The Applied Improvisation Network Conferences

Improvisation, like life, is ephemeral. Applied Improvisation practitioners know that utilizing improvisational principles can produce successful spontaneity and collaboration. Yet it can be difficult to accurately capture, document, and articulate this process of facilitating lightning in a bottle. And the same is true of trying to capture the history and scope of the Applied Improvisation Network (AIN).

AIN has grown exponentially over the past two decades as practitioners continue to collaboratively support each other. The biggest community touchstone is the annual (or biannual) conference(s). Planning and production of these live events are emblematic of AI principles, including utilizing Open Space Technology (OST) as a foundational element. Each year improvisational trailblazers and special guests are honored; these have included Keith Johnstone, Aretha Sills (for Spolin/Sills), Colin Mochrie, Mick Napier, Armando Diaz, Adrian Jackson (for Augusto Boal), Ed Greenburg and Randy Dixon (for Del Close), Thiagi, and Alan Alda (for Stony Brook University’s Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science). The relationships formed at these conferences have fueled innovation amongst the facilitators, who remain generous with their knowledge and opportunities.

- Words by AIN Member and Former AIN Board of Directors Member, Joel Veenstra

Upcoming Conferences

2024 AIN Virtual Conference (Dates: November 20th - November 23rd, 2024)

2025 AIN Global Conference, Safety Harbor, Florida (Dates: July 31st - August 3rd, 2025)

Past Conferences

Click here to see our full list of past AIN Conferences!

Conference Committee

The AIN Conference Committee is a working committee that meets monthly to help plan annual and virtual conferences. The committee also supports the local teams that plan the annual conferences. The head of the committee is currently AIN Board of Directors Member, Carla Vigara.

The committee is open to AIN Members and AIN Professional Members who are interested in getting involved. If you'd like to join the committee, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

(Last Updated: Monday, September 23rd, 2024 at 9:30am eastern)