World Café
Large group dialogue method with rotating table groups.
PURPOSE
In large groups, classic plenary formats only allow a few voices to be heard, leaving important knowledge untapped. The World Café enables deep, interconnected dialogue on complex topics even in large groups. By rotating table groups, new connections emerge and shared insights crystallize.
HOW TO USE
Participants sit in small groups at café tables and discuss a question. After a set time, everyone except the host moves to different tables, where previous insights are carried forward. After several rounds, the key insights are gathered in plenary and documented.
WHAT IT IS
The World Café is a large group dialogue method developed by Juanita Brown and David Isaacs. It combines the intimacy of table conversations with the networking power of changing group compositions. Typically three to four conversation rounds of 15-20 minutes each are conducted, with tables equipped with paper tablecloths for note-taking.
EXAMPLE
Example: At your strategy conference with 60 participants, everyone should have a voice, not just the usual speakers. With the World Café, you set up 10 tables on different strategic topics, and participants switch tables every 20 minutes. The table hosts summarize the key ideas. In the end, you've leveraged the collective intelligence of all 60 people.