An Open Session is a format where the specific topic is not predetermined, but rather introduced by the participants at the start. It combines elements of traditional workshops with the open approach of unconferences and is particularly well-suited for sharing experiences and collaborative work on specific topics.
Related formats: BarCamp, World Café, Open Space
Typical size: 15–60 participants
Duration: 60–120 minutes
What is an Open Session?
An Open Session is a flexible, topic-open format that breaks away from the traditional lecture style. Instead of a set presentation topic, the content framework is intentionally left open: participants bring their own questions, topics, or experiences, which are then addressed together in a moderated setting.
It is the milder sibling of the fully open BarCamp – the conference's program structure remains intact, but individual slots are "unlocked" for participant input.
Typical variations
- Moderated Q&A collection: Topics are collected on cards at the start, prioritized, and addressed in order
- Experience exchange: Participants share practical insights on a broad theme, guided by a moderator
- Expert panel Q&A: Pre-invited experts answer questions from the audience
- Mini-workshops: Participants form small groups to create 15-minute inputs on self-selected topics
- Problem-solving cafés: Specific challenges from the audience are addressed collaboratively
- Reflection round: An open review of a conference day with a moderated discussion
Distinction from related formats
| Format | Program specification | Moderation | Spontaneity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plenary lecture | Fully predefined | Classic | Low |
| Breakout session | Partly predefined | Moderated | Medium |
| Open Session | Overarching theme predefined | Strongly moderated | High |
| World Café | Several topics prepared | Table moderation | Medium |
| BarCamp | Nothing predefined | Self-organized | Very high |
When the format is suitable
- When the conference aims to establish an open, dialogic culture
- When reflection and processing are important at the end of a day
- When the community brings a wealth of practical experience that a traditional lecture wouldn't tap into
- When topics are so new or evolving that the committee cannot yet define everything
- When a hybrid component is desired – online participants can also contribute questions or topics
Organizational requirements
- Experienced moderation – less structured than prepared lectures, more challenging than classic workshops
- Flexible room layout – seating circles, easily movable furniture
- Materials for topic collection – cards, pinboards, or digital whiteboards
- Clear time management – otherwise, openness can lead to aimlessness
- Real-time documentation – otherwise, results are lost
- Expectation management in advance – participants know what to expect (and what not to)
Best practices
- Never schedule Open Sessions at the very beginning of a conference – the community needs to build trust first
- Communicate clear ground rules at the start (speaking time, respect, confidentiality)
- Provide a specific overarching theme, but leave the sub-topics open
- It is better to work with fewer participants than too many
- Make results visible after the session – in the plenary or on the conference platform
Open Sessions in Converia
Converia enables open session formats even within a structured conference program: topic-open slots with registration, a topic board for preparation, and subsequent documentation of results – without compromising the program structure.
Integrating open formats in a structured way
With Converia, you can combine traditional plenary lectures and open session formats in one program – both with the necessary organizational clarity.
- BarCamp – Formats & Trends
- World Café – Formats & Trends
- Breakout Session – Formats & Trends
Topic-open slots, registration with a topic board, documentation – integrated into the main program.