An experiential, hands-on training to make every session Engaging, Purposeful, Inclusive, and Collaborative.
Join the next EPIC Facilitator Training
The next Cohort starts Oct 27, 2026
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
You know the feeling …
You’ve spent hours prepping for your workshop, training or meeting.
- Slides? Polished.
- Icebreaker? Ready.
- Group exercises? Mapped out.
- Tech? Triple-checked.
Whether it’s a Zoom room or a conference room, you’re set.
People trickle in. A few nod. Most stay silent.
Half are distracted—checking phones, zoning out, cameras off.
You kick things off with your carefully planned opening activity.
Nothing.
You move into the first group exercise.
They go through the motions—but the energy is flat.
You keep going—sticking to the script because you’re unsure what else to do.
- You could pivot…
- You could switch it up…
- You could dig into what’s really happening in the room…
But instead, you press on.
- Because you don’t know what else would work.
- Because the group feels resistant.
- Because you don’t want to lose control.
- Because you don’t want to make it worse.
So, you follow the plan. Word for word. Slide by slide.
You get through it. And at the end?
“That was fine.”
Not a disaster. Not a breakthrough. Just… forgettable.
But did it change anything?
I hear facilitators tell me all the time:
“Everyone left feeling good, but I am not sure that I made an actual difference!“
It can feel exhausting and pointless.
But you’re not here to entertain. You’re here to move people.
To create a space where they feel safe enough to speak up—and brave enough to take a risk.
Because that’s when the real change happens.
That’s when transformation sticks.
Most Facilitation Trainings Teach You the Steps. This One Teaches You the Dance. ✨
Other programs give you the plan. The E.P.I.C.* Facilitator Training helps you respond when the plan doesn’t fit the room.
Because real facilitation isn’t just running an activity. It’s sensing the group, shifting gears, and creating space for trust, courage, and connection.
It’s the stuff you can’t script—and can’t fake.
This training will give you the confidence to navigate all of it: With presence, flexibility, and the real skills that AI can’t do.
👉 Are you ready to stop following the script and start leading the room?
Join us. Become an EPIC Facilitator.
What Makes an E.P.I.C.* Facilitator?
Whether you’re in a boardroom, a breakout room, or a retreat circle, E.P.I.C. Facilitators have the confidence and adaptability to handle whatever comes their way—without losing their presence, their purpose, or their people.
E.P.I.C. Facilitators design the most powerful sessions with these four core skills:
E
Engaging
Learn to read energy, manage attention, and create natural buy-in—without overcompensating or forcing interaction.
P
Purposeful
Keep your sessions focused, aligned, and free of rabbit holes. Every moment should serve a clear purpose.
I
Inclusive
Design for quiet voices, neurodiversity, and power dynamics. Make everyone feel safe, seen, and heard.
C
Collaborative
Bridge differences, foster trust, and turn passive groups into co-creators who leave energized and aligned.
Are you ready to become the kind of facilitator people remember (for all the right reasons?)
The EPIC framework isn’t just theory—it’s a practical, proven approach to leading sessions that are deeply effective. If you’re ready to shift from simply managing a group to truly moving one, this training is for you.
- Facilitate confidently—even when things go off-script
- Lead inclusive sessions that invite full participation
- Handle resistance, conflict, or disengagement with ease
- Keep the energy high from start to finish
- Create trust-based sessions that spark genuine connection
🚫 This Is Not for Beginners!
If you’ve never led a group before, this isn’t the place to start.
But if you’ve facilitated workshops, led meetings, run trainings—or found yourself guiding group conversations in any setting—this is for you.
You don’t have to call yourself a facilitator.
You might be a:
- Learning & Development professional
- Team or department lead
- Trainer or coach
- HR or DEI professional
- Consultant or culture builder
- Educator or program coordinator
If you’re looking for rigid templates or a step-by-step script, this won’t be your vibe.
But if you’re ready to create sessions that are engaging, inclusive, purposeful, and collaborative—and learn how to respond powerfully when things get tricky with more confidence, presence, and impact — you’re in the right place.
Photo by Adel Homolkova
What You’ll Learn
This training is the result of over a decade of hands-on facilitation, refined through teaching hundreds of professionals in my Virtual Facilitator Training (now in its 11th cohort), running internal workshops for organizations around the world, and sharing practical tools with thousands more through my newsletter, social media, and conference talks.
It’s built on real experience: From hosting circles of strangers learning to open up, to facilitating trust-building sessions for leadership teams navigating difficult conversations.
At the core of all of it is this belief: Facilitation is the leadership skill of the 21st century.
Not just knowing how to run a meeting—but how to hold space, guide a group, and help people show up bravely and work meaningfully together.
My methodology draws from a wide range of practices and schools of thought that all have one thing in common: they help people connect, participate, and grow.
Here are some of the key influences that shape how I design and facilitate learning:
Applied Improvisation
Applied Improv is all about embracing spontaneity and adaptability.
It’s rooted in the principles of improvisational theater, where the magic happens when people say “yes, and” to each other’s ideas. I use this methodology to help participants break down barriers, think on their feet, and connect in a more genuine way.
It’s a playful yet powerful tool that encourages creativity, collaboration, and real-time problem-solving.
Learn more: https://www.appliedimprovisationnetwork.org
Liberating Structures
Liberating Structures offers a set of simple yet effective frameworks that can transform how people interact in groups.
Unlike traditional methods that can stifle creativity, these structures allow everyone’s voice to be heard and valued.
They create space for innovation and deeper engagement by democratizing participation, making every meeting, workshop, or conversation more inclusive and impactful.
Learn more: https://www.liberatingstructures.com
Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology emphasizes building on strengths rather than fixing weaknesses.
It’s about harnessing the power of optimism, resilience, and well-being to create more positive, productive environments.
I incorporate these principles to help groups build on their strengths, fostering a mindset that encourages growth, collaboration, and a sense of purpose.
Learn More: https://positivepsychology.com
LEGO Serious Play™
LEGO Serious Play takes something as simple as LEGO bricks and turns it into a powerful tool for creative thinking and problem-solving.
It’s hands-on, minds-on learning where participants use LEGO to build models that represent ideas, challenges, or solutions.
I use this methodology to help groups visualize complex concepts and foster a deeper level of engagement and understanding.
Learn More: https://seriousplay.training
Authentic Relating
Authentic Relating and Circling are about creating meaningful, present-moment connections.
These practices invite participants to drop their masks and engage with each other on a deeper, more authentic level. They foster vulnerability, trust, and a sense of being truly seen and heard.
By facilitating these kinds of interactions, I help groups move beyond superficial engagement and build real, lasting connections.
Learn More: https://www.authrev.org
Training from the Back of the Room
Flip traditional training methods on their head.
Instead of being the “sage on the stage,” the facilitator acts as a guide, helping participants discover and apply new knowledge themselves.
This approach is all about active learning, ensuring that participants are deeply engaged and that the learning is practical and immediately useful.
Get the Book on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
Experiential Learning Theory
Experiential Learning is all about learning by doing.
It’s a hands-on approach where participants engage in activities that simulate real-life situations, allowing them to learn from direct experience.
I use this methodology to create immersive experiences that not only engage participants but also ensure the lessons stick, leading to deeper understanding and lasting change.
Learn More: https://experientiallearninginstitute.org
Game Storming
Game Storming is a toolkit for creative problem-solving.
It uses the power of play to unlock new ideas and approaches.
By turning serious work into engaging activities, I help groups break out of their usual thinking patterns and explore new possibilities.
It’s a dynamic way to foster innovation and collaboration in any setting.
Learn More: https://gamestorming.com
Art of Hosting
The Art of Hosting is a participatory leadership methodology that’s all about harnessing the collective wisdom of a group.
It’s based on the idea that the best solutions emerge when everyone is actively involved in the conversation.
I use these practices to create spaces where people feel empowered to share their insights, leading to more inclusive and effective outcomes.
Learn More: https://artofhosting.org
Curriculum
TRAINING SESSIONS
Build your core facilitation skills with 4x focused sessions that blend interactive learning, real-world strategies, and inclusive design.
TRAINING SESSION #1
ENGAGEMENT: SHIFT THE ENERGY IN THE ROOM
- Start your sessions strong with an invitation to engage
- Identify disengagement early and shift energy naturally
- Keep people engaged without losing flow or depth
TRAINING SESSION #2
PURPOSE: KEEP SESSION FOCUS & IMPACTFUL
- Design flexible, goal-aligned sessions that avoid rabbit holes
- Use structure and flow without being rigid or robotic
- Facilitate with clarity, so every moment feels meaningful
TRAINING SESSION #3
INCLUSION: MAKE SPACE FOR EVERY VOICE
- Learn how to create psychological safety from the start
- Design for neurodiverse, introverted, and other quiet participants
- Practice including those who often feel overlooked or unsure
TRAINING SESSION #4
COLLABORATION: TURN GROUPS INTO TEAMS
- Build shared ownership and group trust through facilitation
- Navigate tensions, power dynamics, and differing perspectives
- Guide groups from passive listening to proactive co-creation
PRACTICE SESSIONS
Step into the facilitator seat and sharpen your instincts through 2x hands-on labs designed to help you navigate high-stakes, real-time challenges with confidence.
2x PRACTICE SESSIONS
HIGH-STAKES PRACTISE LAB
- Practice real-time strategies for low energy and silent rooms
- Stay grounded when participants challenge, resist, or dominate
- Experiment with techniques to re-engage uneven participation
- De-escalate tension while holding space for productive disagreement
- Sharpen your facilitation instincts under real-time pressure
- Receive live coaching and feedback in a supportive environment
Dates & Times
FALL 2026 COHORT
🕑 All sessions are 2 hours long.
🗓️ All sessions are held on Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Berlin Time, GST).
Use this link to convert the time into your timezone
PS: If you want to join, but the dates don’t work, send me a message.
If there are enough students, I might run a 2nd cohort at another time / day of the week.
🗓️ Tue, 27/10/2026
Kickoff Session 🚀
🗓️ Tue, 03/11/2026
Training Session #1 📚
🗓️ Tue, 10/11/2026
Training Session #2 📚
🗓️ Tue, 17/11/2026
High-Stakes Practice Lab 🧪
🗓️ Tue, 24/11/2026
Training Session #3 📚
🗓️ Tue, 01/12/2026
Training Session #4 📚
🗓️ Tue, 08/12/2026
High-Stakes Practice Lab 🧪
🗓️ Tue, 15/12/2026
Graduation Ceremony 🎓
🗓️ Tue, 19/01/2027
Bonus Office Hours 💖
After you sign up, you’ll get a handy training calendar that syncs with Google, Apple, or Outlook – so you’ll always have the correct time and never miss a session.
Can’t make it this time?
Get on the Waitlist to hear about the Spring 2026 Cohort
Are you ready to join us?
What’s Included in this Training?
4x Live Training Sessions
Immersive, hands-on training in an intimate group size of 6 people on Zoom.
2x High-Stakes Facilitation Labs
Enhance your ability to lead with confidence in real-life scenarios, no matter what challenges arise, with support from both experts and peers.
Recordings Archive
Can’t make a live session? Each session will be uploaded the next day, so you can always go back and watch the recordings.
Resource PDFs
Slides, checklists and other resources, so you can be fully present in the session without having to write down everything.
Private Community Access
Stay connected to the other students afterwards in our private online community.
Certification
Get an official signed certificate of completion so you can promote your new skills!
Plus, you’ll get €1,000+ worth of Bonuses
Office Hours AMA
This is your chance to bring all of your facilitation questions and get real-time support in this “Ask-Me-Anything” Session.
- Get tailored advice for your specific facilitation challenges
- Workshop ideas, sticky group moments, or upcoming sessions
- Connect informally with Jan and your fellow EPIC facilitators for honest feedback and next-step clarity
Value: $850
Connection Activities Database
Get lifetime access to my searchable, sortable and filterable (is that a word?) collection of group activities that increase engagement and foster deep connections. With 100+ connection activities, you won’t run out of new ways to engage your groups for a while.
Value: €199/ year
Ready to lead with confidence—no matter who’s in the room?
Meet Your Instructor
Hello, I’m Jan 👋
I’m a recovering shy guy, a people-loving introvert and a deep connector who is passionate about transforming group interactions. Like you, I’ve seen my fair share of cringe-worthy icebreakers that leave participants feeling disengaged and disconnected.
Throughout my career, I’ve come to realize that there is much more to increasing engagement, trust, and connection in groups than simply choosing a random activity to begin your session.
Masterful facilitators recognize that melting the ice requires intentional design, patience, and a commitment to nurturing group engagement over time.
For the last year, I’ve been putting my lessons into my first book, Ice Melters, and sending weekly emails with key insights to a growing community of thousands of facilitators, trainers, and educators.
And now, fueled by the positive response and the success of the initial live cohorts, I am excited about making this training the best resource for anyone who wants to create engaging and inclusive group experiences.
MY WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED ON
Are you ready to Invest?
ESSENTIAL
TRAINING
4x Live Training Sessions
2x High-Stakes Facilitation Labs
Recordings Archive
Certificate of Completion
Private Community
€1,000+ Bonuses
2x 60-min Coaching Calls with Jan (€350 each)Hybrid Moments Masterclass (€97)Difficult Participants Course (€97)Remote Presenters Online Course (€497)
€1495 EUR
* plus VAT (if applicable)
* Registration ends on Oct 20, 2026
PREMIUM
TRAINING
4x Live Training Sessions
2x High-Stakes Facilitation Labs
Recordings Archive
Certificate of Completion
Private Community
€1,000+ Bonuses
- 2x 60-min Coaching Calls with Jan (€350 each)
- Hybrid Moments Masterclass (€97)
- Difficult Participants Course (€97)
- Remote Presenters Online Course (€497)
€2295 EUR
* plus VAT (if applicable)
* Registration ends on Oct 20, 2026
Get Notified When Enrollment Opens Again
Scholarships
I am committed to building a diverse community in my workshops and trainings, and I want to make this training more accessible, inviting and inclusive for participants from all backgrounds.
If you can’t afford the course, I encourage you to apply for a scholarship (preference will be given to anyone in the Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ+, Trans and other marginalized communities.)
Group Plan
If two or more people from your organization are interested in joining this cohort, contact me for a group discount.
In-House Training
Let’s address the biggest challenges when your managers are leading meetings, workshops, or trainings for your organization. I would love to create a custom facilitation skills training to address your needs.
Frequently asked questions
👥 Who is this training ideal for?
This training is for people who already lead group experiences—whether or not you call yourself a facilitator.
You might be a trainer, coach, educator, team lead, DEI advocate, L&D professional, or community builder. If you’ve ever been responsible for holding space for others, and you want to do that with more confidence, presence, and impact—this is for you.
Do you want your group to feel genuinely connected, engaged, and ready to tackle anything together? If you’re nodding yes, let’s embark on this journey together.
🙋 Can you train my entire team?
Yes! I love working with in-house teams and customizing the EPIC framework for your context. I offer trainings in-person and virtually.
If you’re part of an organization and want to bring this experience to your whole team, reach out and let’s talk.
🖥️ Can you share more about what a training session will look like?
Each 2-hour session includes a short break, active participation, and lots of chances to connect. You can expect breakout rooms, hands-on activities, and practical tools you can use right away.
It’s interactive but never overwhelming.
To participate, you need only a computer with an internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. A tablet also works, but a laptop or desktop computer is preferred for a better experience.
The tools we’ll be mainly using are:
- Zoom
- Butter.us
- Mentimeter
- Miro
- Mighty Networks
There is no need to be familiar with these tools before joining. I will guide you through an easy onboarding experience before using any of these platforms and tools to ensure everyone can participate – even if you think you’re not that tech-savvy.
🧪 What can I expect from the High-Stakes Practice Lab?
This is where we practice what you can’t plan. You’ll step into real facilitation scenarios (like conflict, silence, or pushback), but in a supportive, low-stakes environment.
You’ll always know ahead of time if it’s your turn and it’s totally optional. You’ll learn just as much from watching as you do from participating.
🚫 What if I can't attend the whole cohort, show up late or have to leave early? Can I still join?
I understand that sometimes life happens, and you won’t be able to attend every single event. If you’re not able to join us live, you can watch the replay, which will be available for you to watch at your convenience 24-48 hours after the live session.
If you need to leave an event early or arrive late, please exit the online space respectfully.
I encourage you to attend the majority of the trainings live because the conversations in the Breakout Rooms or the debriefs with other students make it the most valuable.
♿️ Where will the training be hosted? Are there accessibility features?
All sessions are hosted live on Zoom. Automatic captions are enabled, and I strive to make every session as accessible as possible. If you have specific access needs, feel free to reach out. I’d love to support you.
📼 How do I access the recordings and other materials?
You’ll get access to my Deep Connectors Community, which is hosted on Mighty Networks. You’ll be able to access a private group that includes the training materials, exercises, checklists, and bonus resources. Everything is accessible through your browser or a mobile app, and you’ll receive your login after registering.
🔐 Do you have a guarantee / offer refunds?
I strive to provide the best training experience possible and understand that plans can change. The refund policy is designed to be fair and transparent:
- If you attend the Kickoff Session and realize it’s not the right fit, just let me know before the first official training session begins (48 hours later), and I’ll issue a full refund—no awkward conversations, I promise.
- Cancellations must be received by email to support@jankeck.com before the first training session starts. After that, refunds are no longer available.
If, for any reason, I need to cancel the training because of unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a full refund.
By registering, you acknowledge and agree to these terms. If you have questions or need help deciding, reach out anytime—I’m happy to chat.
💳 Are there Payment Plans available?
Not officially, but if a payment plan would make this more accessible for you, please reach out. I’m happy to explore options and see what we can work out together.
🧾 Will I get a tax invoice for my purchase?
Yes. Once you check out with your credit card you will be sent an invoice for your payment via email automatically.
♻️ Can I get reimbursed for this course by my organization?
Many participants are reimbursed by their employer or professional development fund. If you need a custom invoice, internal approval language, or help framing the value, just ask.
You can also check out this blog post for more tips on how to ask for reimbursement (including a customizable email template):
👐 Are there any scholarships available?
I am committed to building a diverse community in my workshops and trainings, and I want to make this training more accessible, inviting and inclusive for participants from all backgrounds. It’s important to me that this training is available to anyone who wants to learn, no matter their financial situation.
Preference will be given to anyone in the Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ+, Trans and other marginalized communities.
🤔 I am not ready to join this time, how else can I learn from you?
If you’re not ready to join the course this time, I highly recommend subscribing to my weekly email about creating engagement, trust and connection in groups: https://www.jankeck.com/subscribe
And then, check out my From Crickets to Connected Mini-Course: Learn how to engage your participants even if they suffer from Zoom Fatigue, get close to 100% of attendees to turn ON their video (without begging) and blow up your chat with “OMG!”, “This was epic!” and other raving testimonials in this Mini Course.
Or, get my book The Campfire Method, to learn how to warm up groups without awkward icebreakers.
🙋♀️ What if I have another question?
Submit your questions here to get a personalized video reply from Jan 🙂
🤷 Still undecided?
The way I see it, you have three options:
1️⃣ Stick with what you know.
Keep doing things the way you always have—maybe some sessions land, others fall flat. You get through them, but they don’t always feel energizing or effective.
2️⃣ Figure it out as you go.
Keep testing what works and what doesn’t. If you feel confident reading the room, handling resistance, and designing inclusive experiences on the fly—amazing! Just promise me you’ll keep growing and leading with care.
3️⃣ Join this training and learn how to lead with presence, clarity, and adaptability.
Learn how to sense group dynamics, respond in the moment, and guide people through sessions that feel engaging, focused, inclusive, and collaborative—whether it’s a workshop, retreat, strategy session, or team meeting.
You get to choose the facilitator you want to become.
And if you’re ready to feel confident and steady in any room—you already know your next step.
🙌 I'm in! How do I sign up?
Do you want your group to feel genuinely connected, engaged, and ready to tackle anything together? Perfect!
Let’s embark on this journey together!
- Check out on this page and then add your billing details.
- You’ll receive a welcome email with your invitation to our community.
- There, you will also find how to access bonuses.
- And I’ll make sure to reach out and welcome you officially to the course 🙌🎉
By the end of this training, you’ll be able to:
- Facilitate confidently—even in unpredictable, high-stakes moments
- Keep people engaged from start to finish
- Lead inclusive sessions that spark real participation
- Handle tough dynamics without freezing or overreacting
- Make your sessions feel like time well spent—for you and your group
Join our community of forward-thinking facilitators.
Can’t make it this time?
Get on the Waitlist to hear about the next Cohort
