At most conferences, organizers decide the agenda months in advance. At an unconference, the participants create the agenda on the day. The format is built on the idea that the expertise in the room is often greater than the expertise on the stage. This guide explains what an unconference is, how it works, how it compares to a traditional conference, and how to run one.
Unconference Definition
An unconference is a participant-driven meeting where attendees propose and lead the sessions, usually on the day of the event, rather than following an agenda set in advance by organizers. Sessions tend to be discussions, demonstrations, or collaborative problem-solving rather than formal presentations. Unconferences are also called participant-driven events, and well-known variations include BarCamp and Open Space.
How an Unconference Works
- Opening circle. The facilitator explains the purpose, the principles, and how the day will work.
- Agenda creation. Anyone who wants to host a session writes a topic on a card, announces it in a few words, and places it on a grid of times and rooms.
- Sessions. Participants go to the sessions that interest them. Hosts open the conversation; the group shapes where it goes.
- Movement. People are encouraged to move between sessions if they are not learning or contributing. This is often called the “law of two feet.”
- Capturing. Each session records key points, ideas, and actions in a shared document or on paper.
- Closing circle. The group shares insights and next steps.
Unconference vs. Conference
| Traditional conference | Unconference | |
|---|---|---|
| Agenda | Set in advance by organizers | Created by participants on the day |
| Sessions | Presentations, panels, keynotes | Discussions, demos, problem-solving |
| Speakers | Selected through invitation or proposals | Anyone can host |
| Participant role | Mainly audience | Contributors and hosts |
| Best for | Sharing expertise and research | Peer learning, emerging topics, community building |
For more on traditional formats, see what is a conference.
Common Unconference Formats
- Open Space. A facilitation method for self-organizing meetings, often used for organizational change and strategy.
- BarCamp. A technology-focused unconference format that began in the mid-2000s, where participants are encouraged to present or help with a session.
- EdCamp. An unconference model for teachers and educators, usually held on a Saturday and free to attend.
- Hybrid conference and unconference. A conference with planned keynotes in the morning and participant-led sessions in the afternoon.
Sample Unconference Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Welcome and opening circle |
| 9:30 | Agenda creation: topic pitches and session grid |
| 10:15 | Session round 1 |
| 11:15 | Session round 2 |
| 12:15 | Lunch |
| 13:15 | Session round 3 |
| 14:15 | Session round 4 |
| 15:15 | Closing circle: insights and actions |
How to Run a Successful Unconference
- Set a clear theme or question so session topics connect.
- Invite the right mix of people, since the participants are the content.
- Prime topics in advance. Ask registrants to suggest topics so the opening is not a blank wall.
- Provide enough rooms or spaces of different sizes.
- Brief session hosts. Hosting means opening a conversation, not presenting. A one-page guide helps.
- Capture notes in a shared document so learning is not lost.
- Use an experienced facilitator for the opening and agenda-building, which set the tone for the day.
Advantages and Challenges
Advantages: Highly relevant topics, active participation, strong peer learning and networking, lower cost because there are no paid speakers.
Challenges: Less predictable quality, discomfort for people who expect presentations, and the need for skilled facilitation and a motivated group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do unconferences have speakers?
Not in the usual sense. Participants host sessions, and some unconferences include one or two short keynotes to frame the day.
Can an unconference be online?
Yes. Online unconferences use a shared agenda board and breakout rooms, with participants moving between rooms.
How big can an unconference be?
They work from about 20 to several hundred participants. Larger events need more spaces and strong facilitation.
Related formats: what is a roundtable discussion, what is a breakout session, and what is a hackathon.
