 The Association of Professional Futurists is a global community of professional futurists committed to leadership and excellence in the futures field. Our members provide unique perspectives to help people anticipate and influence the future.
The APF aims to set the standard of excellence for foresight professionals. Members include futurists from businesses, governments and non-profits, consulting futurists, educators, and students in futures studies.
We meet regularly, host active electronic discussions among practitioners, provide professional development programs, recognize excellence in futures works, and offer a rich body of ideas and information about the future for the public.
We invite you to browse the site to find out more about what we do. If you are interested in joining, visit the Membership page where you can apply online. Here's a brief brochure about the APF and one for students. And, if you have any questions, please do get in touch.
2013 Pro Dev Seminar in Chicago #apfpd13
 Registration is now open for Pro Dev Day in Chicago, Friday July 19th. Join APF members at this annual seminar, packed with presentations and hands-on activities to learn best practices and emergent ideas for strategic foresight. We've selected a most exciting venue and the agenda is shaping up. For questions, and to volunteer, contact Heather Schlegel or Jennifer Jarratt. Register here.
Annual Reception Saturday July 20 in Chicago-- Registration Now Open!
Registration for the APF annual reception Saturday eve July 20, 2013 6:00 to 8:00 pm is now open! No charge, guests welcome. Join us as we celebrate and recognize excellence in pro futures works and by futures students. For questions, and to volunteer, contact Heather Schlegel. Register here.
Emerging Fellows 2013 Speak Out #4futr
Check out the weekly blog posts by the 2013 Emerging Fellows. You will find exciting, thoughtful ideas about futures by new futurists who are still discovering her or his way into the field. They ponder deep ideas about their own futures, chase contagious futures, and question the direction of the field as well as other futures.
 Adam Jorlen writes:
"I see and feel many paradoxes in being a futurist. Sometimes I'm ok with the
ambiguity, complexity and incoherence. But when I try to pitch myself to
potential clients, I'm often not. Then I want to be coherent, clear and
unambiguous. But that's not what I am or who we are! Because that's not how
the world looks to most of us futurists."
Annual Gathering - Orlando Florida
Play: Simulations, Games, The Future
2-4 May 2013 (Thursday to Saturday evening) #apfg13
 At the 2013 APF Gathering, an historic number of people experienced one of the best gatherings filled with fantastic ideas, fun, and community.
Wendy Schultz said,
"a terrific and stimulating three days, exactly what I expect of our colleagues. The visits to IST and ADL were interesting and useful, and the Saturday workshop with Starr Long and Mary Flanagan enlightening and fun."
Special thanks to all our speakers and the Gatherings Team!
2013 Most Significant Futures Works Jury
 The MSFW nominations for the best futures works published from 2008-2012 are now being reviewed by a panel of judges. The Core Committee thanks members who nominated publications. Nominated works include those that advance methodology and practice (seven nominations), analyze a significant futures issue (twelve nominations), or illuminate the future through literary or artistic works (four nominations). The list of nominations are here. Awards will be made at the Annual Reception, Saturday evening, 20 July 2013 in Chicago. The jury process is currently underway with 20 member/judges reviewing 20 publications. Contact Ken Harris, MSFW Chair.
2012 Wrap Up:
Annual Gathering - First APF Gathering in Europe!
Emergence: The Future of New Government and Economic Models
10-12 September 2012 Oxford, UK; 13 September 2012, London
 At the annual gathering, futurists, economists, artists, sociologists, historians and more explored new governance and economic models beyond the current western paradigm. The event was a grand success, moving from the Pitts River Museum to Magdalen College to Wolfson College and closing with a formal dinner and Little Bigs. Much thanks to Christian Crews, Board Member and Gatherings Chair, and the APF Oxford host, Wendy Schultz.
The London APF World Cafe event at Arup headquarters on Thursday afternoon 13 September wrapped up the week. Thanks to Andrew Curry, Board Member, and Marcus Morrell of Arup as the hosts.
APF 10-year Anniversary Celebrations in TorontoThe 10-Year Anniversary was celebrated in a special reception on Saturday evening 28 July 2012 at the Stirling Room in the historic Distillery District. Five publications received Most Significant Futures Works awards including two to APF members: It's Your Future, Make It a Good One by Verne Wheelwright, PhD, and The Biggest Wake-Up Call in History by Professor Richard Slaughter. Furthermore, APF's first published book, The Future of Futures, featuring essays by numerous futurists, a history of APF, and history of the field was launched. We held a full day of professional development on Friday 27 July 2012 at OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design).
First APF Leadership Award
 The APF's first Leadership Award was given to Verne Wheelwright, PhD, for inventing, implementing, and stewarding the Student Recognition Project since 2008. Under his guidance, over forty students have been recognized for excellent work. The academic institutions with approved futures programs grew from eight to twenty-six, cultivating a valuable network and connection between professional practice and futures education. Dr Wheelwright stands as an inspiration for future APF leaders. As he steps down as chair of the Student Recognition Project, the APF Board extends its heartfelt thanks.
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