APFM Presents Online Conference & Keynote Panel on Past, Present & Future of Mediation March 12-14

APFM Keynote Panel: “The Mediation Journey: From Origins to Present Day and Beyond” March 12, 2025

Join us online for the Academy of Professional Mediators (APFM) 2025 Annual Conference and a pivotal keynote panel with Jim Melamed, Susan Guthrie and Colin Rule as they chart the evolution of family mediation from the 1980s to today and into the future. This discussion will delve into the many incremental technological advancements that have taken place and how these have shaped, and continue to shape, our practice of family mediation.

Register for the March 12-14 APFM Conference

The Early Days: Foundations of Family Mediation by Jim Melamed

Starting in the mid-1980s, Jim Melamed will explore how the initial integration of technology into family mediation, from typewriters to early digital communications, subtly reshaped interactions and processes. He will highlight how these early tools began to enhance client engagement and process efficiencies in the context of family mediation.

The Present: Technological Transformation with Susan Guthrie

Susan Guthrie will discuss the significant advancements in technology up to the present, especially the impact of online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of AI in contemporary family mediation. She will focus on how these technologies have streamlined processes and deepened understanding of family dynamics, thus improving outcomes for families in conflict.

The Future: Next Steps in Family Mediation by Colin Rule

Looking ahead, Colin Rule will address the future potential of emerging technologies, particularly advanced AI, in family mediation. He will consider how these new tools might further enhance the mediator’s ability to understand and resolve complex family disputes, ultimately leading to more effective and empathetic resolutions.

Comprehensive Insights: Technology’s Impact on Family Mediation

Throughout the panel, each speaker will illustrate how technology has been a catalyst for both overt advancements and subtle shifts in family mediation. The discussion will underscore the importance of technology in enhancing mediator insight, improving client satisfaction, and fostering better outcomes for families.

Embrace the Evolution of Family Mediation

As family mediation continues to evolve, this panel offers crucial insights into how embracing technological innovations can refine and enhance the practice. Join us for a transformative dialogue on the past, present, and future of family mediation, and discover how technology can continue to improve the ways we help families navigate conflict.

Register for the March 12-14 APFM Conference

                       

Colin Rule

Since 2020, Colin Rule is CEO of ODR.com, Inc. and Resourceful Internet Solutions, Inc., home of Mediate.com, MediateUniversity.com, Arbitrate.com and CaseloadManager.com.  From 2017 to 2020, Colin was Vice President for Online Dispute Resolution at Tyler Technologies. Tyler acquired Modria.com, an ODR provider that Colin co-founded, in 2017.  Previously, from 2003… MORE >

                       

Susan Guthrie

Susan Guthrie, Esq., is a renowned leader at the forefront of law, mediation, and technology, currently serving as Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution. With more than 30 years of experience in the legal and dispute resolution fields, Susan is recognized for her innovative approach to integrating artificial… MORE >

                       

Jim Melamed

Jim Melamed co-founded Mediate.com in 1996 along with John Helie and served as CEO of Mediate.com through June 2020 (25 years).  Jim is currently Board Chair and General Counsel for Resourceful Internet Solutions, Inc. (RIS), home to Mediate.com, Arbitrate.com, ODR.com and other leading dispute resolution sites. During Jim's 25-year tenure,… MORE >