Santa Cruz and Adjunct Lecturer in Law at USC Gould School of Law to share more about how skills in mediation are a critical component of Ombuds work. Learn how combining a variety of career experiences with intentionally developed skills in […]

Center Stage: Commanding the Spotlight in an Emerging Mediation Market

Join Murphy Funkhouser, a seasoned marketing and branding expert with over 20 years of experience, for an engaging and transformative session designed specifically for professionals navigating the evolving mediation market. In this dynamic talk, Murphy will provide invaluable insights into how you can elevate your mediation business and stand out in a landscape where mediation […]

The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Mediation

“Until we develop emotional self-awareness, we will project our own unrecognized emotions onto others.” Bowling and Hoffman (2003) In this hour-long interactive presentation, we will discuss emotional intelligence and its crucial role in effective mediation. We will explore the five components of emotional intelligence and their impact on the mediation process. By understanding the importance […]

Walking the Tightrope: Mediation’s Balancing Act Between Facilitation and Legal Advice

This presentation explores the critical importance of maintaining clear boundaries in mediation, focusing on the potential ramifications of mediators giving legal or general advice. Designed for both attorney and non-attorney mediators, this lecture examines the delicate balance between facilitating communication and inadvertently stepping into an advisory role. Attendees will gain insights into the distinctions between […]

Follow the Science: Proven Strategies for Reducing Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias – a set of attitudes and stereotypes that we are unaware of – is ubiquitous and its effects can be pernicious.. These biases, encompassing realms such as race, gender, class, and sexual orientation, might not align with our conscious beliefs yet wield influence over our actions. This poses a significant challenge for those […]

Closing Plenary- Embracing Change: The Evolution and Future of Mediation

“Change is the law of life, and those who only look to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” This quote by John F. Kennedy resonates deeply with Sara Campos’s approach to mediation and her outlook on life in general.  Serendipitously, it also beautifully aligns with this year’s SCMA Conference theme: A […]

Special Plenary: Mediating Through Different Lenses

Mediators naturally walk into the room seeing and hearing everything through the lens of their own life experiences – most notably their training and education. One concept we hold dearly at the American Institute of Mediation is to help mediators become more complete in their skill sets. In this unique workshop, our trainer, Lee Jay […]

Keynote: Mediating with Heart and Mind in Divided Times

At SCMA’s Annual Conference, Dr. Singh will discuss “Meditating with heart and mind in divided times”. During the election year, when it seems like our society and our politics is broken, Dr. Singh will look at the historical lens of unity and divide and he will discuss the science and the psychology of building trust […]