Sometimes you have a year to prepare and Open Space event - such as in the case of a large conference. Sometimes you have only a few days or weeks. The timeline below is to help as a reminder of what sorts of tasks might come first, next and next. For example, note that one of the earliest things to do is to collaborate with the client/sponsor to investigate and secure a site for the event.

You will also note that some of the tasks begin and continue all the way up to the event itself. For example, you might have ongoing conversations about the theme - indeed, things may occur during preparation and design time pre-event that will affect how you select the words for that theme - you can make adjustments to it up until the time you actually draw that sign.

Changing details regarding the site, the numbers of people attending, and continuing efforts by the client/sponsor to invite a fuller cross-section of their organization or community will also affect such things as numbers of breakout rooms needed or whether signage should be translated. Constant communication between facilitator and sponsor will ensure the success of the event.