#Japan #Tokyo #Action Learning #WIAL Japan #Future Teams

International Conference on Future-Making Teams

In an age dominated by the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the role of human teams in decision-making is increasingly being re-evaluated. The Japan Action Learning Association (WIAL Japan), along with the World Institute for Action Learning (WIAL), is set to host a landmark international conference on October 23 and 24, 2026, in Shibuya, Tokyo, titled "The Rise of Future-Making Teams". This event marks 20 years since the introduction of Action Learning in Japan and aims to gather practitioners and researchers from 16 countries to delve into the changing dynamics of team leadership in an AI-driven world.

Why Now? Understanding the Need for This Conference

The world is simultaneously shaken by various factors, including AI, geopolitics, climate change, and shifts in social structures. Dr. Thompson and Dr. Curran have aptly coined this era as "Complexponential"—a term that encapsulates the intersection of complexity and exponential changes. The fundamental meaning of a team is being called into question.

In this environment, nurturing teams may not solely be about producing high performance or increasing efficiency. Instead, teams might serve a different purpose in the wake of a major paradigm shift. With AI assuming responsibilities for calculations and optimizations, the essence of the human team lies in its capacity to contribute meaningfully during this transformation. The focus is no longer on traditional leadership but rather on sustaining the energy within the team environment.

The conference will place a spotlight on Emergent Generative Team Leadership (EGTL), a novel concept that redefines leadership from being an individual's ability to emerging organically from the team. For the first time in Asia, both Dr. Thompson and Dr. Curran will present their insights publicly.

What is Action Learning?

Action Learning is a team methodology that addresses real organizational challenges, enabling teams to find solutions through inquiry while simultaneously facilitating learning. This approach was proposed by British physicist Reg Revans in the 1940s and has gained traction in over 40 countries worldwide. In Japan, Action Learning was introduced in 2006, facilitated by Dr. Michael Marquardt, the founder of WIAL.

Highlights of the Conference

1. Celebrating 20 Years of Action Learning in Japan: This international conference marks two transformative decades since the introduction of Action Learning in Japan. Over these years, thousands of Action Learning coaches have been trained, embedding this approach into organizational development and talent management. WIAL Japan’s chair, Fumiyo Kiyomiya, will lead the conference proceedings.

2. First Public Appearance for EGTL Proponents: Dr. Randal Joy Thompson and Dr. Kathleen Curran will jointly present their work on EGTL in Asia for the first time. They will articulate the four forces shaping teams in the age of AI, aiming to influence the discourse globally from Tokyo.

3. Global Insights from 16 Countries: Following a call for papers, over 15 sessions were selected featuring contributions from practitioners in countries such as the USA, UK, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Taiwan, Poland, France, Belgium, and Brazil. Members from the WIAL Board will also be present from 10 different nations.

Event Details

• - Name: WIAL Global Conference 2026 Japan
• - Theme: The Rise of Future-Making Teams
• - Dates: October 23-24, 2026
• - Venue: Shibuya QWS, Tokyo
• - Format: Hybrid (both in-person and online participation with simultaneous translation in Japanese and English)
• - Organizer: Japan Action Learning Association (WIAL Japan)
• - Co-Organizer: World Institute for Action Learning (WIAL)

Keynote Speakers

• - Dr. Randal Joy Thompson: An advocate for leadership development and systemic change in international development, with numerous publications to his name.
• - Dr. Kathleen Curran: The founder of Intercultural Systems, focusing on team development and intercultural leadership in global organizations.

Their latest publication, "The Four Forces", sets the stage for understanding the dynamics of teams in the AI era, contributing significantly to organizational development and leadership research.

Invitation to Media Representatives

The conference provides an excellent platform for media representatives to explore themes related to team dynamics and leadership in the new AI era. Interviews can be arranged with keynote speakers and organizational representatives to provide insights into the evolving nature of teams.

For further inquiries, please reach out to:

• - Organization: Japan Action Learning Association (WIAL Japan)
• - Contact: Negishi
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Official website: WIAL Japan Conference 2026

We look forward to seeing you in Tokyo as we navigate this pivotal moment in organizational learning together!