KEY REQUIREMENTS

Listed below are the main things you will need to create a successful Open Space event.

• A clear purpose ('Why are we holding this Open Space event?') and an answer to the question: 'How will we know that the event has been successful?'
• An inspiring title - neither too general nor too specific.
• Potential participants (conduct a stakeholder analysis).
• A suitable venue containing:
• A large room with plenty of blank wallspace that will accommodate participants seated in a circle;
• A number of smaller meeting spaces (100 participants will need about 10 areas for people to meet);
• A space to use as the news room (could be part of the large room);
• A matrix showing Open Space timeslots and meeting places;
• Various posters (five principles etc);
• Materials such as marker pens, paper, Post-it Notes, etc;
• Computers and printers;
• Other equipment: flip chart, CD player, CDs, talking stick, etc;
• Photocopying facilities.
• Attractive invitations.
• An experienced Open Space consultant to guide you through the preparations and facilitate the event. (Normal facilitation skills are not sufficient here.)
• A way of monitoring, co-ordinating and communicating the projects and actions that emerge from the Open Space event.
• The commitment of top management to support these projects and actions