Our Open Space Event

Our Open Space event has no restriction of topics. Here’s how Open Space works.

First some key points, then the process.

• Those who attend are the ones who came. Whatever gets done will be done by them, or not at all. They will be the right people.
  
• There is a time of beginning and a time for closure. Everything in the middle will be allowed to run its own course.
  
• The One Law of Open Space is the Law of Two Feet. Responsibility for a successful outcome in any Open Space Event resides with each participant. Every person can use their two feet, and always move respectfully to a new place where they can make a difference.

Now the process:

• Everyone joins a large circle. We expect 250 people or more.
  
• The professional facilitator welcomes participants and explains the process, very briefly.
  
• Anyone in the room may propose a topic by coming to the centre of the circle, writing a short description (typically up to 7 words) on a sheet of paper and announcing it to the group.
  
• The person who has called out an issue sticks the paper on the agenda panel.
  
• The person posting a topic is expected to have the passion to be responsible enough to start the discussion on it. That person also makes sure that a report of the discussion is written and posted. (on another panel) for any participant to read.
  
• There’s no limit on the topics, nor on how many topics.
  
• When all issues are posted participants go to the part of the room for their topic of interest, the proposer begins the discussion and groups get to work.
  
• There will be movable chairs, but no tables.
  
• Anyone may attend any topic group and may switch groups at any time.
  
• All discussion reports are compiled in a document and sent to participants, unedited, shortly afterwards.
  
• Reports are passed on to decision-makers and published on the event web site.
  
• We’ll supply tea and coffee. You might like to bring something to share.