Hi, all -
I find that the 'typical' group size can start larger and then get smaller as people find their rhythm, decide where they're best heard, and so on. I've had groups of 60 or 75 in some large events, though there are always also groups of 2 or 3 as well. I do not find it's useful to ask how many people will come or to help session convenors post their session in the rooms that will accommodate the different sized groups they're thinking will attend - as things always change, folks' first impression is just a snapshot of that moment (not a real reflection of where they'll actually go once all the great conversations begin), there is always constant movement as people bumblebee around to sample sessions and people self-organize in wonderful ways. I just make sure to find a venue that offers a lot of breakout spaces so anything is possible. When a group has grown too large for a breakout space they either squish up and let new people in or find a larger space to meet - no problem. I would hate to take this decision and responsibility away from them by 'helping' them in some way. And I try to have all or most groups meet in the main really large room, if possible, along with the agenda wall and the food, ideally. This both allows for group sizes to be very flexible -and- lets people pass by marvellous conversations (as they are headed back over to the food or back over to the agenda wall) - conversations that just suck them right in to discussion groups they'd not thought previously of attending. I do write on the Post-its (or wherever a room is described) if that room is specially set up with a dance floor, art materials, projector or other specific element if that is something the session convenor feels might help them decide where to hold their group. Lisa ___________________________ L i s a H e f t Consultant, Facilitator, Educator O p e n i n g S p a c e Berkeley, California, USA <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] <http://www.openingspace.net> www.openingspace.net * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected]: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected]: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
