Search conferences convene a group of people, often communities and organizations, or divisions of large companies for the purpose of planning new future directions and action-based strategies. This study explains the method and provides step-by-step instructions on conducting a search conference.

Planning pioneers Merrelyn Emery and Ronald Purser use a wealth of illustrative examples from the nonprofit, business, and public sector to define and illustrate the importance of The Search Conference as a versatile management tool. They offer a simple framework for understanding the process and clear step-by-step instructions to guide novice and seasoned facilitators in conducting their own Search Conferences.
To demonstrate the potential scope of their method, they outline a myriad of concrete applications, including: institutional policy making; corporate strategic planning; organizational development and renewal efforts; mergers of companies and hospitals; community-based planning and development; planning the future of cities, regions, industries, and professional associations; managing conflict between diverse interest groups; creating strategic alliances between organizations and networks; and developing long-term partnerships with customers, suppliers or government regulators. The Search Conference is a comprehensive introduction to a powerful approach for planning organizational change and community action.