I am looking for ways to materialize 90 minute large group OS sessions: Evolution of Opening Space and OST

[Jan-Erik Tarpila]

Dear colleagues. There are many occasions where just is not enough time or room to arrange a traditional OS. Therefore I am arranging 90 minute mini open spaces for international highly mixed groups with 150-300 participants. I am looking for ways to be able to get people into OS discussions without the logistical start-up and closing hassle. Could online tools help me or do you have any other precious ideas? What tools could I use to set up the agenda online?

I am looking forward to hearing all your ideas and experiences.

[Ilja Preuß]

What's the purpose of those meetings? Why are you choosing OS? What alternatives have you considered? What is the expected outcome?

[Jan-Erik Tarpila]

Politicians from various countries meet to change knowledge and ideas about timely topics around various themes. Alternatives considered are traditional group discussions, closed space, open cafe etc

[Jack Martin Leith]

Hello Jan-Erik.

I'm glad you've started this group. OST is now 27 years old, and I'm astonished that so few aspects of the approach have remained unchanged since 1985. Innovation is greatly needed.

A few years ago I designed and facilitated a 60-minute Open Space that formed part of the Global Startup Workshop (not a workshop, but a big conference) hosted by MIT Entrepreneurship Center in 2008.

The conference took place in an art gallery in Madrid. The conditions for the Open Space were far from perfect. For example, we couldn't display anything on the walls, and people had to hold their sessions standing up.

On top of that, the Open Space appeared in the conference programme as Open break out session with Jack Leith. Hardly inspiring.

I've searched my files and it seems that I no longer have the detailed timings for this Open Space. This is what I remember: We did away with the sign-up. Session leaders wrote their session title on a big sheet of paper, held it in above their heads, and people gathered around them. I think we had two quick bursts of Open Space.

We also did away with written reports. (I think these are often a waste of time anyway. More about that another day.) Towards the end of the 60 minutes, we all got back together and each session leader stated one key insight from their conversation, or the next step, if applicable.

It all went smoothly. and the participants found it useful and enjoyable. I know this through post-Open Space conversations, and because I received emails from several of the participants after I returned to the UK.

I hope this is helpful, Jan-Erik.

Best wishes from Bristol, UK.

Jack