Unconference

An unconference is a conference where the content of the sessions is created and managed by the participants (generally day-by-day during the course of the event) rather than by one or more organizers in advance of the event. The term is primarily used in the geek community. Open Space Technology, however, is an unconference process that has been around since 1985 and is now in widespread use. Open Space Technology is an energizing and emergent way to organize an agenda for a conference.^{[citation needed]} Those coming to the event can post on a wiki ahead of time topics they want to present about or hope others will present about. The wiki can also be used as an attendee list.

There are parallels with science-fiction fandom, in which a low-key convention with less structure is called a Relaxacon.

History

The term unconference first appeared in an announcement for the annual XML developers conference in 1998. More recently, the term was used by Lenn Pryor when discussing BloggerCon and was popularized by Dave Winer, the organizer of BloggerCon, in an April 2004 writeup.

Method

The event starts with an introduction by the organizers articulating the purpose of the event, the guidelines for conduct during the day and parameters.

Parameters explain the start and end time of the event, duration of the sessions, breaks for food, how to access the network etc.

The principles of Open Space

1. Whoever comes are the right people.
2. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
3. Whenever it starts is the right time.
4. Whenever it is over it is over.

and Law of Two Feet ("If you are not learning or contributing it is your responsibility to respectfully find someplace where you are.") are often put forward as guide posts for participants.

The opening may also include time for attendees to introduce themselves and orient to the whole group. Participants are invited to write their name and session topic on a large piece of paper (A4 or 8.5x11). They announce the title of their session and post it on a schedule on the wall. Once all the sessions have been posted, those leading the sessions may adjust them.

Participation Processes

An unconference can be conducted using a number of participation processes. Some of these are:

• Open Space Technology
• World Cafe
• Knowledge Cafe
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Speed Geeking
• The Fishbowl
• Birds of a Feather
• Lightning Talks
• Foo Camp
• BarCamp
• unBla

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