Build Community and Connect through an Unconference at Sea!
Have you heard of an unconference? We hadn’t until a few weeks ago, but we’ve been digging into the concept, and we are big fans!
An unconference is a participant-driven meeting where the agenda is created and led by the attendees themselves. Unlike traditional conferences with pre-set speakers and topics, unconferences prioritize open discussion, collaboration, and peer-to-peer learning.
Origins of the unconference
You can trace its origins back to as early as 1666, but one of the most well-known early unconferences was a 1828 gathering organized by Alexander von Humboldt that emphasized informal connections over formal speeches. He wanted the scientists to talk to each other, rather than present papers, and encouraged them to form friendships.
The first modern use of the term was in 1998 in an announcement for the annual XML developers conference.
Outdoor dining space on a cruise ship deck
Format of an unconference
The format of an unconference is simple:
It’s participant-oriented and participant-led. Attendees come because they are interested in the proposed topic.
Attendees collectively decide the agenda, discussion topics, and workshops.
There are no speakers and no pre-set agenda.
Attendees move organically to find conversations where they can learn and add value.
Principles of an unconference
The principles of an unconference, proposed by Harrison Owen, developer of Open Space, are equally simple:
Whoever comes is the right people.
Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
Whenever it starts is the right time.
When it's over it's over.
Law of two feet. If you find yourself neither learning nor contributing anything, go somewhere else.
Benefits of an unconference
There are many benefits to hosting an unconference:
Creating the program in real-time ensures you’re focusing on participants’ right-now wants and needs because they suggested them.
The emphasis is on contributions from every participant since there are no stage presentations.
The focus is on connection and knowledge sharing through interactive activities such as one-to-one conversations and learning through connections.
There are no formalities or high barriers to participation, and no bias because of sponsors.
You discover participants whose valuable knowledge, expertise, experience, and contributions were unknown previously.
There are no high entry fees, so a wider range of people can participate.
Hosting your unconference at sea
If you’re a community leader or group organizer that is looking for new and unique ways to engage your group, and deepen their bonds and connections, you should consider an unconference. Get your group together to focus on topics that they find relevant (because they suggested them), emphasize contributions from every participant, and make adjustments in real-time to make sure that you’re meeting their needs.
And since you’re not putting all of your money towards a traditional conference venue, you should consider having your unconference somewhere distinctive - like a cruise ship! Meeting on a cruise ship can be up to 20% cheaper than meeting in a similar space on land.
Cruise ship atrium
Cruise ships have plenty of open and welcoming spaces that your unconference attendees can use for their discussions. During the day, you can grab space in lounges, eateries, solariums, and other cozy meeting nooks. And since most, if not all, dining costs are covered, you don’t need to worry about catering or food delivery costs.
Cruise ship dining room
When you’ve wrapped up for the day, there are plenty of spaces on the ship for your unconference attendees to relax and get to know each other on a deeper level. They can attend a performance, go dancing, play board games or video games, relax by the pool, or grab a drink together!
Cruise ship pool deck
And since every cruise provides opportunities to visit new ports and experience new cultures, your unconference attendees will return to home as better communicators and thinkers, with a strengthened ability to empathize with a broader range of people.
We believe that stepping outside of your comfort zone through travel promotes adaptability, develops confidence, and encourages growth We would love to support you and your group as you host an unconference at sea.
Untethered Voyages provides a full range of travel services for group cruises. Let us take care of the planning and booking details so you can focus on changing the world.
