Join us on October 14 for a full-day pre-conference!
Applied Tabletop Role-Playing Game Facilitation Lab
In an era of increasingly individualized and digital experiences, applied tabletop role-playing games offer a uniquely human form of connection through co-created stories, shared challenges, and collaborative learning. This facilitation lab explores how TRPGs can be intentionally designed and debriefed to strengthen relationships, foster belonging, and create meaningful learning experiences.
Description
Experience an applied tabletop role-playing game from player, Game Master, and facilitator perspectives.
Participants collaboratively create characters, worlds, and stories, practice core GM skills through guided facilitation, and explore how TRPGs can be designed for learning, training, and community-building. Whether you are new to role-playing games or an experienced facilitator, this immersive lab provides practice and tools for utilizing applied TRPGs.
Course Objectives
Describe the core elements of an applied tabletop role-playing game and their role in creating meaningful learning experiences.
Facilitate basic TRPG scenes using foundational Game Master skills such as scene framing, questioning, improvisation, and player engagement.
Use collaborative worldbuilding and character creation techniques to foster creativity, engagement, and shared ownership among participants.
Design a simple applied TRPG experience aligned with educational, organizational, or community-building goals.
Conduct reflective debriefs that help participants connect game experiences to real-world learning, growth, and action.
Presenters
“Dr. Joe” Lasley is an Associate Professor of Leadership and Organizational Studies at the University of Southern Maine and the CEO/Founder of Gamenamic Leadership, where he merges academic rigor with the imaginative power of tabletop role-playing games to transform how individuals and teams learn to lead in the real world.
He is an International Coaching Federation certified Leadership Coach, has a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, and degrees in Organizational Psychology, Higher Education Administration, and Organizational Communication.
Details
When: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Where: Hyatt Regency Rochester, 125 East Main Street, Rochester, New York, 14604
Cost: $500 (lunch not included)
Dr. Maryanne Cullinan is an educator and researcher exploring the transformative power of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in learning environments. She holds a Ph.D. in Education from Lesley University, where her research focused on using RPGs as pedagogy in inclusive middle school classrooms, fostering engagement, creativity, and social-emotional learning. A veteran teacher with over a decade of experience, Maryanne designs innovative curricula that integrate gaming into education. At Great Brook School, she teaches enrichment courses, advises a thriving student Dungeons & Dragons club, and directs student-led performances. She also co-created Geeking for Good, a multidisciplinary course at Lesley University exploring gaming, therapy, and learning.