Overlooking pristine Blue Mountain Lake, the Minnowbrook main lodge and the surrounding buildings stand on 28 acres of fragrant woodland, where tree-lined paths lead to well-equipped meeting rooms and recreation areas. Here the melding of two worlds creates a rarefied atmosphere that softens restraint and allows conference participants to overcome barriers. A few days at Minnowbrook can result in more consensus and optimism than weeks of meetings elsewhere. Goal setting, planning and understanding the big picture seem less strenuous here, away from interruptions and distractions.