Large OS, short time frame - design and preparation question

[Lisa Heft]

Hello, dear colleagues -

 

I am considering doing a large Open Space - in the 2000 participant range -
in a short time (3 hours total) - it happens at the end of a 'conventional'
conference.  So it would probably be two 45-minute sessions, a short Closing
Circle and the rest of the time available for the agenda co-creation.

 

I have done large Open Space events and also large-ish ones in time frames
such as 3 hours (including 1500 people in an airplane hangar in a
not-quite-totally Open Space design for a 2 hour time frame but I'll tell
you that story later).

 

This, by the way, will not include a notes-taking / Book of Proceedings
component.

 

The issues with large OS's are so much about logistics - though very similar
to any OS: is the room big enough, is there enough room along the wall(s) to
create the Agenda Wall, can people hear if there are so many people in the
room, how is the traffic pattern to get to the Agenda Wall, to announce
topics, to get to discussion areas, are there a lot of helpers to help move
furniture and such, is there enough signage and can it be seen by everyone
in the room - things like that.

 

The issues with short OS's are often - is there enough time for agenda
co-creation, multiple sessions, and closing circle comments and reflections,
if breakout rooms are needed are they very close by, is the client clear on
what a very short OS can deliver and what it cannot, does this serve the
participants in its shortened form, and so on.

 

For those of you who have had experience with large OSs (and of course
anyone else feel free to add their thoughts) - is there anything you would
like to add for me to consider that I may not have thought of as I consider
this opportunity?

 

Thanks for your thoughts,

 

Lisa

 

___________________________

L i s a   H e f t

Consultant, Facilitator, Educator

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

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

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

 


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