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Open Spaces

Open Spaces are informal, self-organized discussion sessions where you set the agenda. There are no pre-planned topics. Attendees propose and vote on what they want to talk about, then break into groups to discuss. Think of it as the "hallway track" but with structure. If you've ever had a great conference conversation over lunch and wished it could keep going, Open Spaces are for you.

Open Spaces run Saturday and Sunday afternoons in a dedicated room, parallel to the main talk track.

How It Works at PyTexas

Propose a Topic (Morning)

After the keynote, Mason will give a brief introduction to Open Spaces. From that point until lunch, visit Laura at the registration desk to submit your topic idea. Topics can be anything: a technical deep-dive, a career discussion, a project you want feedback on, or a community question you want to explore.

Vote During Lunch

During the lunch break, head to the registration area to vote on topics with dot stickers. Put your dots on the sessions you'd most like to attend.

Schedule Announced

Laura will tally the votes during lunch and the final Open Spaces schedule will be:

Stay Connected

Keep an eye on the Discord channels for the Open Spaces schedule announcement and any updates throughout the afternoon.

Attend Sessions (Afternoon)

Head to the Open Spaces room for the sessions that interest you. Sessions run in parallel with the afternoon talks, so you can move between the main track and Open Spaces freely.

The Rules

Open Spaces follow a few guiding principles:

  • Whoever comes is the right people. Whether it's 3 people or 30, the conversation will be valuable.
  • Whatever happens is the only thing that could have. Don't stress about outcomes. Let the discussion go where it goes.
  • Whenever it starts is the right time. Creativity and insight don't follow a clock.
  • When it's over, it's over. If the conversation wraps early, that's fine. Move on to another session or take a break.

And the most important rule:

The Law of Two Feet

If you find yourself in a session where you aren't learning or contributing, use your two feet and go somewhere else. It's not rude; it's expected. You are responsible for your own experience.