Open Spaces

What are Open Spaces?

Open spaces are a way for people to come together to talk about topics, ideas or whatever they want. There's a board by the registration booth where you can schedule an open space. Have a topic you're interested in? Find it on the board and join the conversation. If it's not listed yet, find an open timeslot and add it! Open space topic cards are included in the registration pack that you received.

Any subject that attendees want to talk about is a candidate for an Open Space.

How do I participate in an Open Space?

It's pretty easy: just show up :)

During PyCon, there will be an Open Space board somewhere near the registration desk. The board acts as a time table for all the Open Spaces, so you know where and when to go for the Open Spaces you're interested in.

Contrary to previous information on this page (which was kept from last year) the board will not be moved and remain at the same spot by the registration desk during the entire conference.

What Open Spaces are there?

You can find the current tentative schedule here.

Where are the Open Spaces?

The Open Spaces this year are in two major locations on the second floor of the conference. Unfortunately, due to the myriad of other activities being organized this year at PyCon, they're pretty far apart (you have to go through the ground floor to get from one to the other).

Here is the floor plan with Open Space rooms highlighted:

Floor Plan

Please note that 206 is no longer an Open Space room, it is now the Green Room. Anything previously in 206 is now in 212.

How do I host an Open Space?

For PyCon 2013, we will be re-introducing the Open Space cards. In the conference goodie bag you receive upon registration, there will be a piece of paper with a short explanation of what Open Spaces are. The back side of that card is for hosting open spaces. Just fill in the name and a short description of your Open space, and then pin your card on the Open Space board in the room and time slot you want.

Registering an Open Space before the conference

Some Open Spaces (mostly perennial favorites) are planned a long time in advance. If you already know you're going to organize an open space, you can register it before the conference.

Benefits of registering Open Spaces up front are:

You can advertise your Open Space to other people interested in the conference
You get first pick of rooms and time slots
You make the volunteers' lives a little easier

If you'd like to register an Open Space ahead of time, please e-mail Laurens Van Houtven (pycon2013-openspaces@lvh.cc), so we can find an appropriate time slot and room for you.

Below is a list of Open Space events that have currently been registered: