There are as many ways to facilitate Open Space meetings as there are facilitators. If you have acquired basic knowledge of the method, the information below can be a complement when preparing a meeting. Although the structure is simple, our experience is that situations often arise when you as a facilitator have to make the right decision to keep the space open. When these decisions are based on a deeper understanding, the chances of ‘keeping the space open’ increase.
We invite you to continue learning through our mentoring circles, both in physical meetings and online. We also offer trainings if you want a deep dive. Our trainings increase your capacity to give your best when you work with Open Space.
Kickstart program
Do-it-yourself steps for those who want to quickly get started and use Open Space Technology
Open Space Technology – the whole process
We work with a whole consisting of preparation, implementation, follow-up and evaluation.
An Open Space meeting in practice
Join us on a photo tour for the meeting itself – from start to finish!
Some basic questions when planning a meeting
Here is an example of questions to consider in the planning phase
Tips when crafting an invitation
What I think are the most important points to clarify when writing an invitation to an Open Space meeting.
Requirements for the premises
Information I usually provide to the person responsible for logistics in the venue . It clarifyes the general requirements.
How I introduce participants to the meeting – an example
The introduction for the participants at the beginning of the meeting must be clear, here is an example of what you can include.
Open Space World Map
See where ‘Open Space’ is in the world and find facilitators in different countries.
Open Space videos
A selection of informative videos about Open Space Technology! One of our own film (11 min) is a great way to get interested people to understand a little more about the practicalities of a meeting.
How to calculate the circles for large groups!
My good friend and colleague Koos De Heer in the Netherlands has made a superbly simple spreadsheet where you can easily calculate how big circles it will be for a specific group size.
More general tips for facilitators of meetings
Here you will find various tips if facilitate meetings and development processes. There is also a literature and link list.
Swedish Open Space Institute
The Swedish Open Space Institute, SOSI, develops and shares knowledge about Open Space Technology and works for mutual support and learning between practitioners who work with the method in Sweden and the world.