Open Space Technology – Winnipeg, Canada
We were first introduced to the concept of Open Space Technology at the International Downtown Association Conference in Winnipeg, Canada. The principles of Open Space Technology are as simple as they are easy to understand.
- When it starts is the right time.
- Who shows up are the right people.
- When its over, its over.
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
A room was programmed to be used as an open space for the duration of the conference. People had the ability to schedule conversations that they wanted to see happen at different times on different days. This was done with a post it notes on a board with the tagline “Conversations that Matter.”
The room was further arranged with a row of seating and various papers in a circle with different colored markers to write on. Large sticky notepads on the walls gave the opportunity for different people to collaborate.