At some point it is usual to issue an invitation. For small groups, it may be verbal, but more often than not something in writing is appropriate. A natural temptation (which must be resisted) is to try to explain everything that will happen during the event, including how and why it will work. After all, we are used to sending out a full agenda in advance with a complete rationalization. Open Space makes that unnecessary. The group will prepare the agenda upon arrival. Thus, providing the agenda is not only unnecessary, it is impossible. So what do you say in the invitation? As little as possible.

The objective is to stimulate the imagination of potential guests to the point that they perceive the pertinence and attractiveness of the issue. Remember… that when you give out all possible information, there is no room for imagination. I am not suggesting obfuscation or deceit -- just that you say only as much as you need to and allow the creative concern of those who attend to do the rest.

A useful model might be the first paragraph of a really good story…The art lies in saying just enough to catch attention, while leaving sufficient open space for the imagination to run wild…and questions should heavily outweigh statements, for questions create space in which the imagination can grow.

…Most people don't really care about the process of a meeting: they care about the issues and the results. So when it comes to explaining Open Space, don't. Simply say that although it may be new to this group, it has been used all over the world with predictable results

-- Harrison Owen, originator of Open Space Technology
Excerpted from his book, "Open Space Technology: A User's Guide"
-- Berrett-Koehler, publishers, San Francisco.
This book can be ordered for a slight discount off the retail price through the Open Space Institute of the US.
Contact them at: http://www.openspaceworld.org/wiki/wiki/wiki.cgi?BooksAndVideos

Here are some examples of invitations from actual Open Space events:

Regional conference for social service agencies, correctional officers and administrators (jails and prisons) and health education departments