Asheville Ideas Fest 2023

I presented at the second annual Asheville Ideas Fest, June 13-17, 2023 in Asheville, NC. The four-day event was laser focused on generating civil discourse on topics that matter.

Deeply held beliefs were challenged on topics such as the future of democracy, public health, climate resilience, the intersection of technology and medicine, and the 2nd Amendment. Other speakers included Sanjay Gupta, Juju Chang, Tom Friedman, and more big names, profound thinkers, authors, artists, and musicians.

My Sessions

Breakout Session #1: Afternoon, June 15

Good Conversations Curate Good Ideas

In any environment, including a conference devoted to ideas, it is really difficult for innovation and new thinking to thrive in bad conversations.

Is it possible to teach the skills necessary to drive high-quality, effective conversations?

This participative session will explore an approach to deepening our understanding of how to make every conversation 100% better.

We will be using an observational methodology to help us see the types of things said in a conversation and will use the data we gather to support a learning process.

And it will be fun!

Adrienne Shoch

Breakout Session #2: Afternoon, June 16

Listening for Connection

Listening is not just a passive act, but an active and intentional process that can bring about meaningful connection, generative ideas, and effective solutions. By cultivating the skill of deep listening, we can create productive conversations that foster greater understanding and cooperation.

Join us for an interactive learning experience that explores the four levels of listening and how they shape our listening behavior.

Through this experience, you will learn to listen more deeply and empathetically to others, leading to stronger connections and more effective conversations.