FAQs

Traditional consulting typically involves a Subject Matter Expert contracting with a business/organization to come in and learn about the business/organization, make recommendations and/or design the plan. 

We see your business/organization as the “Content Experts” and ourselves as the “Process Experts”.  This means that we know that we can take you from Point A to Point B effectively and efficiently while using your knowledge that will result in successful outcomes. This results in cost and time savings as well as “buy in” from all stakeholders in the process and the plan!

We have been extremely fortunate to provide services for all types of clients.  We work with Private Sector, Non-Profit, Government, Municipality, Educational Institutes as well as Community Group Initiatives.

Our methodology is a strength-based process called Appreciative Inquiry.  This process enables us to take our clients through all critical components to a plan very effectively.  It brings each client to an Action Plan and successful outcomes.

Our accelerated process enables our clients to develop their Strategic Plan in one day.  Each client is unique and it depends on what end goals need to be achieved. There are some clients that need additional goals met and therefore, recommendations may be made for additional time.

We set up data gathering meetings with each client to ask a bunch of really important and insightful questions to get the ball rolling.  Typically, we like to see any reports from previous plans (if this applies) and any current documentation that may help us ascertain what you are working on.

Our team includes a documenter and visual illustrator on most of our engagements.  These two team members produce a Real Time Record and Visual Illustration that brings your days results into one great document whereas you can being your work right away!

Again, this depends on the client and the goals.  However, many of our clients ask to have check-in and/or implementation meetings to realign their plan to make sure they are doing their best work to reach their goals. This can be done any time after the engagement and/or in quarterly meetings.

We have various ways to make your engagement convenient for you. 

At our Labs: We have 10,000 square feet of innovative, state-of-the-art meeting space centrally located in the Icot Center off of Ulmerton Road in Clearwater.  Easily accessed for anywhere in Tampa Bay and close to major airports.

Virtual: We have had virtual options since we started in 2004. We are virtual experts and use all of our software and expertise to make it feel as though you were in a room together.

Hybrid: We are hybrid capable and can take both in person and virtual attendees/stakeholders and bring them together for your important initiative.

Mobile: We can come to you or the venue of your choice.  We pack up and bring all of our equipment to the place that is best for your attendees/stakeholders.

Mobile Hybrid:  This is our mobile delivery with virtual included. 

Our technologists run our brainstorming and polling software that makes sure our engagements are extremely efficient. We use multiple programs and platforms so that every engagement runs smoothly.

Absolutely!  We will a la carte our team members and labs for any engagement you are planning. 

Do you need a facilitator for a discussion?

Do you need a technologist to run brainstorming and/or polling technology?

Do you need a documenter to take real time notes?

Do you need a visual illustrator to tell your story?

Do you need innovative, state-of-the-art meeting space for your next meeting?

Yes!  We have four beautiful labs that are perfect for your next meeting.  We only charge half-day and full-day rates. We do not nickel and dime for using a digital screen, podium and mic.  They are all included in the price.  We also have other meeting spaces in the EpiCenter that can hold different types of meetings.  Our spaces hold anywhere from 2-150!

We would love to discuss this with you on a call as every clients needs are different and we want to make sure we are giving you the best information that is customized to your needs.

Please take a look at our Venue space on our website.  This will give you a great idea of each room’s feel and how many it holds.

We would be happy to share stories, testimonials and even Real Time Records (with permission of the client) that are aligned with the type of business/organization and/or planning you are planning.  We would get a better idea of what your needs are after a VIP Tour or conversation. So call us today!

We do not stock water, ice, or other food or beverages. Please be prepared and either bring water/snacks with you or order from your caterer. 

When we plan to have you in the Labs, we expect you will be arriving 30 minutes prior to your registration and/or start time. If you need to be in the Labs earlier – please let us know in advance so we can be prepared with staffing.

We have adapters and connectors for most any kind of device you have (e.g. PC or Mac, HDMI, DVI, mini display ports, etc.). If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our technologist, PJ at patrick@spcollege.edu.

We do not have a copy center. If you have a presenter other than Collaborative Labs coming to your event, please make sure they have printed all of their presentation materials before coming to your event. If you are in a bind, we will certainly try to help you out.

We do not provide flipcharts, easels and/or post-it notes. Our labs are highly innovative as well as digital. We provide whiteboards throughout our labs as well as some of our labs are equipped with digital touchscreens for your use. 

We ask that you do not change the room setup when you arrive. We contact each client prior to their day of use to ask what their preference is for the setup.  If you arrive and want to make changes, please ask one of our Collaborative Labs’ team members to help you with your changes and we will be glad to help.  **Please note that removing furniture from other rooms can be an issue as it can be set for another client.  We prefer you work with us to make everything work well for your day of use.