Val,
There are several varieties of "search conference" and the book by Alban
and Bunker (already recommended) is terrific at sorting them out for you.
When you know which kind you're interested in, other books are available
describing the particular method. Here are ones that give detailed
methodology information (rather than overviews or academic discussions):
The original "search conference" is described in detail in: Emery,
Merrelyn and Ronald Purser, "The Search Conference," Jossey-Bass, San
Francisco, 1996.
Real-time Strategic Change:
Jacobs, Robert, "Real Time Strategic Change," Berrett-Koehler, San
Francisco, 1994.
Open-Space:
Owen, Harrison, "Open Space Technology," Berrett-Koehler, San Francisco,
1997, or Abbott Publishing, Potomac, Maryland, 1992.
And for all the nitty-gritty details (and scads of useful checklists,
charts, etc.) about large-group events in general, the truly essential
handbook is:
Sullivan, Kristine, et al., "The Essential Handbook: Behind the Scenes of
Large Group Interactive Events" -- only available directly from Roland
Sullivan, email: roland@tmn.com
--"John Gunkler" <jgunkler@sprintmail.com>
[Host's Note: John, thanks for these references. In association with Amazon.com, these links..
Large Group Interventions : Engaging the Whole System for Rapid Change (Jossey-Bass Business & Management Series) by Barbara Benedict Bunker, Billie T. Alban (Contributor) [I can also recommend this book. -Rick] http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0787903248/learningorg
The Search Conference : A Powerful Method for Planning Organizational Change and Community Action by Merrelyn Emery, Ronald E. Purser http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/078790192X/learningorg
Real Time Strategic Change : How to Involve an Entire Organization in Fast and Far-Reaching Change by Robert W. Jacobs http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1576750302/learningorg
Open Space Technology : A User's Guide by Harrison Owen http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1576750248/learningorg
and, added by your host...
Future Search : An Action Guide to Finding Common Ground in Organizations and Communities by Sandra Janoff (Contributor), Marvin Ross Weisbord http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1881052125/learningorg
...Rick]
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>