The largest size of a session group

Lisa Heft lisaheft at openingspace.net
Thu Feb 23 14:05:01 PST 2006


Hi, all -

 

I find that the 'typical' group size can start larger and then get smaller
as people find their rhythm, decide where they're best heard, and so on.
I've had groups of 60 or 75 in some large events, though there are always
also groups of 2 or 3 as well. I do not find it's useful to ask how many
people will come or to help session convenors post their session in the
rooms that will accommodate the different sized groups they're thinking will
attend - as things always change, folks' first impression is just a snapshot
of that moment (not a real reflection of where they'll actually go once all
the great conversations begin), there is always constant movement as people
bumblebee around to sample sessions and people self-organize in wonderful
ways.  I just make sure to find a venue that offers a lot of breakout spaces
so anything is possible.

 

When a group has grown too large for a breakout space they either squish up
and let new people in or find a larger space to meet - no problem.  I would
hate to take this decision and responsibility away from them by 'helping'
them in some way.

 

And I try to have all or most groups meet in the main really large room, if
possible, along with the agenda wall and the food, ideally.  This both
allows for group sizes to be very flexible -and- lets people pass by
marvellous conversations (as they are headed back over to the food or back
over to the agenda wall) - conversations that just suck them right in to
discussion groups they'd not thought previously of attending.

 

I do write on the Post-its (or wherever a room is described) if that room is
specially set up with a dance floor, art materials, projector or other
specific element if that is something the session convenor feels might help
them decide where to hold their group.

 

Lisa

 

___________________________

L i s a   H e f t

Consultant, Facilitator, Educator

O p e n i n g  S p a c e

Berkeley, California, USA

 <mailto:lisaheft at openingspace.net> lisaheft at openingspace.net

 <http://www.openingspace.net> www.openingspace.net 

 

 

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