Open Expands Again!

Three and a half years ago I had an informal chat with Jeff Keuss and Brian Aaby about trying out a new idea in Seattle.

The core idea was simple. “What would happen if we flipped the current youth ministry training event model on it’s head?”

• What would it look like to host an event where anyone could apply to speak?
• What would it look like if local youth workers were the primary organizers and The Youth Cartel provided support?
• What would it look like if we created opportunities for new ideas and voices to emerge?
• What if we could create an event that wasn’t about making money… it was about advancing those new ideas and voices?

And well… out of that Open was born. It turns out I wasn’t alone in that desire.

And the impact of those rather simple questions has been unmistakeable:

• Yes, an event like that will work… every single one of them has ended in the black.
• Yes, people will apply to speak at an event they aren’t paid to speak at.
• Yes, Open really can empower local leaders to host a great event… and the Cartel can do a good job supporting that.
• Yes, new ideas and voices will filter to the top even if the industry doesn’t (yet) deem them as commercially valuable.

This Fall we’re returning to Seattle for our third Open Seattle… and in our third year we’re hosting a total of five Open events this Fall. (Denver, Vancouver, Seattle, Paris, Bay Area.)

Join Us this Fall!

I want to draw your attention to three reasons I want you to consider putting an Open on your calendar this Fall.

1. We need your voice. Right now, all 5 cities are accepting submissions to present. Here’s where you submit your proposal.
2. We want you there. Registration will start around July 1 for all 5 locations. Each schedule is a little different, but each city roughly $25 per person… the best bargain around. (€25 in Paris, $25 CDN in Vancouver)
3. Attending is a prerequisite to hosting. As we’ve continued to expand Open it’s become more and more clear to me that you need to see it to get the DNA of it before you try to organize it. As we look at moving beyond the Beta test phase, I’m convinced this should be a prerequisite.