"Open Space Technology" was named and described by Harrison Owen, a corporate consultant and former Episcopal minister. He observed that the real, interactive energy among people in conference settings happened more during the coffee breaks than during the structured sessions. In collaboration with many people over a number of years, he designed Open Space Technology to capture that free and spontaneous interchange of ideas. He notes that many of the basic ideas come from a small West African village, the traditions of Native America, and the wisdom of the East, and calls Open Space Technology "a world product."

An Open Space meeting begins with people sitting in a circle, which promotes open human communication. Open space helps to create a self-organizing system. There are no agendas, no scheduled guest speakers, and no limitations on discussions. There is a general facilitator who calls the people to action, clearly describes what is to happen, is available to answer questions, and keeps watch on time. The technique can be used for groups ranging in size from 15 to 1500 people. The only requirements are that the meeting focus on a real issue of passionate concern to participants, and that attendees bring a complete willingness to participate.

By not having an agenda or a facilitator to direct every step, participants will naturally discuss, debate, choose, decide, and take action on those things that are most important to them. If the group is large, leaders will emerge to take on a specific topic, forming breakout groups to discuss different issues or ideas. Participants choose among the groups where to spend their time and contribute. Each of the groups may come to their own resolutions or decide upon actions to take preparing a summary of their findings and recommendations.

When running open space meetings, keep in mind:

Even though anything goes in regards to discussions, everyone needs to listen to and respect other’s perspectives and opinions. Encourage people to freely move among breakout groups whenever they wish – cross-pollination is beneficial!

The focus should stay on one theme: a community, a resource, a project, etc. While conversations may get theoretical, be careful of being too vague or trying to take on issues that cannot possibly be solved by the group.

1. Take care of logistics

Select a date and time that is going to be convenient; it may be preferable to run the meetings over two or three days. Find a place that is large enough for the expected crowd including separate areas for breakout groups. Possibilities include houses of worship and other community centers, conference centers and hotels. Cost for room rental may be an issue. If this is not going to be with a pre-defined group such as task force, identify key individuals and organizations to invite. Invite them via phone, mail, or email giving the participants as much notice as possible. Decide how much to describe the meeting in advance: it could turn-off participants because they do not understand. Do provide an introduction to the topic and easy-to-read directions to the meeting place. Prepare any visual aids that will help discussions such as a slide show or an enlarged map of the area being discussed. Arrange for refreshments and food, if it will be served. This is a good area to get others involved in. Obtain supplies needed for information gathering and reporting such as easels, flipcharts, pens, colored dots, sticky pads, tape, audiovisual equipment, etc.

2. Create the scene

Set up the room by forming a large circle of chairs. Have flipcharts or paper, pens and tape in the center of the circle. Hang several sheets of paper on the wall and title them "Marketplace of Ideas." The paper should be divided into 60 or 90 minute time slots with breakout spaces such as separate rooms, corners within the meeting room, etc. (The total number of places and times should be roughly equal to the 25 percent of the total number of attendees.) The papers should look something like this:

Marketplace of Ideas

3. Open the floodgates

• When everyone is convened, describe what is to happen. Invite participants to reflect on issues and topics that they feel passionate about, passionate enough to lead a breakout discussion.
  
• As people come up with items, they step into the circle, write their topics on paper, and announce them to the whole group. Then the leader proceeds to the Marketplace and signs up for a time slot and place. When everyone who wants to post a topic has done so, the entire group is invited to sign up for sessions.
  
• People will choose, discuss, and rearrange times and places if necessary. When done, it should be time for the first groups to meet.
  
• New topics can be posted at any time, and everyone should be encouraged to change groups at any time. (This process is repeated each new day of the meeting.)
  

4. Prepare summaries

• The groups are asked to fill out one-page summaries of their breakout sessions including the topic covered, attendees, findings, and recommendations. At the end of the meeting, everyone reconvenes and the leaders from each subgroup offer a brief verbal report, which can range from very brief comments to 10 minutes for each person depending upon the number of breakout groups.
  
• If possible, have computers onsite for typing up breakout group summaries or make photocopies of printed summaries to that participants can take home a product from the gathering. Another alternative is to mail summaries afterwards and include a note thanking the participants.