A collaboration of words by the HBCL team and all those that were a part of HBC Fest 2024
Creating a place for changemakers “… to learn, reflect and grow”
Picture it, a Thursday evening in June, the sun is slowly setting, and the HBC Fest team are hungrily devouring pizza (and glugging some wine), while gazing out across a gorgeous meadow of wildflowers and grasses, as a barn owl silently glides into view. This was a sign, the perfect start of something very special, the beginning of HBC Fest 2024. An idea turned reality, HBC Fest would be an event where human behaviour and behaviour change were not just discussed, but experienced in a profound, immersive, practical way, a way that would inspire changemakers.
The idea for HBC Fest was born during one of our (Jo and Suz) walk and planning sessions some time ago, a spark of inspiration to create an event that went beyond conventional talks, workshops and conferences. We envisioned something tangible, something that engaged all the senses and embraced science, evidence, creativity, and innovation. An event that supported changemakers on their journey to make a difference in the world, and, despite the challenges of a global pandemic and economic crises, our vision only grew stronger. So, as we (Suz, Abi, Hannah and I/Jo) prepared to welcome wonderful people from far and wide to the amazing Big Sky Hideaway in Lincolnshire, we knew this was going to be a truly memorable weekend.
Doing things differently
It was the following day on a sunny Friday afternoon in a beautiful field, with the breeze gently rustling the leaves, the aroma of delicious food in the air, and the sounds of chatter and laughter all around that HBC Fest came to life! An event centred around HBCL’s belief in the strength of leveraging human behavioural science in practice to deliver impactful change. Developed from the frustration that so many events end with the conclusions of raising awareness and educating, when this is only one piece of the puzzle and should be the starting point. Change can involve so much more. Practical, immersive experiences are the key to effect sustainable and meaningful change. Our senses have evolved to provide us with vital information about our surroundings, yet how often do we consciously use all our senses to experience, learn, and help us deliver positive change? Why is practice and development often seen as the poor cousin of knowledge acquisition? HBC Fest 2024 was designed to address this imbalance, through immersive workshops and discussions covering so many issues from animal welfare, human well-being, environmental conservation, and sustainability, all explored through the lens of human behavioural science in practice. The event featured innovative, experiential sessions delivered by passionate facilitators.
A vibrant weekend of ideas, connections, and inspiration, creating a living, evolving system where every workshop connected to form of rich tapestry that interlinked. Diverse topics from how the brain works, community engagement, difficult conversations, the use of drama to deliver ideas for behaviour change, how to fail, well-being through many lenses, values-based approaches, how to use your voice effectively to communicate clearly, the biopsychosocial model in practice for all our well-being, forest bathing, live music, yoga and more! The workshops were thought-provoking and experiential, the facilitators embraced low-tech methods to create impactful sessions that inspired hope and action, to empower and support changemakers to explore ways to generate, create and deliver positive impact. All this happened outdoors in an amazing nature setting, with wonderful people and wonderful thought provoking, ethical food courtesy of Vegan Revelation.
Enough of my enthusiasm. What we really want to share is the feedback from those who attended, and who better to start than the fantastic Sarah Ellis (wearer of many changemaker hats, including International Cat Care), whose words brilliantly summed up so much:
“This weekend the Human Behaviour Change for Life team redefined CPD. There was no fancy conference venue, very limited tech, no hotel room, no session break toilet queues and no mediocre food. Instead, there was experiential outdoor learning in nature in a stunning location in small high trust groups with such a breadth of experience and expertise. We were fuelled by stunning vegan food, minds calmed with mindfulness and bodies stretched with yoga. As I packed up my tent at the end of the weekend and spent a moment checking I hadn’t left anything behind, I felt light – light with my load I had to carry, light from the fact I left nothing physical behind (no hotel towels to be washed, no hotel litter bin full of unwanted conference bag bits) and light with optimism for a period of reflecting everything I had experienced (learnt does not feel the right word). So often we come home with pages of notes never to be read again but this morning I am mind mapping what I want to take forward and it’s all there clear in my mind because I experienced it rather than simply sat listening all weekend. I sang, I acted, I juggled, I walked, I listened, I discussed and all these experiences together bring such a richer learning experience. A huge thank you to all the Human Behaviour Change for Life team! I took so few photos as I felt no need for my phone!”
What is HBC Fest?
HBC Fest is a space where changemakers can continue their professional development in an innovative environment that empowers them to actively explore ideas and concepts, promotes learning, self-care and the care of others, all in a supportive atmosphere conducive to growth. It was important to us that the environment felt safe, so people could have a go, could develop and practice new skills with experienced, knowledgeable people around to support them. A place where people could push themselves and explore approaches that they may not have considered before, but which could add enormous value to their work. One attendee beautifully captured the spirit of the event, noting that “everything was very well aligned around empowering, listening, being ‘human,’ and working with our human-ness.”
The wonderful Jason Feavers, one of the workshop leaders at HBC Fest who is doing great things in human wellbeing, wrote such an eloquent post on LinkedIn:
“Is this the future of conferences? And learning?
I spent last weekend at HBC Fest taking part in workshops in behaviour change and professional development. I learnt how to fail, how to use my voice more effectively and how to have difficult conversations – something I tend to try and avoid at all costs.
I felt engaged throughout the sessions, something my ADHD brain often struggles with. A combination of a full on schedule and FOMO meant very little alone time, yet I still felt energised even at the end of the last day. Usually I would be completely drained spending too much time with other people.
So what was different about this conference?
🌳 Spending time in nature. An amazing venue with workshops outdoors, in the woods, in a tipi and in a barn.
🏕️ Camping. Keeping that nature connectedness even as we sleep.
🧘 Movement. As well as yoga, woodland walks and forest bathing, many sessions incorporated movement as we learnt.
🥗 Vegan food. I’m not vegan and was amazed by the quality of the food we had. I didn’t snack at all between meals and felt energised all weekend.
🧠 Learning. A low tech, nature based approach to learning meant interactive sessions. Some great discussions and lots of learning which I’ve managed to retain and reflect on with very little note taking.
🧍♀️Spending time with some inspirational, incredibly knowledgeable change makers with a passion for people, for animals and for the planet”
Powerful nature and freedom from tech
In today’s world, we are bombarded with noise and information from books, podcasts, papers, social media, and meetings. The constant pressure to excel can feel overwhelming. Where are the quiet spaces to ponder, dream, explore, connect, rejuvenate, and innovate? HBCL decided to create such a space with HBC Fest, embracing a low/no tech approach that allowed attendees to be present, connect, and engage in practical and creative activities, with like-minded people. This setting facilitated deeper connections and a more profound learning experience. Attendees appreciated the approach: “Elements of no tech really came through and resulted in engaging and far more interesting sessions!” One attendee noted the unique impact, saying, “The range of speakers was pretty awesome and pleasantly different from what I expected … Behaviour change events should really be done in a ‘new’ fashion … that certainly came through and landed well”.
Why Nature? Why Camping?
Nature offers a unique environment that fosters reflection, creativity, and connection, as well as helping to rejuvenate and aid attention. Camping allows for a break from technology and everyday distractions, encouraging participants to engage fully with their surroundings and each other. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with our senses and the natural world, enhancing our ability to learn and innovate. As one attendee put it, HBC Fest provided space to step away from their current environment, time to think.
Moving forward we are mindful that not everyone enjoys or feels comfortable about camping – so we are looking to be very inclusive in the future. We will have camping, tent hire, hammock hire, a motorhome area, very cool glamping options, rooms in the Big Sky Hideaway hosts (lovely Dave and Emma) house; and to cover every taste and need, hotels that are a few minutes’ drive away – so something for everyone!
What brought people to HBC Fest?
HBC Fest attracted changemakers from all walks of life, from behaviour change, social science, psychotherapy, teaching, human physical health and wellbeing, social work, veterinary, charity, animal welfare, socio-economics, animal behaviour, researchers, environmental, conservation, nature recovery, social justice, campaigning, drama, advocacy, community engagement, international development, nature based activities, third, public and private sector, you get the point, these guys did – if you are human HBC Fest is relevant to you 😉. Attendees were united by their desire to deliver positive change. The festival’s approach combined low/no tech practical workshops with immersive experiences, enabling knowledge exchange and practical action. Everything was chosen for a reason, linked by the themes of understanding why we do or don’t do certain things and exploring practical tools for effecting change. The words of one of the attendees say so much:
“… I just wanted to say it was kind of like a powerful personal growth AND professional skill conference and it boosted my confidence to act in a number of ways.
I have had a brainwave or two already, and I’m really hopeful that I can find a way to apply what I have learned 🙂”
Another person reflected, “The sessions provided a much-needed break from the daily grind. It was refreshing to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and like-minded individuals. The practical workshops were a highlight, offering hands-on experiences that I can apply in my work and personal life.”
Another attendee shared, “HBC Fest was an eye-opener. It emphasised the importance of self-care and the care of others while striving for positive change. The low-tech environment allowed us to focus on what truly matters and fostered deeper connections with others.”
A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing and Learning
The festival’s theme of integrating well-being, personal development, and learning in a natural environment resonated deeply with HBC Fest-goers. One attendee noted, “The theme through all the sessions around well-being, personal development, and learning, in a natural environment, created something really special that I haven’t experienced in any other events. For that reason, it’s difficult to focus on a specific session or activity as they worked so well together.”
Another person echoed this sentiment, emphasising the seamless blend of activities: “Well-being activities were excellent. I’ve attended well-being retreats and conferences but always separately. Creates ideal conditions for learning and really should be the norm. One presenter almost apologised for including breathwork as it had been included in other workshops, but got me thinking how often we separate well-being activities and work when we should be incorporating movement and breathwork into our meetings and work. Felt the sessions complemented each other really well.”
Empowering Workshops and Compassionate Facilitators
The workshop facilitators at HBC Fest played a crucial role in creating an enriching experience, as one attendee expressed with admiration, saying,
Turning Theory into Practice
The sessions at HBC Fest successfully turned theoretical concepts into practical applications. One attendee reflected when asked what workshops stood out, “ALL OF THEM… what great content… I grew in all the sessions thanks to so much to reflect on and space to engage with ideas. I also loved the yoga, food, and location. It all really resonated with me.”
Specific workshops left a lasting impact on participants. For instance, the “Biopsychosocial workshop” was highlighted as a session that brought obvious yet often neglected concepts to the forefront: “Brilliant session on biopsychosocial wellbeing. The workshop about the voice, pitch, controlling the breath – really helpful. Those are the two that I will probably do something very differently as a result.” Another attendee shared their surprise at the workshops that resonated with them: “I was surprised actually by some of the workshops that resonated the most! Finding your voice was really useful and made me think a lot about this. I also really enjoyed the keynote talk and workshop and also the community one with the circle point, the failology, the acting one and, well, all of them!!”
Diverse Activities and Memorable Experiences
The diverse range of activities at HBC Fest ensured there was something for everyone. Participants enjoyed everything from drama sessions to forest bathing. “I particularly enjoyed the forest bathing, and the session on the tricky mind,” one attendee shared. Another added, “The drama class where we roleplayed the Rosa Parks incident; the keynote talk on sustainability. Role-playing was great fun. I really enjoyed the drama session as a way of engaging people in change.”
Areas covered at HBC Fest included:
- Human behavioural science and practice – HBC was threaded throughout all the workshops
- The brain – three systems model – Motivational Systems (Emotional Regulation Systems)
- Bio-psycho-social model – focused on physical health impacted by psychology, stress, the environment/context and more
- Community engagement:
- Engaging people and working collaboratively, using co-creation, listening, values based, asking the right questions, reflections.
- Drawing from lessons in international development – using mapping
- How drama can be used to facilitate change – Theatre of the Oppressed
- Use of the voice to communicate effectively
- Difficult conversations and looking after ourselves and others
- Sustainability – how everyone can make tiny changes
- Values and ethics in HBC
- Embracing and dealing with failure
- Wellbeing:
- Yoga – Nitra and hatha
- Forest bathing
- Breath work
- Nature connectedness
- Music
- Adventure and embracing life
An Inclusive and Engaging Atmosphere
The atmosphere at HBC Fest was inclusive, friendly, and engaging. One participant remarked,
Another highlighted the event’s accessibility: “Such an accessible and innovative format. The number of people and way that participation was encouraged meant that each session I learned from not just the presenter but everyone in the group.”
One attendee reflected that they arrived not knowing each other and left with new friends, contacts and connections – they said they loved that element, and meeting so many people from different background and perspectives. That everyone there was a professional in their own field, and that was a lovely thing, which meant they got even more out of the experience chatting to different people.
The Inspiring Setting and Atmosphere
The location and setting of HBC Fest significantly contributed to its success. An attendee appreciated the variety of session locations: “I loved the variety of locations for the sessions – even only being there for Sunday I was in the bus, the barn, and the woods. It was so much better than being stuck in a stuffy room all day!” The natural surroundings provided a refreshing and inspiring backdrop for learning and reflection.
The format and focus on the practical, engaged the attendees, with one commenting: “I found the format totally surpassed my expectations with regards to the wellbeing pieces setting the scene and pace and the practical benefits from the sessions. I think perhaps the expectation and that of those I spoke to was that of ‘behavioural science’ with experts teaching others, … I think what was delivered was a collaboration within a HBC community.”
Reflecting on the weekend, one HBC Fest-goer expressed their appreciation for the event’s approach, stating, “I really liked the variety of sessions. Alternating very interactive stuff with sessions where you mostly listen is a good way to keep me engaged. I also liked having to physically move from the barn to the bus to the teepee. It’s a way to make sure I use my body a little in between periods of sitting down.” This mix of movement and varied engagement was a highlight for many.
The overall sentiment about the event was overwhelmingly positive. Many found it enriching and engaging, appreciating the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and delve into deeper, more challenging topics. One participant noted, “I thought it was a really good and packed weekend. I learned so much and it was nice to get talking to like-minded people, hearing about their stories and what they are interested in.” The open and inclusive discussions on human behaviour change were particularly valued, contributing to a relaxed yet intellectually stimulating environment.
The venue itself played a significant role in the event’s success. The setting allowed for a unique blend of interaction and relaxation, which fostered deeper connections. One attendee commented on the communal atmosphere, saying, “It was nice to spend time camping and hanging out together, rather than just sitting in a lecture theatre. I think this made it more meaningful and authentic.” The presence of nature was also a soothing factor, enhancing the overall experience.
Workshops were praised for their relevance and thoughtful curation, with participants highlighting the balance and variety of sessions. The Friday yoga session, complemented by fantastic music, was also memorable. One attendee shared, “Loved the Friday yoga session … The music was fantastic – really enjoyed hearing about the provenance of the music and the participatory aspect.” This sentiment was echoed by others who found the balance of sessions suited to their needs and interests.
Venue
The venue was collectively applauded for its uniquely special qualities, charm and beauty, and how much people just enjoyed being there. It offered a range of accommodation options, from camping and glamping to motor homes and onsite rooms contributing to the inclusivity of the event (also hotel rooms available only a short distance away). This variety ensured comfort for all preferences, contributing to a peaceful and reviving environment. One participant remarked, “Peaceful, restorative, quiet… when we see Fest… you won’t experience people falling over your tent or weeing up it in the night, but you might hear the sound of owl out hunting, or the breeze through the trees.” The eco-friendly setup, including composting toilets and showers heated with grass clippings, something I (Jo) was very excited about, and yes, I did try it out and it was perfect – shower with bird song!
The wonderful venue hosts applauded the HBC Fest goers back …saying how much they enjoyed the event and how lovely everyone was; they even said everyone used the eco-toilet properly … which apparently, they have never seen yet – a 100% strike rate! The whole experience meant we were undertaking behaviour change at many levels – with the eco-friendly facilities, especially the compostable toilets, we all had to carry out tiny behaviour change outside the workshops as well as in them 😉.
Food glorious food!
Vegan Revelation lived up to their name, with rave reviews they produced amazing food and a fan base wanting access to very yummy recipes – who knew cashew nut Spanish omelette worked, but it more than worked, it rocked! The quality of the food, the friendly warm service by the catering team, this was ethical food at its best – organic, locally sourced, vegan, healthy and tasty! Fest-goers were consistently impressed by the delicious meals with comments like, “The caterers were amazing, not just the food but also the service,” and “There are no words to describe the catering (OH MY WORD!!!) and what wonderful ladies!!” were common, reflecting the high quality maintained throughout the weekend. No one went hungry with tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner together with afternoon cake – yum does not do it justice!
Reflections and resolutions from HBC Fest: Transforming ideas into action
HBC Fest was more than just a gathering; it was a catalyst for change and growth. Attendees walked away not just inspired but equipped with actionable insights to implement in their personal and professional lives. The event ignited a collective resolve to infuse new philosophies and practices into daily routines, teaching methods, project interventions, and business strategies. Here are some insights and reflections from those who attended:
- Social scientist and workshop leader reflected on what they had gained: “The learnings from this are still percolating and just today I feel like I had a bit of a breakthrough moment in my PhD because of bits from the various workshops! In my view the event was a huge success and very well done”.
- An educator reflected, “I’m thinking about how to bring the ‘failosophy’ ideas into my teaching.” This concept of embracing failure as a learning tool resonated deeply, encouraging a shift towards a more resilient and growth-oriented classroom environment.
- For entrepreneurs, the Fest underscored the importance of foundational values. “I’m certainly going to make sure core values underpin my next business venture and career choices”.
- The fest’s empowering atmosphere provided a boost to tackle new challenges head-on, with confidence growing, “Feel more confident in doing more business things.”
- Practical techniques to aid changemakers were key takeaways for example in movement and communication – “Move around more and change position more …, and think more about the use of voice and pitch, and help others to do so …”. The newfound awareness of the mind and body on wellbeing, and how it can influence how effective we are and how we engage others was insightful.
- The benefits of breath control and finding our true voice in public speaking really resonated with people – “I’m definitely going to work on my breath control for public speaking!” and another, “I will be focussing on preparing for talks with rib swings and finding my true voice”.
- The integration of the biopsychosocial model and compassion-focused theory into personal and professional contexts also stood out as significant areas for further exploration and application.
- Insights from the Paul Gilbert Three Systems Model were well received – “I’ll be looking more into the Paul Gilbert model that Jason shared to inform my coaching work.”
- Jen’s talk on sustainability sparked tangible changes, from switching bank accounts to fostering community discussions. One HBC Fest-goer shared, “All my commitments as a result of Jen’s talk – changing bank account and talking sustainability with the allotment holders.”
HBC Fest’s impact on how people approach sharing information, presentations and workshops was profound. The feedback shows a commitment to active engagement and a significant shift towards a more dynamic and interactive approach to professional development, as highlighted by one attendee, “I will really look to add more participation and movement into my presentations and bring more of a workshop feel where appropriate”.
Will they, won’t they?
The feedback speaks for itself, the enthusiasm for HBC Fest to continue was unanimous. The weekend’s profound impact left participants eager for more. “Firstly, it was amazing. I’d love to see it happening again and evolving” one person commented, “Yes I would definitely come again,” echoed several voices, while others expressed, “I really hope this can run again as I’d definitely attend.” The intense, impactful weekend was exhilarating, with attendees affirming, “I would definitely come again!” and “I think the weekend is great, … from having an experienced understanding of the ‘fest’ I would really support others to attend”.
As we were saying our sad farewells on Sunday afternoon, feeling tired, but very happy, we were asked – are you running this next year? Will there be another one? We were a little sheepish about committing as the final people left the barn as we needed to take a moment, a breath and reflect – should we? Did it really work as well as it felt it did? We left to our respective destinations, and I must admit, I was already planning HBC Fest 2025 in my head, as I know Suz was too! So, the answer is yes – HBC Fest 2025 will be over the weekend of 5th to 7th September , and tickets are now on sale with some great early bird offers.
We couldn’t have hoped for more from HBC Fest 2024, and it delivered so much more that we had ever anticipated. It has established itself as an event for both personal and professional growth, fostering a community of practice grounded in wellbeing and behavioural science. The overwhelming support and eagerness for its return highlights its success and the lasting impressions it made on all who attended, including us. We thank all those who helped at so many points along the way, and who contributed to making this one special weekend.
Some final ponderings
HBC Fest demonstrated the powerful interconnections between human behaviour, wellbeing, and practical action for positive change. By integrating wellbeing activities with professional development in a natural, no/low-tech environment, the festival created a unique and impactful experience for all attendees. The blend of compassionate facilitators, diverse activities, and an inclusive atmosphere ensured that participants left feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to make a difference.
HBC Fest was a groundbreaking event that highlighted the importance of practical skills development, self-care, and immersive learning experiences. By creating a space free from the distractions of modern technology, we allowed changemakers to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the natural world. This unique approach fostered an environment of creativity, reflection, and positive change, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
As we reflect on HBC Fest, our hearts and minds are full. We are grateful for the amazing people who made it possible and excited for the future. Together, we can achieve so much. Here’s to the next HBC Fest, and to the incredible journey of change we are all on.
Final words from those who attended and made it so special
“Human behaviour really does underpin everything that we do. Technological changes are incredibly important when it comes to fighting the climate crisis, but we won’t get to where we need to be in time if we aren’t able to bring people with us. Understanding the barriers is vital to help us to create the stories and the environment we need for change.”
“Thanks again for a brilliantly thought-out inspiring weekend. I bet if I look back on 31 December, it will be one of the very best things I did this year, thank you all xxx”
“Thanks so much for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to share music and conversation with you and your fascinating tribe.”
“Thank you so much for making me feel so valued and welcome. It really was a privilege to be a part of HBC Fest. Thank you!”
Be sure to check out the 2024 highlights, created by our talented photography and filming team, Sophie and Hugh.
Make 2025 the year you join us at HBC Fest – 5th to 7th September 2025
