The document describes Michael Erickson's experiences and observations during the Systems Thinking in Action conference held in Seattle from October 30 to November 2, 2011. Keynotes covered various topics, including systems thinking in education, the role of visualization in decision-making, conflict resolution, and sustainable business practices, highlighting the importance of effective communication and innovative approaches. Erickson reflects on the challenges and successes of his visual practice, noting the positive reception of his cartoon-style graphic recording by the audience.

1. Michael Erickson
At the
Pegasus, Systems
Thinking in Action
Conference
Seattle Westin Hotel,
Oct 30-Nov2, 2011
The Visual Practice,
In action

2. Sunday Evening, Oct 30. The Pre-Conference conversation – setting the stage

3. Keynote 1: Charlotte Roberts, discusses Levels of Consciousness, that limit or assist systems thinking

4. Drawing in real
time, in front of
600 people.
Since Michael doesn’t see
himself in action, these
photo’s not only show YOU
what it looked like,
But help Michael see how
he comes across in a
public setting…
Once he got into the flow of
the presentation – he forgot
about the audience.
Still… He’s grateful he
didn’t do anything stupid,
like fall off the stage…

5. Keynote 2: Katie Salen discussed the “re-invention of K-12 education by way of Gaming Technology
(systems thinking concepts and techniques being key to the entire thing.

6. Keynote 3: David Sibbet presented his new book (Visual Teams), and discussed how visualization has
become key to extending and integrating complexity – resulting in better decisions

7. Michael, in the
flow… and unaware of
the photographer.
Capturing the Conflict
Resolution keynote.

8. Keynote 4: Thomas Crum, Akido Master, discussing the effects of “how we think” in the thro’s of Conflict
Resolution, how our beliefs and expectations set us up for negative outcomes, and how to change all that.

9. Michael asks
himself,
“now where am I going
to put that last
thought…?

10. Final “catch” of the
conference…

11. Keynote 5: Peter Senge and Ben Packard of Starbucks, discussing the goals of business, and the Starbucks efforts
to design environmentally friendly/sustainable practices (recycled cups) and how it’s not as easy as it looks.

12. Almost Done…
Michael say’s…
This conference was both a
bit of a marathon, and a
learning experience.
I discovered that my “quick-
sketch” data/centric cartoon
style was both effective and
entertaining to a non-
engineering audience.
While less “painterly” than
other graphic recorders that
have supported this
conference, these catch
pages seem to have been
accepted with enthusiasm