[Ailist] huge group with no tables?

[Ada Jo Mann]

Hi Christine,
For the First International Conference on Appreciative Inquiry we eliminated
tables for 500+ and arranged the chairs in crescents of 8. Since everyone
was given a conference bag, they could contain all their stuff in it next to
them on the floor.  Also, we used table top easels on an extra chair with a
basket of markers and other supplies.  It worked very well.  Sounds like a
fun event with the Girl Scouts.
Enjoy!
Ada Jo

Ada Jo Mann
Innovation Partners International
www.innovationpartners.com

-----Original Message-----
From: ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu
[mailto:ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu] On Behalf Of Christine
Whitney Sanchez
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 11:17 PM
To: OPEN SPACE LISTSERVE; AI list; TalkTWC2 at theworldcafecommunity.net
Subject: [Ailist] huge group with no tables?

Hi All,
 
I would appreciate your help.  Next week the StoryWeaving Design Team meets
to dream and plan together for recording and sharing stories and hosting
rich, strategic conversations among the 10,000 or so delegates and visitors
at the 2008 Girl Scout National Convention.  This time around, large group
collaborative methods will be interwoven into the 3 day business meeting
(which includes delegates voting) at the National Council Session.  
 
Think Robert's Rules meets Conversations that Matter. 
 
One of our biggest challenges is physical space.  In a previous posting, I
got wonderful feedback suggesting that we create more space by eliminating
tables.  Picture 1500+ circles of six.  Have any of you ever done a longish
meeting with small circles but no tables?  If so, what did people do with
all their stuff?  This group will be laden with artifacts they pick up in
the exhibit halls, notebooks, personal items, water, etc.
 
Thanks in advance for any ideas or experiences you can share.  If you are
able to respond before next Monday, March 16, that would be great. 
 
Warm wishes from breezy Phoenix,
 
Christine
 
Christine Whitney Sanchez
CWS - Collaborative Wisdom & Strategy
2717 E. Mountain Sky Avenue
Phoenix, AZ  85048-8990
480.759.0262
 <http://www.christinewhitneysanchez.com/> www.christinewhitneysanchez.com 
 
 
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