The Purpose

This gathering will create a space for practitioners of
different backgrounds to deepen their knowledge and
exchange their experience around their “Presencing” work.
The idea is to offer all participants the possibility to explore
the Presencing Theory and experience the Journey through
the U themselves.
In generative dialogues participants can share, deepen and
develop their personal and professional experiences and
knowledge in guiding themselves, individuals, organisations
and communities through a process of deeper learning.
Our vision is to sow the seeds for a learning community for
practitioners.

For the uninitiated can someone recommend the best books to read/websites to visit etc in advanvce?

Nial, Great to see you here on-line.
If you visit here you will get a good list of recommended reading, books, articles, presentations, etc.
http://www.presencing.com/research-publications

In brief I would recommend from this list:
Books:
Theory U: Leading from the Future as it Emerges
by C. Otto Scharmer, 2007
Presence: An Exploration of Profound Change in People, Organizations, and Society
by Peter M. Senge, C. Otto Scharmer, Joseph Jaworski, Betty Sue Flowers, 2004

Executive Summary (17 pages)

Articles
Uncovering The Blind Spot of Leadership

Video's
There are some video's available at the Presencing Inst website too.

I would also highly recommend the online Global classroom starting February 19-March 19, 2009 visit here for details. a number of us attending have already sat this programme.
http://www.presencingglobalclassroom.com/courses/theoryu_overview.shtml

I hope this is helpful.

regards,
Barry