THE FOUR SEASONS, DENVER, CO - Aug 13-15 2015
Photos & Testimonials from the 2015 Denver Retreat posted below
(just click photos to pull up larger versions!)
Our 2015 Retreat was held in Denver and attended by
around 110 Academy members from 27 different states.
Guest trainers included across the 3 days include Academy
Members Lee Jay Berman (CA),
John Freud (FL) & Doug Noll (CA), Antonio Piazza (Mediated
Negotiations Inc.), Prof. John Lande (MO),
Debbie Goldstein (Triad Consulting & Harvard Law) &
Dr Leslie John (Harvard Business School).
Attendee Testimonials
The 2015 Retreat was attended by 110 leading neutrals from 27 different states - many Academy members kindly gave
testimonials for this year's course...
"The NADN Retreat is much more than a seminar and much more than a
conference. It is a unique experience of learning and growth,
individually and as a group of leading neutrals. This year, as
always, I discovered two dozen or more specific tips that will
improve my practice next week. More importantly, though, I gain
tremendous insight into ways to continue to learn and grow as a
professional and a profession. In a word, "Brilliant!"
- Robert Daisley, Tampa, FL
"Imagine a room full of 120 of the most experienced neutrals in
the country, who are only in the group because they were invited,
engaged in 2.5 days of lively, funny and heartfelt tips, tricks
and best practices. NADN meetings are unique - it's a privelege
and a pleasure to attend."
- Will Pryor, Dallas, TX
"This is a program that brings together a cadre
of highly experienced dispute resolution professsionals who are
encouraged to think out-of-the-box, try new techniques and
exchange ideas in a dynamic and supportive environment. An
excellent event."
- David Lichter, Aventura, FL "Phenomenal.
This seminar absolutely blows all other ADR seminars away. The
caliber of the speakers, the relevancy of the topics, and the
exceptional experience of the participants raises the level of
training to a class by itself. Worth every penny!"
- Kim Torres, Tampa, FL
"Excellent synthesis of skills, process and creative thinking
about the business of conflict resolution and problem solving. I'm
taking home Lots of ideas & inspiration to enhance my mediation
practice!"
- Krista Gottlieb, Buffalo, NY
"Superb! We had speakers discussing psychology, communications
(the use of feedback), mediation techniques, pre-mediation ideas,
and strategies in unusual and large cases, and the use of an
opening joint session, and so much more. This is without doubt the
best ADR course I have ever attended."
- Frank Hamlin, Little Rock AR "When
you combine the wisdom and insight from leaders in the field of
ADR as speakers, with the experience and willingness to share from
the attendees, you create an environment to advance the art and
science of a field that is changing the way the public look at the
law. Great event, thank you!"
- Stephen Garner, Bremen, GA "A
fabulous program with great speakers, and excellent facilities.
Great materials - I'll certainly be there in 2017!"
- Charles Muchmore, Phoenix, AZ "The
total experience of speakers and audience comments helped me to
broaden my knowledge to certainly improve my mediation skills.
Flexibility was emphasised in the process, as well as expanding
our services as we go forward."
- William Francis,
Lexington, KY "A great three days
with the best teachers and practitioners of mediation who share my
passion for the process!"
-
Kenneth Byrum, Bakersfield CA "I am
continually impressed with the effort and quality of NADN
membership and the Training Retreat. By far and without
reservation the biennial Retreat is the best and most useful CLE I
receive."
-
Hon. John Nahra, Bettendorf, IA
"Interesting, thought-provoking program with a roomful of
attendees, many of whom could also take to the podium and present
an informative program of their own! A very rich education
experience, quite excellent."
-
Beth Krugler, Fort Worth, TX "After
40 years of attending legal conferences, seminars and training
retreats, I can honestly say this is the best."
-
Hon. Cleveland Gambill, Lexington, KY
"Some really great out-of-the-box discussions and
presentations. The Retreat offers an excellent opportunity to
learn from, and get to know, those at the top of their craft."
-
Skip Netzorg, Denver CO "Some One of
the best workshops I've attended in 38 years. Intriguing,
refreshing, challenging and informative to me as a neutral - I
think this will make me a better peacemaker. Glad that I could
stay for the practical marketing discussions on the Saturday,
too!"
-
Jeff Boehlert, Des Moines, IA "Darren
and NADN continue to exceed my high expectations. 2015 was a
fabulous conference - engaging speakers and thought-provoking
topics. I look forward to attending the 2017 Retreat!"
-
Kelly Overstreet Johnson, Tallahassee, FL
"The combination of outstanding presenters and very experienced
participants makes this the best mediation seminar available
anywhere. First class event."
-
Robin Doyle, Naples, FL "The NADN
Retreat is - bar none - the best, most sophisticated and
content-rich ADR program in the USA."
-
Joaquin Fraxedas, Maitland, FL "The Retreat was an absolute 'Wow!' - the hotel, the room setting, the service, food, and refreshments were outstanding in every respect. Just excellent. I enjoyed Professor Subramanian - he operates at a sophisticated level, and offers the crowd perspective in advanced negotiations training for executives.
Lee Jay Berman was the star of the show A+. I had never seen him in action before, but he's just wonderful. I'm kind of
burned out after 25 years of these programs; however, Lee Jay effectively rejuvenated the old boy. I've had two cases this week, and have been scanning my
'Lee Jay' notes on breaks for
ideas!"
- Hon. John Upchurch, Orlando, FL
"I attend a number of conferences most years: ACCTM, IAM, JAMS' Owners, JAMS mediation training, JAMS arbitration training, Georgia Bar's ADR Institute, and Georgia Bar's Arbitration Institute, as well as several one day programs on ADR, mediation or arbitration. Your NADN conference was one of the very best. I particularly enjoyed the way Lee Jay Berman used the vast experience of the group to allow the attendees to learn from one another, formally and informally.
Highly recommended."
- Terrence Lee Croft, Atlanta, GA "The NADN Advanced Mediation Training Retreat truly lived up
to its billing. The trainers, program and attendees all were
unquestionably advanced - to the extent that it likely was the
best ADR conference I've ever attended. The venue (city and hotel)
were top-notch, and the format well organized. I full intend to
attend the next one, which unfortunately is not for 2 more years.
See you in 2017!"
- David Abeshouse, New York, NY
"Please add me to
the choir singing the chorus of BEST YET. I expected a lot when I
signed up, and my expectations were exceeded. The training
sessions were led by an outstanding faculty, and the experienced
attendees contributed to the lively discussions! The hotel
accomodations, location, beauty and educational opportunities made
the trip a delight. A Home Run - thanks for your efforts."
-Hon. Robert Echols, Nashville, TN
"Nuanced, experience-tested advoce and
some actual science from top academics and professionals,
delivered to an audience with vast accumulated experience in
mediation from throughout the country. Not the usual Do-Re-Mi of
mediation seminars! Highly recommended."
- Jonathan Koch, Tampa, FL "I have been mediating since 1986 and also have been very involved in training ADR professionals in the Midwest over these years. The program presented at the
2013 NADN conference was one of the best that I have attended. Lee Jay
Berman and the other presenters gave me a notebook full of new ideas to improve my mediation skills! The NADN is where the top ADR professionals go for advanced training. I will definitely attend
in 2015!"
- Michael P. Bishop. Indianapolis, IN
"A great Retreat in all regards and a truly excellent group.
Thanks for making it all happen."
- Justice James Gilbert, Eden Prairie, MN
"This was my third NADN Retreat. Having attended (and
planned) more than 50 conferences in the past 20 years - your 2
stand out as the best. I started using things that I had learned
at the very first mediation upon my return to the work I love.
Congratulation - and see you in 2017!"
- John Salmon, Miami, FL
"Best
Advanced Training Ever! If you keep up the present energy level,
NADN has a great future!"
- Larry Latham, Ridgeland, MS
"Quite simply the GO TO conference for
any experienced mediators."
- John Freud, Miami, FL
From previous NADN Retreats....
"Quite simply the single best ADR seminar I have attended. Period."
- John S. Freud, Miami, FL
"This was truly the most interesting and valuable seminar I have attended in over 18 years of ADR practice. It introduced me to new concepts and techniques which have already been put to practical use in my sessions. In addition, it brought home the fact that techniques that I had already been using based on experience, instinct, trial and error were not simply aspects of the "art" of negotiation, but also the "science" of negotiation, bringing added structure and consistency in the use of those techniques. Not only were the presenters outstanding, but the interaction with other ADR professionals with levels of experience comparable to mine further enhanced the educational experience. Just one question.. When and where is the next
one?"
- Simon M. Harrison, Miami, FL
"Simply awesome. It is one of the best,
truly advanced, ADR seminars I have attended in 20 years of
practice and that includes the excellent advanced seminars at
Harvard by Roger Fisher. I found the presenters to be top-flight
experts in their fields. The neuro-psych presentation was
particularly interesting and useful. I have kept the reference
materials handy on my desktop and refer to them often. Recently I
was dealing with a particularly difficult personality in a major
multi-party commercial case who threatened to sink the process.
Frustrated, I went into my office, got the seminar materials, and
re-read the part on intervention techniques. I went back into the
mediation, pulled the difficult party aside for a one-on-one
meeting with his counsel's blessings, and managed to turn him
around. The case finally settled a few evenings later with a call
to my cell-phone from the difficult party who completely
changed his position and thanked me for my work. I cannot say
enough good things about this seminar."
- J. Joaquin Fraxedas, Maitland, FL
"Congratulations on presenting one of the
most valuable ADR Conferences I have attended in my 30+ years as
an ADR professional."
- Jerome Landau, Scottsdale, AZ "Congratulations - I am writing to express my sincerest appreciation for a truly outstanding and extremely valuable
conference. I
can't wait to attend the encore next year!"
- Brian Spector, Esq. Miami, FL
"The NADN Conference is really the only opportunity to spend a weekend with fellow professionals who are at the peak of the mediation world. A great way to elevate the level of your mediation practice while enjoying the company if like-minded mediators, some of whom are legends in our profession."
- Mark E. Becker, Tallahassee, FL
"What a worthwhile, cutting-edge program. Thank you to the NADN and your speakers for a Don’t Miss It event filled with new ideas, tools and strategies for us to move to the next level."
- Stephen G. Fischer, W. Palm Beach, FL
"Great learning opportunity. Your teacher is not only
facilitating the lecture but is your neighbor at the table. Thanks for your efforts in organizing this, it really paid off!"
- David M. Zacks, Atlanta, GA
"The NADN Advanced Training Seminar provided a refreshing look at new techniques and shared experiences from nationally acclaimed mediators respected as preeminent. With a unique blending of borrowed principles from neuro-linguistics and martial arts, it
doesn't get any more 'high level' than this!"
- Murray B. Silverstein, Tampa, FL
"The NADN’s advanced training retreat was well worth the investment in time and resources. As a mediator who has always relied on being intuitive in finding solutions to disputes, the advanced training introduced me to specific, strategic approaches to the mediation process. It also served as a reminder of the importance of self-mastery as a piece of the mediator’s skill set."
- Hon. Kenneth Simon, Birmingham, AL
"It doesn't get any better than this! How many times do we attend "advanced" mediation training courses, only to find out that they are not so "advanced"? The opportunity to be among the best and most experienced neutrals in the country for two days in gorgeous surroundings was really remarkable. I can't wait for next year's meeting!"
- Will Pryor, Dallas, TX
"After twenty five years of attending trainings in dispute resolution, the two days in Florida at the Ritz Carlton was a capstone. I was particularly anticipating
Doug Noll's material as I am interested in persuasion, resistance and the neuroscience of conflict so bought his
book. He sent me his bibliography too! The team of Lee Jay, Don Philbin and
Doug Noll was inspired - they kept all of us engaged, intrigued and in awe! Thank you.
"
- Kay Elliott, Esq. , Fort Worth, TX
"What makes training
'Advanced'? It has to be more than a refresher. These sessions
taught us how to take principles of psychology and neurology and
apply them to the art of mediation. Our training was not only
about techniques that work, but about exactly why they work. Good
stuff!"
- Robert L. Arrington, Kingsport, TN
"The NADN Retreat is really a unique
opportunity for experienced mediators to share ideas and acquire
invaluable tools.."
- Brian Spector, Miami, FL
"Hands down, the most useful and informative ADR seminar I
have ever attended - I definitely look forward to coming back next
year."
- Dana C. Holloway, Knoxville, TN
"Excellent program and
outstanding faculty; interesting and congenial group of mediators in
attendance. Most certainly worth the investment of time and energy required to be present. A premier event from beginning to
end."
- Rookie Norton, Knoxville, TN
"The Retreat was outstanding. Very strong presentations and
kudos for getting Prof. Subramanian to speak!"
- James Spink, Burlington, VT
"The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals conference, in Amelia Island, Florida, was very informative and provided time for networking with other neutrals. The speakers presented cerebral concepts of human behavior, which they use to understand the verbal and physical language of parties for whom they mediate [and probably the participants in the program] to assist them, in increasing participation by recalcitrant parties and in resolving their mediations."
- Irene C. Warshauer, New York, NY
"...I really appreciated the fact that it was aimed more
at more experienced mediators and was certainly very helpful in
adding more arrows to my quiver to get cases settled. Thanks for
your help with this - terrific seminar!"
- Jim Stewart, Atlanta, GA
"The NADN Seminar was outstanding in every respect. Having advanced instruction coupled with learning from our peers provided a unique opportunity. Thanks for your efforts in organizing this, it really paid off!"
- David M. Zacks, Atlanta, GA
"This truly was an advanced mediation training program and FAR more advanced than any other so-called “advanced” program I have ever attended. Remarkable content, I look forward to next year!"
- Richard T. Alexander, Duluth, GA
"First, please let me send along my congratulations for an event well done! The seminar itself was quite outstanding and one of the best I have ever
attended."
- Herbert H. Gray III, Atlanta, GA
"The whole program and courses were 1st Class. Thanks for the
hard work you obviously put into this.."
- Mel Wolovits, Dallas, TX
"I have attended all of the NADN Retreat
programs - and have yet to attend any other program of its type
that comes close. The quality of the speakers and material
meaningful and useful enough to an experienced third party neutral
has always been truly exceptional."
- Ted Deckert, West Palm Beach, FL
"As experienced mediators, it becomes easy to fall into a routine way of handling cases. Some may describe this as a rut. This meeting forces us to think outside the box. Not only do you learn much from the experienced and talented speakers, but the process of interacting with and exchanging ideas with other experienced professionals makes this a very worthwhile experience"
- Neal W. Dickert, Augusta, GA
"Training beyond the initial Certification type course is really not so easy to find. This one was perfect. Highly recommended to experienced mediators, the AIM faculty members were excellent."
- Reagan H. Weaver, Raleigh, NC
"The program was innovative, insightful, and well matched to the expertise of the audience. An added benefit was the opportunity to learn from, and socialize with, mediators from across the country."
- René
Ellis, Durham, NC
"This was an eye-opening seminar for experienced mediators. I have a new set of tools to solve seemingly intractable problems and settle the most difficult cases! The faculty members were superb."
- Kenneth M. Byrum, Bakersfield, CA
"I certainly recommend the NADN Advanced Training Seminar for upper level training by nationally known speakers and presenters. Strongly researched, experience proven techniques for overcoming collateral obstacles to fair and timely settlements. A great 2 days of nugget-laden advice and advanced settlement techniques coupled with the opportunity to trade practical tips and pointers with leading mediators."
- Hon. Sidney S. Eagles, Raleigh, NC
"My thanks to you and Darren for putting together another fantastic annual conference! The Ritz-Carlton at Amelia Island was breathtaking and by the way, their staff was exceptional throughout the facility. The reasonableness of prices was a very pleasant surprise. Lee Jay Berman and Doug Noll are superlative teachers, both in presentation and content. I am now reading Doug’s essay on the Neuroscience of Conflict and have ordered one of his books…to start. This is the kind of material I have been seeking everywhere, but could not find until NADN. I must tell you that after last years’ exceptional seminar, I was more than a little bit cynical that they’d be able to take their teaching to another level, but they sure did. Adding Don Philbin to the faculty brought in a new and humorous perspective. I truly appreciate that NADN recognizes the value of its members’ time away from their practices, and makes excellent use of that time."
- Rodney Romano, West Palm Beach, FL
"The Retreat presented refreshing ways to look at techniques and methods to generate effective communications not only for the purpose of resolving conflicts in mediations but also for use in every day life. The faculty was excellent. It was a worthwhile experience."
- Hon. Major Harding, Tallahassee, FL
"After two days of attendance at the Advanced Mediation Training Seminar I was so inspired as to immediately spend time organizing the wealth of information, suggestions and inspiration garnered over the course of the seminar. Invaluable and exceedingly efficacious."
- Charles Carter, Gainesville, FL
"I thought the seminar was truly outstanding. Lee Jay, Doug, Mel, and Erica were all entertaining, interesting people in themselves, hugely enlightening, and down to earth and practical, all at the same time. And each of their presentations gave me lots of new things to think about regarding other people and myself that I hadn’t considered before in my 35-plus years of practice as a lawyer and 13-plus years as a mediator. I was so mind-boggled by the end that I drove the 2-1/2 hours home in silence while my inner voices jumped from one part of the seminar to another, disagreeing about or debating what they had each heard, felt or seen. I was totally exhausted by the time I got home. Sign me up for next year!"
- Terrance E. Schmidt, Jacksonville, FL
"Simply the most valuable seminar (CME or otherwise) I’ve attended in the last 25 years."
- John Dorough, Ocala, FL
"The Advanced Mediation Training Seminar was the best program for experienced mediators that I have ever taken in my 21 years as a mediator. The outstanding trainers presented all-new techniques never revealed before in any other program I’ve attended. The new skills I learned will pay huge dividends in my future work. Thank you to the Academy for this great learning experience!."
- Cary Singletary, Tampa, FL
"The presentations were both informative and entertaining. The techniques discussed provide the experienced mediator with an improved ability to resolve both routine and difficult cases."
- David Luff, Orlando, FL
"The 2 day NADN seminar was very worthwhile. Lee Jay Berman, Doug Noll, Mel Rubin and Erica Ariel Fox were all dynamic speakers who held your interest throughout the two days. Each was extremely knowledgeable in their respective fields. I have mediated cases since 2003; my background is as a civil trial lawyer primarily in the construction field. I feel I can put much of the information received in this seminar into immediate use to improve my techniques as a mediator."
- William G. Christopher, Sarasota, FL
"Please allow me to thank you for the excellent NADN event held in Orlando. The Academy surpassed my expectations in content, training, location and amenities. I would certainly recommend this training event to anyone interested in furthering their skills, and I look forward to attending the 2011 event when and where it is scheduled."
- Michael J. Schofield, Pensacola, FL
"To gather with skilled and
knowledgeable trainers and be surrounded by a room full of
experienced and wise mediators, exchanging ideas and debating
various techniques and methodology, allows participants to gain
great insight into a great variety of good, practical ideas for
improving ones mediation tools..."
- David Noblit, Chattanooga, TN
"The 2010 NADN Conference was very interesting and informative. I enjoyed the experience, particularly with regard to the practical application of the concepts presented."
- Gary S. Salzman, Orlando, FL
"The inaugural NADN conference was very well done! The instruction was of the highest quality and properly geared to the audience of experienced mediators. I will certainly plan on attending next year."
- Justice Kenneth B. Bell, Pensacola, FL
"Finally, a mediation conference geared towards advanced techniques to improve, enhance and affirm the skills of the full time mediators to help us better equip parties and lawyers to make wise, informed decisions in mediations. Sign me up for the next
conference...whenever, wherever - I’ll be there!"
- Michael D. Smith, Pensacola, FL
"The NADN Seminar was an outstanding presentation; truly for practitioners who think and work at a higher level. We are fortunate to have access to such exceptional trainers and be able to network with other mediators at the top of their game"
- Kim W. Torres, Melbourne, FL
"Darren and Rose-Anne have continued
to make NADN a premier legal organization - excellent programs and
speakers from around the country. I will continue to attend these
very informative, enjoyable conferences."
- Kelly Overstreet Johnson, Tallahassee, FL
"A world-class training retreat and a wonderful
opportunity to spend time with colleagues that have achieved the
highest levels of success..."
- Rodney Romano, West Palm Beach, FL
"Prior to the NADN Seminar, I cannot
remember the last professional conference I attended where I
received more than I gave. The seminar gave me incredible learning
opportunities; I have already applied to my practice several of
the techniques discussed by the fine speakers. I found the
speakers to be knowledgeable, interesting and quite engaging.
Additionally, the facility was above par. Well done!"
- Christopher M. Shulman, Tampa, FL
"I have attended just about every mediation program under
the sun, and absolutely none have reached the level of our first
annual NADN conference. The presenters as well as the content were
absolutely first rate. I won't miss the chance to attend next
year."
- Hon. John P. Kuder, Gulf Breeze, FL
"Thank you for a wonderful, informative
and thoroughly enjoyable conference. Everything about it was
fantastic! The lessons I learned will be of great use to me in my
ADR practice."
- Hon. Benhamin Cohen, Somerset, NJ
""For two years in a row, I can say unequivocally that this NADN seminar is incomparable to anything I have experienced in my career. I have already employed many of the techniques I learned at the 2011 conference and I am looking forward to the 2012 conference with much anticipation. If you want to experience interacting with distinguished neutrals from all over the country at the very height of their careers, led by a team of presenters unequalled anywhere, capped by being pampered at a five-star facility in an exotic location, this is the quintessential seminar that you simply cannot afford to miss!"
- Michael W. Drye, Asheville, NC
"I have attended a number of negotiation training courses
up at Harvard, and this compared very favorably. I'd certainly
recommend it to colleagues and I hope to attend again next year..."
- James F. Page, Jr., Orlando, FL
"The Academy Retreat was jam-packed with engaging demonstrations by elite instructors of innovative mediation techniques and interventions. More importantly, the underlying psychology and neuroscience was fully analyzed, to allow for the application of those approaches in real-world situations."
- Hon. Bernard Harwood, Tuscaloosa, AL
"If neutrals wish to be challenged, get out of their
comfort zone and increase their chances of resolving those most
difficult of cases, then this conference is the place to be."
- Samuel Ardery, Bloomington, IN
"I wanted to congratulate you on a
FIRST-RATE program, of great benefit to a practicing
neutral."
- Brian Jerome, Boston, MA
"Thanks
for planning, organizing and hosting another fantastic NADN
Retreat. It's going to be tough to beat Boston as you plan ahead -
wherever it is, I'll be there! All of the leaders, Lee Jay Berman,
Lela Love, Andy Lttle, Don Philbin and Harvard's Guhan Subramanian
were excellent and collectively provided a wonderful, practical
and insightful learning experience that we simply cannot get at a
local level. They made us all eager to re-examine our comfortable
routines and consder how we can return home as better mediators
with bigger toolboxes to help litigants and their attorneys find
peace through resolution."
- Michael D. Smith, Penascola, FL
[ For details and photos of the 2013
Member Retreat, click here ]
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