The invitation for an Open Space gathering should inform the recipients about:

 

• Why? Background and reason for the event
• Who is inviting them? The sponsor/organizer
• What? The theme/topic
• Where? Place and time
• Next Meeting? Place and time for the Next Meeting
• Organisational matters

 

The invitation includes some information about the Open Space process listed below. Choose four or five elements that you feel are most important to those invited.

 

• At the beginning of the gathering the participants themselves decide what will be worked on.
• There is no prefixed or externally set agenda. The participants themselves decide on how and what will be worked on in relation to the common topic of the event. 
• Facilitation, priorisation, discussion … everything will be decided and executed by the participants themselves. 
• Every issue of concern to anybody can be raised. 
• Work will be done in break-out groups – size, approach, length will be decided by participants.
• Participants make notes on their findings, these will be published during the event. 
• Everybody receives a Book of Proceedings with all reports.
• Active participation and getting the most out of the event is supported by being present through the entire event.
• Be prepared to be surprised!

But at the end just keep in mind: Keep it short and simple – or in other words: less is more!