We don’t know for sure yet – OpenCon is run as an unconference. Every attendee is considered an organiser, and if you have a cool idea, you’re very much encouraged to make it happen! The basic format of the weekend is that there’ll be a mostly-empty daytime workshop schedule, which people can fill in as they offer workshops, and there’ll be participant-run evening entertainment as well.
Last year, we had thirty-three workshops run, only five of which had been arranged in advance. Many people also chose to spend time socialising and informally chatting on the sofas or in the venue’s grounds, rather than in workshops. On the Friday evening, there was a disco in Zorba, the bar was open and most people spent time socialising. During Saturday daytime, several people discussed arranging evening entertainment, and the evening brought a community cabaret and open mic as well as a fully facilitated cuddle party (a lunchtime meeting had worked out the rules for it!)
Here are some write-ups from participants of OpenCon 2011:
OpenCon: A New Kind of Poly Event
Another view on OpenCon 20
2012 Basic Schedule:
FRIDAY
4:00pm-8:30pm: Check in
7:30pm-8:30pm: DINNER
9:00pm-10:00pm: Welcoming and introduction
10:00pm-10:30pm: Small group discussion
10:30pm – 12.00am: Dancing, Sauna, Social time
SATURDAY
8:30am-10:30am: Check-in for Saturday arrivals
8:30 am -9:00am: BREAKFAST
9:30am-10:30am: Morning Meditation and Circus Skillshare
11am-12:15pm: Workshops
12:30pm-1:00pm: Session Storming — Dining room
1.00pm-2.00pm: LUNCH
2:00pm-3:15pm: More workshops, discussion sessions in Cabins
3.30pm-4:45pm: More workshops, discussion sessions in Cabins
4:45pm – 5:30pm: Coffee break and small group time
5.30pm-6:45pm: Fun and games, circus, discussion sessions in Cabins
7:00pm-8:00pm: DINNER
8:00pm-9:30pm: Community Cabaret and Talent Show
9:30-1:00am Massage & Cuddle Party
10.15pm-12:00am Sauna
10:00pm-12:00am Disco
SUNDAY
8:30am-9:00am: BREAKFAST
9:30am-10:30am: Morning Meditation and Circus Skillshare
11:00am-12.15pm: Workshops
12:30pm – 1:00pm: Small group time
1:00.pm-2:00pm: LUNCH
2:00pm-3:15pm: Workshops, discussion sessions in cabins
3:30pm-4:00pm: Closing
In 2011, participants ran around thirty-three workshops, most spontaneously arranged in response to discussions and requests. Topics ranged from activism, feminism and negotiating hierarchy, to knitting, drumming and flirting theory.
Guest Speakers:
In 2012, OpenCon will have some guest speakers, including Dr Meg Barker, author of the new book “Rewriting The Rules”, and Terisa Greenan, writer and director of the poly webseries “Family”.
Dr. Barker works as a senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University as well as in sex and relationship therapy. Dr Barker co-organises the Critical Sexology series of seminars, is a trustee of the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy. Dr. Barker has also recently co-published an academic book on sadomasochism, “Safe, Sane, Consensual”, and a book on non-monogamous relationships “Understanding Non-Monogamies”, as well as launching the new journal Psychology & Sexuality. Dr Barker’s new book, “Rewriting the Rules”, is a self-help book which debunks the standard relationship self-help book narrative, and is aimed at general audiences.
Terisa Greenan is an American filmmaker, writer and actress. She has received national and international attention for her semi-autobiographical web series, “Family.” In addition, she co-hosted with Dr. Roger Libby the call-in radio show “Sex-Once-A-Week.” Terisa openly advocates polyamory and sexual freedom in general, and has lived with her two male partners since 2000.
