Running an online Open Space
For large groups who create their own agenda, ownership and momentum.
An active format
An online Open Space gives participants room without letting go of the process.
Open Space Technology is a powerful method for large groups: the participants set the agenda themselves. Anyone who wants to discuss something opens a session. Anyone interested joins in. Online, this works surprisingly well.
The agenda comes from the group
Online Open Space suits questions where the energy, knowledge and ownership are already in the group. Participants decide for themselves what needs attention.
Moving freely between sessions
In a good online environment participants can choose, switch and join the conversations that matter to them.
A great deal of output in a short time
Every session produces insights, questions or next steps. Captured digitally, the record stays manageable.
In practice
Three examples. Years of experience.
Innovation programmeStaff set the sessions themselves
An organisation wants to gather ideas and concerns around innovation. We facilitate an online Open Space in which staff propose subjects themselves and start small sessions.
Community of practiceSharing knowledge without a fixed programme
A professional community wants its members to shape the programme. Online Open Space makes room for dozens of self-chosen sessions. Knowledge sharing that comes from the group itself.
Strategic explorationA complex question with many perspectives
A large group of stakeholders needs an open exploration. Online Open Space gives structure while leaving the content with the participants.
Preparation is everything
Who it's for
Organisations that want to renew, learn or work together
Group size
30-600 participants
What a successful running an online open space needs.
01
An urgent central theme
Open Space works well around a question that's widely felt. Without urgency it stays too non-committal.
02
Clear ground rules
Freedom only works within clear boundaries. Participants have to know how to open a session, how to take part and how to capture what comes out.
03
Technology that lets people move
Participants have to be able to switch spaces easily. The online environment largely determines the quality of the experience.
Frequently asked questions
What is Open Space?
Open Space is a format in which participants propose subjects themselves and shape the agenda together. That creates ownership and engagement.
Does Open Space work online?
Yes. Online Open Space works surprisingly well because participants can move between sessions easily and make their own choices.
How many participants does Open Space suit?
From around 30 to well over 600 participants.
How do you prevent chaos?
Open Space looks spontaneous, but it works precisely because of a clear process and clear ground rules. We guide that process carefully.
Which software do you use?
For an Open Space we choose a platform where participants move freely and find their own sessions. SpatialChat suits that particularly well. Book a demo and try it.
What does an online Open Space cost?
That depends on the group size and the facilitation you want.
More answers?Fewer answers
How does the agenda come about?
The participants bring in the subjects they find important.
Which subjects are suitable?
Above all, complex questions where the knowledge, experience and ownership have to come from the group itself.
How are the results captured?
Every session produces results that are gathered and shared digitally.
Can Open Space be hybrid?
Yes. But here too, hybrid only works when both groups can take part on equal terms.
How long does an Open Space take?
Anything from a few hours to a full day.
What is the facilitator's role?
The facilitator looks after the process, not the content.
Related event formats
This might fit too — or even better.
Deep conversations in small groups, even with a large group. Online.
Running an online World Café
Creative sessions that genuinely produce ideas, even with everyone at a distance.
Running an online brainstorm session
A day that leads to decisions and direction — not just to presentations.
Running an online strategy day
Professional conferences for large groups: interactive, sharply produced and open to everyone.
Running an online conference
Next step
Online, but not as you know it.
Orientation
See what we do
From strategy day to online team building — see which event formats fit what you're after.
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