If you’ve ever been to a traditional conference, you know the pattern: keynote speaker, panel discussion, Q&A, coffee break, repeat. The audience sits and listens. A few people ask questions. Everyone goes home with a swag bag and maybe one or two useful connections.
An unconference flips this model entirely.
The Open Space Concept
The unconference format is based on Open Space Technology — a method for running meetings where the participants create and manage the agenda themselves.
Here’s how a typical unconference day looks:
- Opening circle — everyone gathers. The facilitator explains the format.
- Marketplace — anyone can propose a session. “I want to discuss X.” or “I’ll teach Y.”
- Breakout sessions — people self-organize into rooms and time slots.
- Closing circle — everyone reconvenes to share takeaways.
Why It Works
- No wasted sessions — if nobody’s interested, the session doesn’t run
- Passion over obligation — people attend what genuinely excites them
- Cross-pollination — software engineers end up in rooms with marketers, designers with lawyers
The Law of Two Feet
The golden rule of unconferences: if you find yourself in a session where you’re not learning or contributing, use your two feet and go somewhere else. This isn’t rude — it’s efficient.
More soon on how we’re planning to experiment with this format.