Open Space technology is a process for creating a self-organized, self-managed conference where participants bring their knowledge, their insights, and their perspectives to a topic of critical importance to them.

Rather than using outside experts and lecture as the primary mode, the conference agenda is set by the participants at the convening, and dialogue is the primary mode. Written reports are prepared via computer after each round of group discussions and a conference proceedings document is prepared and distributed at the end of the conference.

A key to success in the open space process is that people determine what it is they want to talk about and engage passionately and responsibily in the topics that are meaningful to them.

Open Space operates on four principles and one law:
The principles of Open Space Technology are:

• Whoever comes is the right gathering of people.
• Whenever it starts is the right time to start.
• Whatever happens is the only thing that could happen.
• When it is over, it is over!

The Law of Open Space Technology is: The law of two feet...meaning that if, during the course of the gathering any person finds him or herself in a situation where they are neither learning nor contributing, they can use their two feet and go to some more productive place.

For Open Space Technology to work, it must focus on a real issue which is of passionate concern to those involved.

For additional information on Open Space Technology, visit What is Open Space Technology?