Open Space Conversations

What is Open Space?

Open Space – or more formally, Open Space Technology (OST) – is an effective and refreshing alternative to the conference or group meeting format. It is a radical yet practical way for groups to think, talk and take action. It can benefit businesses, charities, universities, networks, community groups, in fact any type of organisation. It works for as few as 5 people, and as many as 500+ and can be held in your own space, an external space or online.

Open Space Technology is a transformational tool that can help you to:

• Harness the expertise, creativity and passion of a group of people

• Collaboratively resolve complex problems

• Build strategy and transform organisations in an empowering and inclusive way

• Engage disparate groups in intelligent conflict-resolution

• Enable more dynamic networking

• Improve communication across stakeholder groups

• Manage change, transitions and crises

Find out more about the details of the Open Space process here.

Improbable provides a bespoke service including:

• Advice and support in writing your invitation and focus question

• Event planning and coordination

• Expert and experienced facilitation

• Advice and support to ensure your event is accessible to all

• Report preparation

• Additional services include ticket management, visual recordings, filming and evaluation

How does it work?

No panel of experts, no motivational speeches, no-predetermined agenda. Open Space Technology is an opportunity to access the passion, expertise and experience of every single person present.

Before the event, the Improbable team will support you to form a question and invite that lays out the purpose of the event. When people gather on the day, they begin by creating an agenda and a timetable then get to work.

This creates multiple simultaneous conversations dealing with the constituent parts of the overall question. Participants are free to move around throughout, meaning that each individual finds and works on those issues where they have the most passion and can have the most impact.

The result is a fluid, joined up conversation that allows people to contribute to their full capacity. Unhindered by everyday organisational structures, this is a temporary space that can unleash new collaborations and individual potential.

From every session, there is a written report of the proceedings that includes discussions, proposals and action planning. All these reports are gathered in an overall record of the entire event and shared with the participants to inform next steps.

Open Space Technology shifts culture towards a more responsible and pragmatic outlook where participants work together, creating an environment where real and challenging work can be done effectively and quickly.

You should consider OST if you:

• Have a complex problem that requires input from multiple points of view

• Want to redesign organisational systems

• Need better communication between teams or departments

• Want to develop new ideas or projects as a group

• Have a diverse range of stakeholders with whom you want to explore a common issue, problem or topic

• Have isolated groups of stakeholders who need to get to know each other better

• Want more dynamic networking

• Have an issue that requires an urgent resolution

• Want to engage staff in the mission of your business

Open Space Online

Since 2020, Improbable has been running Open Space events online. Online Open Space events are held on two platforms - Zoom and Qiqochat - which allows participants to navigate themselves around the different breakout spaces and conversations, creating a similar environment to the in-person events.

Open Space Online events have many benefits including:

• Capacity is not limited to the number you have physical space for

• Increased international accessibility: you can join an event from anywhere with an internet connection and a computer. OS Online is therefore ideal for for cross-border organisations

• Increased accessibility for disabled people and those shielding or with long-term health conditions, who can join from home

CASE STUDY

Conflict resolution

We facilitated an event for a large organisation whose development plans had met with adversity from a local community group. After a lively two-day Open Space event, both sides had come to profound realisations about the challenges and limitations faced by each party. The previously warring factions were able to work together beyond the event and reported greater understanding, a reduction in mutual scepticism and a better relationship during ongoing negotiations.

About Improbable

Improbable is a theatre company that has been creating innovative live work for more than two decades, playing a major part in creating and defining the vocabulary of contemporary British theatre.

We’ve been using OST in our own creative process for over a decade, as well as holding an ongoing programme of large- and small-scale Open Space events for the theatre and arts community, under the banner of Devoted and Disgruntled.

Through OST we work directly with communities, creating spaces that enable people to address and take collective action on the issues that matter most to them. We have a long track record of providing Open Space events to a range of clients, helping these large and complex institutions to have better conversations with themselves, and to find more efficient solutions to company-wide problems.

If you would like to discuss your requirements or request a quote:

Email: office@improbable.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 207 240 4556