Many times the best learning and networking at conferences is unplanned. A side conversation here – a random meeting there. But what if you could harness the power of these “accidental” interactions around topics and networks that YOU are passionate about?
That’s where the UnConference comes in.
An UnConference Session is a diverse and self-selected participant-driven meeting. The smaller environments are topic-driven and are designed to maximize participation around a certain idea, problem, need or network.
The UnConference format creates space for peer-to-peer learning, collaboration and creativity. At the start, the whole group will gather together and be guided through creating an agenda. The exact process is not important to understand in advance – the process will become clear as it happens. The important part is that all those gathered will have the opportunity to put conference sessions on the agenda. No session will be voted off or “won’t happen” for some other reason. All sessions are welcome.
The sessions convened will range from the formal to the informal:
- From the well thought out pre-prepared talk reflecting years of research and practice to the spur of the moment “new idea” that would be fun to talk about.
- From the demonstration of a working tool to the whiteboarding of something completely new.
If you want to learn and network with others about Discipling Youth, then create your own UnConference session around that topic. If you want to learn and network with others about mobilizing global missionaries, then create your own UnConference session around that topic. It’s really that simple.
Most Verge UnConference Sessions will happen around downtown Austin in coffee shops, bars and restaurants. Check the white board on the 2nd floor of Moody Theatre to join an UnConference Session, or create your own!