Open Space

Open Space facilitation is a process of organizing a conference that emerged from one simple realization:  that the best parts of any conference are often the unorganized parts – the informal, lively buzz that happens spontaneously in the coffee breaks.  Open Space uses some very simple principles to give you the freedom to have the conversations that you want to have, and ensure that you meet the people that you need to meet.  It also helps the whole group experience deep learning from its shared wisdom.

Walk Your Talk gatherings (these are not really conferences!), are about the mix of practical/doing (Walking) and theoretical/thinking (Talking).  We invite people to see what the word ‘Balance’ raises for them while they are with us, but other than that, there is no agenda.  You have an opportunity to present or lead a discussion or event on anything, even loosely related to our Walking/Talking theme, about which you feel real passion or curiosity.

Open Space is designed to:

• Provide a rich, extended opportunity for you and your peers to share learning, get to know each other and cross-pollinate ideas.
• Model an innovative meeting approach that you can take back and implement in your organisations and communities.
• Give real momentum to your learning, helping you leave with clear discoveries and a personal action plan.

We strongly encourage you to bring "live" planning challenges into Open Space for your peers to help you explore.  We invite tool providers and specialists to come prepared to informally showcase their tools and applications.  We invite the creation of learning networks among people with shared interests or challenges.

Be prepared to be stimulated, empowered, surprised, and have a lot of fun along the way.