The Center for Public Policy recently brought its expertise in collaborative decision-making to the 2026 International Association of Facilitators in Monterrey, Mexico, where facilitators from across North, Central and South America gathered to examine the future of facilitation, stakeholder engagement and public problem-solving.

Sarah Jackson, senior consultant and facilitator in the CPP, presented “Navigating the Groan Zone: Reaching Convergence with Curiosity and Confidence,” a session exploring how facilitators can help groups move through disagreement toward actionable solutions. Drawing on methodologies used in the CPP’s legislative work and facilitation efforts with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the presentation highlighted the role structured collaboration can play in helping stakeholders navigate complex public challenges.

Gina Barber, director of administration and senior consultant and facilitator, also presented “Facilitating on the Edge of Humanity: SOARing to Team Facilitation,” which examined the future of human-driven facilitation in an era increasingly shaped by generative artificial intelligence.

During the conference, Barber also earned the internationally recognized IAF Certified™ Professional Facilitator designation, making her one of fewer than a dozen facilitators in Virginia to hold the credential.