Laura; I can hear your disappointment. The only thing that comes to mind is "Whoever comes are the right people". As Jeff said, I suspect the six to ten people who do attend will be happy to have the time to discuss the issues that are important and then decide "when it is over". What does your intuition say to do?
We had an opposite problem at a conference that I was chair of recently. After two years of discussion, the organizing committeed decided to offer an "open space technology" event as an alternative to concurrent sessions. 80 people registered for the 60 spots that we felt the room would accommodate. We left confirmation of attendance until the last minute. We tried to set up the room for more, but it was disasterous. Although my gut said "It will take care of itself" my head took over and we announced that we could only accommodate the 60 people who were confirmed at the event. BIG MISTAKE. As it ended up, only 40 people showed up (my friend can't go, so I am not going), many people expressed discontent that they could not come when indeed there was room etc., etc., etc., Lots of learning for me which I will share at a later time, but mostly about how my ego got tied up in making sure it was the best possible event for the participants. This led to me making decisions that were not consistent with the spirit and principles of OST. Blinding flashes of the obvious perhaps, to quote someone we all know well, but not so easy when you are in the "sponsor" seat and accountable to other people. So, what does this have to do with your event?....listen to what your heart and not your head says is the right thing to do and your decision will be the right one. Good luck Laura, my thoughts are with you. Michelle - * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html =========================================================== osl...@egroups.com To subscribe, 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign up -- provide an email address, and choose a login ID and password 3. Click on "Subscribe" and follow the instructions To unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@egroups.com: 1. Visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/oslist 2. Sign in and Proceed
