

"IN GOOD COMPANY"
mechelen-Belgium
15-16-17 May 2025
Sharing and Building Solution Focused Practice in Organisations

/ about
The SOLWorld 2025 Conference is a unique opportunity for professionals who utilise the Solution Focused (SF) method in organisational contexts to come together, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Over three days, you will get in touch with the latest developments in SF practices, engage in carefully designed workshops, and connect with a global network of like-minded professionals. Set in the beautiful and historic city of Mechelen, Belgium, this conference is not just an event—it's an experience that fosters growth, innovation, and community.
This year's conference theme is IN GOOD COMPANY. This theme beautifully reflects the spirit of our gatherings, where we come together in an atmosphere that is warm, inclusive, and welcoming. At SOLWorld, everyone is seen, valued, and celebrated, creating a space where connections and learning thrive. IN GOOD COMPANY also speaks to our work as Solution-Focused professionals in organizations. As coaches, trainers, and organizational developers, we strive to contribute to the creation of good companies—workplaces that prioritize well-being, foster collaboration, and achieve meaningful results.
SOLWorld was formed in 2002 as a network for Solution Focused leaders, managers, coaches and consultants worldwide. Since then there have been over 50 SOLWorld events worldwide. Our strap line is "Sharing and Building Solutions Focused Practice in Organisations". At SOLWorld, sharing is the key word. We don't distinguish between presenters and participants: everybody is encouraged to collaborate in this mutual learning event.
The Solution Focused approach is a simple way to positive change. It aims to discover "what works" in a given situation, simply and practically. The focus on what's wanted (not what's wrong), what's going well (rather than what's gone badly) and practical progress (rather than explanatory theory) leads to a positive and pragmatic way to work with organisations and individuals. SF has its roots in the therapeutic approach devised by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer at BFTC Milwaukee and others.
Workshops
Open spaces
SOLTALKS
dinner and Cabaret
Keynotes
/ SCHEDULE May 2025
14th
WEDNESDAY
5pm
Pre-conference meet-up (venue to be announced)
15th
THURSDAY
9:00am-9:30am
Greeting time
9:30am-1O:30am
Opening plenary
10:30am-11:00am
Break
11:00am-12:30pm
Workshop slot 1
12:30pm-1:30pm
Light lunch
1:30pm-3:00pm
Workshop slot 2
3:00pm-3:30pm
Break
3:30pm-4:30pm
Plenary keynote
4:30pm-5:00pm
SOLTalk & wrap up
6:30pm-00:30am
Conference dinner and Cabaret
16th
FRIDAY
9:00am-9:30am
Greeting time
9:30am-1O:30am
Workshop slot 3
10:30am-11:00am
Break
11:00am-12:30pm
SF, impro and jazz
12:30pm-1:30pm
Light lunch
1:30pm-2:00pm
Open Space
2:00pm-3:00pm
Open space slot 1
3:00pm-3:30pm
Break
3:30pm-4:30pm
Open space slot 2
4:30pm-5pm
SOLTalk & wrap up
5:10pm-5:40pm
Steering Committee
6:30pm
Dinner with friends
17th
SATURDAY
9:00am-9:30am
Greeting time
9:30am-11:00am
Workshop slot 4
11:00am-11:30am
Break
11:30am-12:30pm
Closing plenary
12:30pm-1:30pm
Light lunch

/ Venue - lodging - travel
We’re excited to welcome you to Mechelen, a charming Flemish city full of history, culture, and wonderful places to stay. The SOLWorld Community will settle in the beautifully restored Het Predikheren, a 17th-century Baroque monastery steeped in history and charm.
Don't forget to book your accommodation. We have partnered with several hotels that are offering special rates for SOLWorld 2025 attendees (Van Der Valk - 80 rooms - 800m, Het Anker - 16 rooms - 700 m, Hotel Elisabeth - 22 rooms - 220m, Hotel 3 Paardekens - 10 rooms - 700m, B&BHotels, 1800m). Upon registration, you will receive a list of these partner hotels, along with discount codes to use when booking. If you prefer, you are also free to arrange your stay elsewhere. Mechelen offers a variety of charming B&Bs, Airbnbs, and other lodging options that may suit your taste and budget.
There is a direct connection by train between Brussels Airport-Zaventem and Mechelen, with a travel time of just 11 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes, making it a fast and efficient option. It is advised to avoid traveling via Charleroi Airport (Brussels South), as this airport is much farther from Mechelen and has no direct train connection. For up-to-date schedules, consult the Belgian Rail timetable.
Your hosts
Grateful for all we have received from the SOLWorld Community, we are happy to serve as hosts for this community at the next conference.