Hi, I have conducted many open space events where attendance was mandatory. In my experience, they all worked just fine. Personally I only have a problem with "mandatory"unless the system is in some kind of conflict or turmoil. Employees get called to meetings all the time and attend with no more than a usual amount of behaviorus interruptus. If the very act of calling the meeting is widely and clearly perceived as advancing or exacerbating the conflict, then it's worth a good close look.
Academics do seem to be somewhat more contrary about these things than most, but I wouldn't let that stop me before I start. Ralph Copleman
