An un-conference for the coaching soul. ICF CCE accredited.
A professional retreat like no other—designed for ICF coaches and coaching professionals seeking authentic community, bold insight, and credential-aligned growth.
The Format
We are a group of ICF coaches bringing Open Space Technology as a format for deeper, co-created exploration of the ICF Core Competencies.
This retreat has been approved for up to 15 ICF CCEs.
What is Open Space?
Open Space is not your typical conference—and that’s the beauty of it.
There are no PowerPoints. No panels. No rigid schedules.
Instead, we gather in a shared circle to co-create the experience together. Anyone can propose a topic. Everyone is invited to contribute. What unfolds is guided by passion, purpose, and presence.
This format has long been beloved in the Agile world—and now, for the first time, we’re bringing it to the ICF coaching community.
It’s a natural match: both are rooted in curiosity, deep listening, and emergent learning.
Open Space works because it trusts the intelligence of the group. It honors that the right people will show up, the right topics will arise, and the wisdom of the circle will carry us exactly where we need to go.
What to Expect
- Daily Open Space sessions shaped by your questions, challenges, and lived coaching experiences
- Rich, ICF-aligned discussions anchored in the Core Competencies, yet expansive enough to hold your unique voice and growth edge
- Peer reflection, deep presence, and embodied practice
- Did we say you get up to 15 CCEs awarded for full participation (ICF-approved)
- An urban, accessible setting at the Westin Seattle—comfortable, grounded, and spacious for our work
- A community of curious, kind, and skillful coaches ready to hold the circle with you
Come curious. Leave changed.
(If you’d like to explore the Open Space philosophy more deeply, visit openspaceworld.org.)
The Purpose
This retreat is an invitation to slow down and come home to your presence as a coach.
Rooted in the spaciousness of Open Space, we gather not to be trained—but to explore. To remember that the ICF Core Competencies are more than a framework; they are a living, breathing practice.
Together, we'll experience:
- Insight emerging in real time
- Presence deepening through shared reflection
- The heart of coaching being honored and expanded
This isn’t a training. It isn't a conference. It’s an un-conference for the coaching soul—a space to tend what’s already alive within you through conversation, curiosity, and collective wisdom.
You don’t need to prepare.
You only need to arrive—with presence.
What You’ll Discover
- Conversations that speak directly to where you are now
- Fresh insights that emerge organically, not from a slide deck
- Space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with your coaching heart
- A supportive community of fellow coaches, each bringing wisdom and wonder
Come curious. Leave changed.
Our Keynote Speakers
Lyssa deHart, MCC Opening Speaker
Cherie Silas, MCC, Closing Speaker
Introducing Your Retreat Organizing Committee
Karen L Bruns, PCC
Samantha Sieverling, PCC
Karen L Bruns, PCC
Karen is the Founder/Coach at Monarch Coaching & Training, where we focus on transforming YOU. Karen brings years of organizing experience, as well as deep facilitation, coaching, and training experience. She is a Certified Open Space Facilitator, so this event is sure to be enlightening as Open Space is new to the ICF Coaching Community. Scroll down to see some photos from her last facilitation.
Cherie Silas, MCC
Samantha Sieverling, PCC
Karen L Bruns, PCC
Cherie is the Founder and Coach at Tandem Coaching. She brings extensive training, coaching, and facilitation experience. Cherie's passion is partnering with managers and leaders to develop more strategic, innovative and effective organizations. Together, we identify and improve the people, process, culture and leadership challenges preventing their success.
Samantha Sieverling, PCC
Samantha Sieverling, PCC
Samantha Sieverling, PCC
Samantha is the Founder and Coach at Set you up for Success. She is an accomplished Agile Coach with over a decade of experience in fostering Agile transformations and coaching teams across diverse industries. Her journey in Agile coaching is marked by a deep commitment to continuous improvement, team empowerment, and fostering collaborative environments that drive success.
Open Space Facilitation Photos
"Karen facilitated the opening and closing circle, and did a wonderful job. I loved the way she engaged the attendees right from the start, and could tell she had put a lot of thought and energy into her preparation. The ceremony had a delightful, playful energy."
Oluf Nissen, Agile Coach & Open Space Attendee
Our Sponsors
