A trained, experienced facilitator appreciates the value of the knowledge in the room and is trained in bringing that forward from participants. A facilitator should be neutral, un-biased, leaving their own opinions at the door. The facilitator should draw on the collective thinking and present it back to the group in a way that makes sense. The added benefit of a facilitator familiar to the industry is that they can distill the information from the session and link it in to a wider network to present solutions and contacts back to the group if they would like it.