What is an unconference and why should you attend? It was four years ago this week that our friend Julie Drybrough was on the community answering that question. Unconferences are as relevant today as they were back then. Perhaps even more so. They present a unique opportunity to engage in some of the best development you can encounter in a form known as 'open space'.
*Spoiler alert, last week I managed to catch with Amada Arrowsmith and Jo Wainwright organisers of the next LndConnect Un-conferences coming up this year. I’ve not yet had chance to produce that audio interview, but will do (and let you know) as soon as I have. It covers a bit more about the community that is LnDConnect as well as the value you get from an unconference.
For now, let me give you a piece from Julie’s blog that I picked out which outlines a typical agenda. And if you’re interested in attending one of these up and coming events, check out the pages at:
A typical unconference agenda is…
- Arrive.
- Meet people, decide some good topics to talk about, find a process to learn, think, talk more.
- Stuff will happen. Lunch will happen.
More good topics will be decided upon. Another process will be chosen to "host" the conversation. - More talk, more learning, more stuff will happen.
Gather together. - Say goodbye.
You have mostly participated, not spectated. - No exhibitions. No selling.
At the end of the unconference you have a brain full of ideas, a notepad with scant stuff in it because you were too busy listening and talking to write….
And you have met good people. Great people in fact. You kind of get to know what people THINK rather than just what they DO... it's a different connection.
The dates again are Bristol 28th September 2018 and Sheffield 9th October 2018
In the meantime, I'm interested in your thoughts. Have you ever experienced an unconference? Is it a format you would recommend? Have you ever run an unconference in your organisation?
Or perhaps you’re new to this format? What do you think to this idea? I’d be interested to hear.
Comments
THank you for this Ady,
The nearest i have come to this approach was when i attended an 'Developing Effective Relationship' course someyears back .
We all came together from diiifferent organisations with vague ideas of how we needed to develop ourselves but were 'shocked' when the facilitators told us there was no set agenda for the week!!
The week was very powerful and it was probably the most memorable evnt i have attended in terms of realising stuff about myself .
I'm guessing the 'unconference' would be similar but with a remit to focus on 'content' rather than 'process' issues.
ROb