What is Open Space?

Open Space Technology (OST) is a method for organizing and running a meeting or multi-day conference, where participants have been invited in order to focus on a specific, important task or purpose. Wikipedia

Opening Space

During the opening session, a host will explain the Five Principles and One Law of Open Space. If you have questions, volunteers and hosts will offer answers.

Five Principles of Open Space

  • Whoever comes is the right people.
  • Whatever happens, is the only thing that could have.
  • Whenever it starts is the right time.
  • Whenever it’s over, it’s over.
  • Wherever it happens is the right place.

The Law of Mobility

If you find yourself where you don’t learn or contribute, move yourself to a place where you able to.

Creating a Session

After opening the space, the host will invite those who want to convene a session to come forward and present it. It’s a simple process. You don’t need to prepare papers, slides, or flip-charts. You will simply step forward and briefly describe the session you propose. You’ll include just enough information to let people decide whether to attend…and no more. Generally, you need less than thirty seconds.

After presenting a summary of your proposed session, you’ll select a time and place and post a notice on our Marketplace wall. As each person does the same…Voila! The agenda is born.

We ask that everyone attending the event show up for the opening. It’s important. You’ll listen to the presentations and take note of those you would like to attend. As you listen, you may be inspired to present a session yourself. There are no deadlines or time limits: simply step up and describe your idea for a session.

Attending Sessions

At the end of opening space, you will browse the sessions on the Marketplace and pick to attend any sessions that interest you. You may attend any session you like and even move between sessions (according to The Law).

Adding Sessions

You may add a session to the Marketplace at any time during the event by posting information about it in an available slot in the agenda. We’ll have periodic announcements of any new or rescheduled sessions, but it’s a good idea for all participants to keep an eye out for schedule changes as well.

The FAQ on Open Space

Who can create an Open Space session?

Anyone attending Agile Open Northwest may create a session.

What topics are suitable for an Open Space session?

Any topic related to our event theme is appropriate.

Do I have to be an expert in the topic to host a session?

No, session conveners only need to have the level of expertise needed to conduct the session. If you intend to teach other people about something, we hope you actually know something about it. But you may choose to conduct your session as a discussion among peers or even organize a session around a topic that you know little about but would like to understand better. Be sure to explain how you intend to conduct the session when you invite people to attend it.

Can I add a session after the Opening?

Yes, just speak to the host(s). We will have announcements of new sessions and changes during lunch.

What is the Agenda for the day?

The agenda is being populated by the people when creating Marketplace. A typical open space day could look like the following:

08:30 AM – 09:00 AM Registration & Continental Breakfast
09:00 AM – 09:15 AM Welcome
09:15 AM – 10:00 AM Opening the Space & Creating the Marketplace
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Session # 1
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Session # 2
12:00 PM – 13:00 PM Lunch
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM Session # 3
14:00 PM – 15:00 PM Session # 4
15:00 PM – 16:00 PM Session # 5
16:00 PM – 17:00 PM Closing the Space

With the help of Agile Open Northwest and Wikipedia