Networking conferencing

This is an emergent form of meeting organization characterized by the following:<(a) Flexibility: rapid conversion, in the light of emerging consensus during the course of the meeting, to and from the other forms of meeting organization.

(b) Emergent issues: identification of emergent issues and formation of subgroups to clarify them rapidly so as to maintain the momentum of the meeting.

(c) Alternative sessions: Organization of alternative sessions not originally envisaged in the programme or room allocation, where significant numbers of participants find that they have more in common on subjects not scheduled in the pre-established meeting programme.

[Advantages]

These include a much greater response to the needs of participants present rather than the imposition upon them of a programme which may not reflect their pre-occupations or the areas in which they consider interaction to be both possible and useful.

[Disadvantages]

These include a considerable strain on the ability of the conference organizers to maintain the coherence of the meeting without having it endangered by emerging issues and desires for programme restructuring.