Open Space

We will have two Open Space events during ISWI 2021.

  • Open Space 1 on 30th May, 2pm to 5pm CET

Note that this event is parallel to Groupwork. If you have registered for Groupwork, you are expected to attend it.

  • Open Space 2 on 2nd June, 3:30pm to 6:30pm CET
  • Password: openISWI

Our Open Space(s) at ISWI 2021 is a participant driven-council – usually in a relaxed cafe setting – but just as all our events this year in an online format. We´ll still try to make it comfy! *fingers crossed*

An “Open Space” provides a platform for a gathering of people to participate in smaller sessions based on topics set by and hosted by participants themselves. The event has a basic framework that enables participants to create an agenda, follow their curiosity and interact with others. Talking points are not preplanned. Instead, participants are encouraged to share spontaneous ideas and raise questions on subjects they find interesting.

This can result in storytelling, workshops, sports, yoga, painting, talks, and lots more! These can be related to the conference topic but don’t have to.

Not only participants of ISWI 2021 but everyone is welcome to join.

Both events are open for everyone to join, including those that have not registered as ISWI 2021 participants. No prior registration is required for these events.

How to engage in an Open Space?

  • Convener: As a convener, you can share ideas or raise questions on subjects they find interesting and want to convene as an activity with a group; can be storytelling, workshops, yoga, painting, talks, and lots more! These can be related to the conference topic but don’t have to. These could be spontaneous ideas or those that you thought of before the event. Ideas are gathered during the plenary sessions. If you require specific tools or support for your suggested activity let us know in advance at .
  • Participant: As a participant, you can take part in one or more suggested sessions during the Open Space event.

Roles can change during different rounds in each Open Space.

Event structure

Each event will be structured as follows

  • Plenary 1: 20-25 mins
    • Welcoming words
    • Ideas are pitched by conveners.
    • Breakout rooms are declared for participants to join the sessions they are interested in.
  • Individual sessions 1: 45 mins
    • Participants engage in different sessions while following the Open Space rules.
  • Break: 20 mins
    • hangout in workadventu.re
    • talk over discord 
  • Plenary 2: 20 mins
    • Ideas are pitched by conveners (can be different than the previous time).
  • Individual sessions 2: 45 mins
    • Participants engage in different sessions while following the Open Space rules.
  • Wrap: 20 mins
    • Final words
    • Open sharing of experiences/thoughts

Tips for engaging in the event

  • Test your audio and video in advance. You are encouraged to join with your video.
  • Turn off your phone and put it out of sight.
  • Open the meeting link 2-3 minutes before the meeting starts.
  • Add the name that you prefer being called by. You can add gender pronouns (e.g. she/her) if you like.