Open Space Technology (OST) is a meeting method where the participants create the agenda on the spot around a central theme, fostering self-organization, deep engagement, and rapid problem-solving for complex issues by empowering attendees to discuss what truly matters to them, guided by four “Core Principles” and the "Law of Two Feet" (see below).
It works best for groups facing complex challenges needing quick, collaborative solutions when there's high diversity, passion, and urgency, but no single person knows the answer. It allows participants to selforganize the agenda around critical concerns, fostering deep engagement and ownership. It excels for strategic planning, visioning, conflict resolution, or organizational change when traditional meetings often fail and a dynamic, inclusive approach is needed but is ineffective if outcomes are predetermined.
The Four Principles:
1. Whoever comes are the right people: Those who care enough to show up are the essential participants.
2. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have: Focus on the present moment and emergent outcomes.
3. Whenever it starts is the right time: Creativity and passion dictate timing, not clocks.
4. When it's over, it's over: Sessions end when the conversation naturally concludes.
The Law of Two Feet:
If you're not learning or contributing in a session, use your feet to move to a more productive place.
Passion & Responsibility:
People lead discussions on topics they genuinely care about, taking responsibility for finding solutions.
How it Works
• The Opening Circle: Everyone begins by sitting in a large circle, emphasizing equality and direct communication.
• Self-Organizing Agenda: A facilitator opens the event, but participants write topics they're passionate about on paper and post them on a wall (the "Marketplace") to create the agenda.
• Breakout Group Sessions:
o Participants disperse to various sessions based on their interests.
o These discussions are self-organized and, while they can be free-flowing, often focus on addressing specific questions, brainstorming, or action planning.
o Recorders, usually designated by the group, capture key discussions, decisions, and action items.
• "Breathing" and "Pulsation": The meeting flows between large plenary sessions and smaller group discussions, allowing for energy to wax and wane.Immediate Documentation: As sessions conclude, notes are gathered and immediately compiled into a "Book of Proceedings".
• Closing Circle: Participants come back together to share insights, takeaways, and next steps before officially ending the meeting.
• Post-Event Reporting: A summary report is usually made available to all participants, often within days of the event, to facilitate further action and implementation.
When to Use It
• When there's a real, important issue, but no one knows the exact answer.
• When you need diverse perspectives and high engagement.
• For strategic planning, innovation, conflict resolution, or community building.
Key Benefits
• High Engagement: Participants drive the agenda, increasing investment in outcomes.
• Scalability: Works for small groups to thousands.
• Innovation: Unleashes creativity by focusing on passion.
• Action-Oriented: Breaks through barriers, leading to quick decisions and action.
In essence, OST creates a responsive environment where collective passion and responsibility lead to meaningful results, bypassing traditional, rigid conference structures.
Some additional information:
Shaping the future of lymphedema care in Canada (article from Pathways Spring 2026)
https://isu.pub/FZEG0ly
Open Space Technology Introduction (video - 1 min 46 sec)
https://youtu.be/M_jhcvCYBbg?si=y9NFjT3IXEI88VcH
How to Facilitate an Open Space Session (video - 3 min 7 sec)
https://youtu.be/XCPZ5iQLlnA?si=1xJ0qKDSc-07FlFS
Open Space Basics - How it Works (video - 7 min 59 sec)
https://youtu.be/sD-d1ZjqKBM?si=s1RbUpCEgLv-GVL2
CLFA2027 is your chance to help chart the course for the next chapter of lymphedema care in Canada. We look forward to taking those steps with you.
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