Introducing Open Spaces! (And Why You Should Host One)

Some of the best parts of DjangoCon US have never been on the program but in the less structured part of the conference; the 'hallway track', a small group that forms around a table after a talk, or a conversation that wants to keep going after lunch.

These topics include technical debugging, brainstorming, career guidance, building interpersonal skills, sharing hobbies and interests, and more.

This year we moved to a single track, and that gives us the space to support those conversations directly. With that in mind, we're introducing Open Spaces to DjangoCon!

What Is an Open Space?

An Open Space is a patricipant-driven discussion where the topic and agenda is set by whoever shows up, as opposed to being planned in advance. It is intended to be more interactive and participatory than a regular presentation. The topics can range as widely as you'd like!

When and Where

Open Spaces will run on Monday, August 24 and Tuesday, August 25 in the Wolf Point Ballroom (15th floor), during these hours:

• 11:00am
• 2:00pm
• 3:00pm
• 4:00pm

All times are Central. Check the schedule to see how they line up with the talks.

How Will It Work? 👀

We'll have a board, markers, 14 tables and sticky notes in the room. To pitch an idea:

1. Write your topic and a brief description on a sticky note
2. Put it on the board, next to the table you'll be at
3. Show up at that table at that time

That's the whole process. Several Open Spaces can and will run at the same time at different tables, so you aren't competing with anyone for a slot.

Why should you host an Open Space? 🤔

The main stage is one shared experience for everyone, and Open Spaces are where you go deep with others on a specific thing you came to talk about! Its a chance to get more interactive and in depth.

Some Ideas to Get You Started 💡

• Career conversations: sharing career journeys, exploring what's next, and how to get there
• Practice job interview questions with each other
• Trade AI adoption strategies that are actually working
• Discuss/vent (perhaps even kvetch a little?) about AI and the pace of technological change, and how it's changing our everyday work
• Get feedback or a code review on a project idea
• Run a workshop or talk that didn't make it to the main stage, and gather feedback on it
• Do a code kata or other coding challenge together

Or something else entirely. If you'd want to talk about it with other people, it belongs on the board!

Tips for Hosting 👍

Hosting an Open Space is closer to starting a conversation than giving a talk:

• Consider framing your topic as a question Spend a couple of minutes setting it up, then let people talk
• Make room for quieter voices, and gently steer things along if one person has been going for a while
• It's ok to wander If the group topic has drifted somewhere more interesting than your original topic, its ok to follow that thread

Come and Go Freely 🚶

If this format is new to you, it's important to understand you are always free to leave. Some people call this the Law of Two Feet! 🦶 If a space turns out not to be what you needed, or there is a talk starting that you'd like to check out, feel free slip out. Just do it quietly, out of respect for the people still talking.

That goes both ways. If you're hosting and a few people wander off, it isn't a verdict on your session. It's the format working and is part of the benefit of a looser format.

Be Respectful and Inclusive 💯

Our Code of Conduct applies in Open Spaces exactly as it does everywhere else at DjangoCon US. These are unstructured, attendee-run conversations, which makes it all the more important that everyone in the room is treated well.

Bring Us Your Topic!

If there's a conversation you've been wanting to have with other people — a problem you're stuck on, an opinion you want tested, or a group you wish existed — write it on a sticky note and see who shows up!

We'll see you in Chicago! 📌