What is an unconference?

At QConLondon, we’ll have unconferences in most of our tracks. An unconference is a simple way to run productive, structured conversations for 5 to 2000 or more people, and a powerful way to lead any kind of organization in everyday practice and extraordinary change. Our unconference sessions are based on the Open Space Technology and Lean Coffee.

Why are we doing unconference sessions?

We’re doing unconferences at QCon because we want this conference to be yours. At QCon, we learn from the best and share with the best. We come with passions and ideas that we want to share with each other. We want to connect with each other, create community around topics that we’re passionate about. We do that with unconferences.

How do open space sessions work?

The Law of Two Feet means you take responsibility for what you care about -- standing up for that and using your own two feet to move to whatever place you can best contribute and/or learn.

Four principles apply to how you navigate our open space sessions:

1. Whoever comes is the right people. Whoever is attracted to the same conversation are the people who can contribute most to that conversation—because they care. So they are exactly the ones—for the whole group-- who are capable of initiating action.
2. Whatever happens, is the only thing that could've. We are all limited by our own pasts and expectations.  This principle acknowledges we'll all do our best to focus on NOW-- the present time and place-- and not get bogged down in what could've or should've happened.
3. When it starts is the right time. The creative spirit has its own time, and our task is to make our best contribution and enter the flow of creativity when it starts.
4. When it's over, it's over. Creativity has its own rhythm. So do groups.

What’s next?

Bring your passion and ideas to QCon unconference. See you there!

Aino Vonge Corry

(She / her / hers)

After gaining her Ph.D. in Computer Science in 2001, Aino spent the next 10 years failing to choose between being a researcher / teacher in academia, and being a teacher / facilitator in industry. She eventually squared the circle by starting her own company, metadeveloper, which develops developers by teaching CS, teaching how to teach CS, inviting speakers to IT conferences, and facilitating software development in various ways. She has facilitated retrospectives and other meetings for the past 15 years during which time she has made all the mistakes possible in that field. Her book: “Retrospectives Antipatterns” is made to help other people avoid making those same mistakes.