I'd like to share what I learned from a recent conversation with George Nemeth about his perspective on what Open Conversations are, and what the value of Open Conversations bring to advancing regional prosperity. We are in the process of editing toward an I-Open knowledge piece. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. - Betsey Merkel

[Notes from a discussion with George Nemeth, CIO, Meet The Bloggers, January 2008.]

Q: What are Open Conversations?  What is the value of these conversations? 

A:

• Openconversations start with an intention to be inclusive – not necessarily"open to the public" – but with people who want to participate.
• Contributors need to adhere to certain behaviors (not a free-for-all – if you chooseto become a part of the conversation you need to behave in certainways) and not intentionally steer the conversation toward your own agenda.
• Contributors need to use a method of inquiry that is appreciative.
• There needs to be a shared open mindedness and a sense to be inclusive.
• Thevalue of openness is that it has to do with being participatory – they are here toengage with us and we are here to engage with them, too.
• People we have are dynamic and we need to be as energetic.
• Whatyou give, you will learn, you have more of a deeper understanding(a more complex understanding – as information comes up, questions getasked) this is much more of an integrated approach to learning.
• A person needs to offer what they know – allowing the conversation to expand to the level of a quantum dialogue – an extendedlearning that goes beyond just giving explanations, which are fine upto a certain point, but beyond that it is the experiential and on-siteaspects that are important for this kind of learning.
• The other people who are there have interests in common.
• These are the basic parameters we agree around and this is the value.
• The intersectionbetween creative industries, technology, and energy appeals to a variety ofbackgrounds. This is only one perspective. I try to play up thediversity aspect.
• There is value in urban areas and their inherent diversity.
  

Midtown Brews Open Conversations are a powerful way to engage a community minded chain of businesses.