WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN
[NOTE: link and password will be emailed to all delegates prior to the start of the first session]
We invite participants to host an interactive discussion in our Open Space Interactive session. This is when you will get an opportunity to propose a topic, question or problem you would like to discuss. If you propose a session, then it is your responsibility to host it. You will also need to either document the discussion yourself or appoint someone to do that with you.
After the session, you will take responsibility for feeding back the results of the discussion to the main group at the conclusion of the session.
Once all the topics have been proposed and added to the schedule for the session, everyone leaves and has a cup of tea/coffee/takes a break. When you return the rooms for each topic will have been set up and you can join whichever session you choose.
Remember that the theme we would like to explore for the symposium is: TBC
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE THE OPEN SPACE EVENT
Familiarise yourself with how Open Space Works
Make sure you can access https://www.wonder.me/
Have an open mind and adventurous spirit
HOW DOES AN OPEN SPACE EVENT WORK?
If you are not familiar with Open Space as a meeting method, then please take a look at the resources below. The first video below is very quick and gives you some basic principles. If you need further information, then there is a lot of content on YouTube just search for “Open Space Technology”.
An introduction to the idea of Open Space Technology.
An Open Space event is a marketplace of ideas that works to provide an opportunity for each participant to learn exactly what they feel they need and connect people with similar desires so they can learn from each other.
Open Spaces begin without any predetermined agenda but work around a specific theme. There are four guiding principles and one law.
Principles
Whoever comes are the right people.
In the break-out groups you don’t need an expert or a teacher to learn from the group. Although all are welcome to join.
Whenever it starts is the right time.
When the conversation begins let the ideas flow. Don’t force it or feel pressure to be someone you aren’t.
When it’s over, it’s over.
We never know how long it will take to resolve an issue, once raised, but when the conversation is finished, move on to the next thing. Don’t keep rehashing just because there’s 30 minutes left in the session. Do the work, not the time.
Whatever happens is the only thing that could have, be prepared to be surprised!
We have no idea what brilliant ideas or solutions will be found in each group. Expect to be surprised and be prepared to question your own assumptions.
The Law of Two Feet
If during the course of the gathering, any person finds themselves in a situation where they are neither learning nor contributing, they must use their feet and go to some more productive place. No one’s feelings will be hurt and no time will be wasted.
Documenting the Discussion
In each group, please select a recorder to take minutes of the discussion to share. Open Spaces work best when we take the time to reflect honestly, share openly, and think critically. They are most successful for all participants when we trust the process and work earnestly to better ourselves and the community.
WONDER.ME
We will be using a platform called WONDER.me to host the open space interactive sessions. It is advisable to go have a play in advance and check that first of all you can get access, and secondly that you are familiar with the networking space. It’s a bit different from Zoom and Teams but very intuitive. However, you may find it worthwhile to get familiar with the platform before joining a session.
Supported Devices
Wonder is designed for use on desktop and laptop computers.
Wonder does not currently function on tablets or mobile devices. This includes iPads, iPhones, or other similar devices.
Browsers
Wonder is optimized exclusively for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
Here is everything you will need to know:
https://help.wonder.me/en/articles/5161492-guest-guide-everything-a-guest-needs-to-know
Troubleshooting Guide: Most Common Issues
https://help.wonder.me/en/articles/4947040-troubleshooting-guide-most-common-issues