The word ‘ConFest’ emerged from the twin themes of the first gathering at Cotter River.

1. Conferencing and Festivities

Towards celebrating 30 years of ConFest at Moulamein for the 2006-2007 Gathering

Ideas are emerging for more Conferencing

Last ConFest had over 280 workshops. Some of these were conferencing – where a theme was chosen and people invited to share views.

There is a widespread consciousness about better worlds among ConFesters. ConFest is an ideal space to get together. Like all happenings at ConFest the energy for a Conference can be self organizing.

One or more tend to be energisers of possibilities. Michael Smith of Gypsy Kitchen is keen and linking with others. One or more conferencing locations may be found on the site. A set of Conference Noticeboards may be set up adjacent the Workshop notice boards.

· Do you have passion to energise a conferencing theme?

· Know any good speakers?

· Know any good facilitators?

Many people saw the first ConFest as primarily conferencing. They had an overseas guest speaker who spoke on the link between the presence or absence of bodily contact in the first year of life as predictors of love or aggression respectively. Societies with little tradition of a lot of bodily contact were most aggressive. Societies with lots of bodily contact tend to be peaceful. 100s attended his talks. The same when Dr Jim Cairns spoke.

One article spoke of around 1000 attending one theme. There was a lot of passion. People would offer to lead discussion on sub themes. These sub groups would quickly form. After a time word would go out for a move back to Big Group. Subgroups would briefly report. Discussion followed.

Possible Themes for Conference Topics:

Building theme based Social Networking

Local Action re Global Futures

Starting local support networks

The Role of ConFest in Global Futures

Can you suggest others?

If you would like to be involved in any way in the Conference Process at ConFest send Email to:

folks@dte.org.au