As the tides of technology, communication awareness, and mental health support continue to rise, so too should all of our boats in the mediation field.
The Rising Tides Conference is your opportunity to elevate your practice, connect with leaders in the field, and gain practical tools to navigate today’s mediation challenges. This two-day event offers fresh perspectives, emerging trends, including AI, and strategies to help you stay at the forefront of the profession.
Recorded October 8–9, 2025
The conference opens with an inspiring start as Bob Bordone explores Conflict Resilience and Bridget McCormack challenges us to ask, How can we truly put the client first? These keynotes set the stage for a day dedicated to elevating the mediation profession.
Participants will then engage with sessions offering practical tools to expand visibility, embrace new technologies, and integrate mental health awareness into practice. Breakout conversations and interactive exercises create space for collaboration and reflection, ensuring the morning is as actionable as it is thought-provoking.
The afternoon turns the spotlight on party-centered approaches and safety standards, highlighting new ways to empower participants and safeguard the process. From exploring frustrations and party-led insights to raising safety benchmarks and shifting perspectives on practice, the sessions are designed to give mediators concrete strategies for innovation, empowerment, and resilience. Day One closes with renewed energy and a clear focus on raising professional standards across the field.
Day Two introduces a dual-track format, giving attendees the flexibility to dive deep into Workplace or Family Mediation—or move between both for a broader perspective.
The Workplace track addresses today’s most pressing organizational challenges, from burnout and mental health in conflict to evolving ombuds and HR roles, miscommunication, and professionalism. The Family Mediation track brings focus to the voice of the child, diversity and inclusion, mental health, and practical approaches to supporting families through complex transitions. Both tracks are designed to equip mediators with new frameworks, strategies, and skills that can be applied immediately.
At the heart of the day are two powerful keynotes: Jeff Thompson on Resiliency—bridging insights across both workplace and family contexts—and Michael Lang leading participants through a reflective practice exercise. These sessions anchor the day in both inspiration and practical wisdom, offering a chance to pause, reflect, and refocus.
By weaving together specialized knowledge with broad, field-shaping insights, Day Two ensures that every participant leaves with a stronger toolkit, a sharper perspective, and a deeper sense of connection to the evolving mediation community.
