The Hidden Art of Learning Design: Building for Trust and Open-Minded Exchange

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Session Overview

Tune in to Cat Levin and Shira Abramowitz, co-founders of Up & Up Creative, for an insider’s guide to designing event sessions that spark bold conversations, foster trust, and create lasting impact.

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In an era of increasing polarization, in-person gatherings remain one of our most powerful tools for connection and understanding. This session will dive into the art of working with speakers, shaping compelling narratives, and navigating sensitive topics with nuance and confidence. Whether you're crafting keynotes, panels, or interactive discussions, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to balance audience expectations, speaker authenticity, and the unique responsibility of content creators in shaping meaningful dialogue.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Designing for Trust: Learn how to work with speakers to shape compelling narratives that resonate deeply with your audience while respecting diverse perspectives.

2. Building a Safe Container: Discover techniques for creating event spaces—both physical and conceptual—that encourage open, nuanced, and productive conversations.

3. Navigating Content Censorship: Explore the delicate balance of event producer responsibility and creative freedom, ensuring your sessions remain impactful without compromising trust.

Session Transcript

Bryan Funk [00:00:00]

Thank you so much for joining us for another week of live conversation with event content experts. I'm excited to kick off with Cat and Shira. They have deep expertise in experience design, event content creation, and learning design. Today, we’re discussing how to create compelling content around sensitive and polarizing topics, how to create safe spaces, and how to train and onboard speakers to navigate these conversations effectively. I can’t wait to hear their insights and real-world takeaways. Cat, Shira, thanks for joining us!

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Cat Levin [00:01:00]

Thanks for having us, Bryan!

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Bryan Funk [00:01:15]

Before we dive in, I’d love for you both to introduce yourselves and share a bit about your background and the work you do at Up and Up Creative.

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Cat Levin [00:01:30]

Sure! I’m Cat, co-founder and producer of Up and Up Creative. I’ve been in this industry my whole career, working to bring meaningful content to stages across the country. We’ve worked with ideas festivals, corporate clients, and more. We’re passionate about working with speakers to craft powerful messages and providing transformative experiences for audiences. Shira, over to you.

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Shira Abramowitz [00:02:00]

Thanks, Cat. Hi everyone, I’m Shira. I started my career developing content and learning about how people come together at events to learn. I’ve worked with Cat and others over the years and have studied the neuroscience of group learning. I hold a master’s degree that focuses on how people learn in collective settings. If we understand how people learn, we can design more effective experiences.

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Bryan Funk [00:03:00]

As we curate content and bring in speakers with diverse perspectives, we aim to create spaces that foster trust and open-mindedness. Why is this topic more relevant now than ever for event organizers?

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Cat Levin [00:03:30]

Most conversations about complex ideas now happen online, where algorithms amplify extreme emotions and ideological divides. In-person events remain our most powerful tool for bridging these divides. Whether discussing AI ethics, cancel culture, or policy issues like affirmative action, in-person events offer a unique space to foster dialogue and build understanding.

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Bryan Funk [00:05:00]

How have audience expectations shifted over time?

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Cat Levin [00:05:30]

We’re moving from an “experience economy” to a “transformation economy.” People no longer just want events with an open bar; they want meaningful, transformational experiences. With so many events to choose from, audiences are looking for authenticity and depth.

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Shira Abramowitz [00:07:00]

Audiences expect events to balance relevance with stability. They want discussions that meet the moment but aren’t just chasing trends. It’s about creating content that is both timely and timeless, allowing for learning and forward movement rather than reactionary conversations.

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Bryan Funk [00:08:00]

What are some practical strategies for threading that needle between timeliness and depth?

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Shira Abramowitz [00:08:30]

It’s both an art and a science. Here’s a six-step framework for crafting content that fosters engagement and learning:

1. Framing the Session: Set the tone for trust and shared understanding. Establish why the topic matters and the foundation for the discussion.
2. Zooming In: Begin with a personal story or experience that humanizes the topic and makes it relatable.
3. Zooming Out: Provide broader context—why is this topic relevant right now?
4. Creating Space for Exploration: Facilitate discussion, debate, and engagement.
5. Facilitation & Sense-Making: Skilled facilitators help synthesize ideas, guide discussions, and maintain trust and clarity.
6. Call to Continue: Frame the conversation as an ongoing dialogue rather than a closed discussion. Inspire attendees to keep learning beyond the session.

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Bryan Funk [00:12:00]

How do you select the right facilitator for these discussions?

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Cat Levin [00:12:30]

A moderator interviews guests, while a facilitator manages group dynamics and discussion. Good facilitators hold multiple perspectives, listen deeply, and create an environment where all viewpoints feel additive rather than oppositional.

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Shira Abramowitz [00:16:00]

Facilitators must establish trust, be adaptable, and set clear boundaries. They help create a safe yet challenging environment where difficult discussions can unfold productively.

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Bryan Funk [00:18:00]

How do you create space for audience participation and exploration?

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Shira Abramowitz [00:19:00]

One technique is strategically planting discussion leaders in the audience. These are real participants who model engagement and set a tone for meaningful discussion.

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Cat Levin [00:21:00]

Framing is crucial. You can approach polarizing topics through universally relatable angles, like discussing forgiveness before tackling criminal justice reform. The goal is to ease participants into tough conversations.

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Bryan Funk [00:24:00]

How do you handle last-minute shifts in content when unexpected cultural moments arise?

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Cat Levin [00:25:00]

Always leave space in your program for flexibility. Think like a journalist—be prepared to adapt content in response to major events. If speakers need to adjust their focus, follow their lead to maintain authenticity.

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Bryan Funk [00:27:00]

How do you work with speakers to ensure impactful and authentic presentations?

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Cat Levin [00:27:30]

We research speakers thoroughly and find the intersection between their expertise and current passions. Speakers are at their best when discussing what excites them most, so we balance their expertise with what’s most relevant to them right now.

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Shira Abramowitz [00:30:00]

We also encourage speakers to explore new ideas in safe ways. The most compelling talks aren’t recycled keynotes—they evolve with the speaker’s work.

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Bryan Funk [00:35:00]

Final thoughts?

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Cat Levin [00:35:30]

Don’t shy away from complex topics—approach them with intention and preparation. Events have the power to be transformative if we create the right environment for learning and dialogue.

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Shira Abramowitz [00:36:00]

We’re all part of a network shaping how people connect and learn. Thanks to everyone doing this work alongside us!

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Bryan Funk [00:37:00]

Thank you both! We’ll share key takeaways with attendees. See you next time!

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