• Open Space Technology is appropriate where a diverse group of people must deal with a complex and potentially conflicting material.
• Nobody knows the answer.
• Ongoing participation is required for success.
• Senior management wants to engage the whole system in finding the answer.
• Response time is "yesterday."

When Open Space is NOT Suitable

• The answer is already known.
• Sponsors think they know the answer.
• Sponsors feel the need to be in charge and control, control, control

Preparing the Event

Working with the Sponsor

• Determine if OS is really the best choice.
• Explain Open Space and ensure high level buy-in for this kind of meeting
• How much time
• Location and space
• How to invite attendees
• Theme
• Givens (assumptions - "unchangeables")

Explaining Open Space

• Don't explain too much: if you haven't experienced it, it won't make sense.
• Go over the guidelines for appropriateness of OS, and make sure the sponsors agree this is the best way to go.
• Tell your experience in Open Space

Time Considerations

• Half day = quick brainstorming
• One day = deep discussion with some next steps
• Two day = deep exploration of the theme with some action plans and a full book of proceedings
• Two and a half day = complete exploration of theme with action plans, book of proceedings and deeper buy-in by participants