Future of OpenSpace at Wiki Conferences A session on how to improve integration of OpenSpace at WikiSym. 1 Why do we want an OS track at WS? * Offer attendees variety in terms of pace, rythm (i.e. not just papers and panels). * Less hassle to organize than formal paper tracks. * Emergence, creativity, new ideas, new projects. * Allows for last minute topics that could not have entered the program otherwise. * Get academics and non-academics to rub shoulders in lively discussion. * Allow people to inject more of themselves into the conference. * Allows people to dwelve deeper into an issue than can be achived with a 20 mins presentation. 1 Possible formats 1 Parallel throughout WS * This is what we do now. * Always gives people a choice. * But at same time, when academic program is in full flight, OpenSpace area tends to be empty. 1 day dedicated Open Space * Does not compete with scientific program. * A full focused day! * Could offer a real cheap $20 day-pass for those who can't afford WikiSym. * Could be held on first day, last day, or middle ** First day: Allows people to forge relationships that last them throughout the conference. ** Last day: Allows people to collectively reflect back on what they have heard at WikiSym. ** Middle day: Does a bit of both, plus it's harder for people to just skip that day. 1 How to convey to people that this is an important part of the program * Many people who have never attended an OpenSpace don't understand how it works. * Often, people will be tempted to skip that part of the conference. * How to convey the excitment and value of OpenSpace in our announcements, so that people don't skip it? ** Short movie of previous OpenSpaces? ** Testimonial from people who have gone to previous Open Spaces? ** Have people post topics and keywords on a wiki site weeks before the event, so that attendees can get a feel for what will be talked about? Note that this is just a teaser, not a firm schedule. Also: * Resources for invitation to open space: http://chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/?page_id=957 2007-11-05 22:47:23.608 2007-10-23 19:02:15.496