Sometimes, there's more to organizing a CoF meeting than meets the eye.

Last summer, for example, the Washington, DC cell organized a Webcast panel discussion about leadership challenges in fast-growth organizations. Partnering with TV onthe Web and with the Fast Growth Network, the cell brought together executives from two area businesses for an hour-long discussion about managing growth. 'The event was set up so that cell members could learn from the movers and shakers at some of DC's fast companies,' says Lisa Jane O'Neil, 28, volunteer coordinator for the DC cell. 'It helped establish our cell as an alternative-networking forum in the nation's capital.'

Meanwhile, in Toronto, a group of 10 cell associates organized a daylong open-space gathering that focused on how attendees could 'transform the world of work and design the life you love.' This 'un-conference' drew more than 150 people from the Toronto area. After collaboratively selecting topics for the day's agenda, attendees proceeded to lead their own discussions. Among the themes they explored were styles of learning, the meaning of money, and the importance of workplace relationships. 'What impressed me was the inclusive nature of how we created meaning together,' says Davender Gupta, 36, a business coach who helped organize the event. 'The networking was person-to-person, rather than persona-to-persona. We're creating more than just a network of business associates.'

Coordinates: DC cell Webcast, www.tvontheweb.com/channels/fastgrowth/live/fundamentals_062299/forummain.html; Toronto cell 'un-conference,' www.fctoronto.com

From: October 1999 issue