An Open Space meeting is appropriate whenever there is a diverse group of people who must act decisively on a critical business issue. Meetings can be held for one, two, or three days, depending on the subject addressed and the results intended. Open Space meetings work equally well with groups of 20 to 500 people or more.

Examples of topics for an Open Space meeting include:

• Creating an organizational future with department-wide or even company-wide participation.

• Building a “speak-up” culture.

• Developing a new product with broad cross-functional participation, often including potential customers.

• Resolving conflicts and breakdowns among entrenched factions.

• Starting up new projects or self-managed teams.