Open Space Technology is a method for holding meetings and conferences that create the conditions for dynamic and engaging conversations. It is a powerful way of bringing people together to search for solutions to complex issues around a central theme or question. All participants have the opportunity to express what they consider to be important and to take responsibility on topics that they are passionate about. In doing so, people discover new ways of connecting and working cooperatively.
Open Space was created over 25 years ago by Harrison Owen in response to something he noticed at conferences: people seemed most energized and engaged during coffee breaks. So he decided to create a meeting format that would look and feel like “one long coffee break”. Amazingly, what people discovered is that a lot gets done during Open Space Events especially when people are discussing real issues that they care deeply about.
It is different from how we typically hold meetings and conferences. With minimal structure, this methodology invites people to create an agenda of topics around a central question of strategic importance, to host or join sessions and to connect with others exchanging ideas, discovering new possibilities and exploring avenues for action.
What will actually happen on June 14th and 15th? Essentially an Open Space meeting proceeds along the following process:
- The group convenes in a circle and is welcomed by the sponsor and the facilitator provides an overview of how Open Space works.
- The facilitator invites attendees to write on a peice of large paper, the issues of concern they want to discuss with other participants. These people become breakout session “conveners.”
- The conveners place their papers on the wall and choose a time and a place to meet. This process continues until there are no more agenda items.
- The 150 participants then break up and head to the agenda wall, by now covered with a variety of sessions and chose the sessions they want to participate in.
- Dialogue sessions convene for the balance of the meeting. Recorders determined by each group capture the important points and post the reports at the Creative New Jersey newsroom. Some people may chose to video tape their session reports.
- Following the second day of breakout sessions, the group will converge and take the issues discussed and attach action plans to some of the key ideas.
- The group ends with a closing circle where people share comments, insights, and commitments arising from the process.
Chris CorriganBowen Island, British Columbia, Canada
http://www.chriscorrigan.com