'I have become frustrated with "expert" formats which treat a small number of people as if they know more than people in the audience'

What happens when they do though? Surely you can admit that there are people out there that you can learn from, even if you are simply listening? I know you agree, or you'd never pick up a book.

Interaction is great but not always required. There are times for Open Space, and times for shutting up and listening.

Sadly though, I imagine that your statement comes from many hours sitting in dull conference rooms listening to wannabe experts spewing rubbish. Still it's like the guy who reads a bunch of shit blogs then tells everyone "blogging's shit".

Be careful you don't throw the baby out with the bathwater...!

Hi Rich...!

Fair point and I don't think I am getting baby and bathwater confused. Even when I need to learn from folks who know stuff I don't, I usually want good interaction, not lectures or simplistic Q&A sessions.

As I said, for people who like so sit and watch powerpoints, there are plenty of opportunities. They are not for me though.

I'm not at all saying Open Space is the only solution. But in Open Space, experts are welcome to host conversations on topics they know about. And they'll have audience of enthusiasts, rather then the default mob who may have come to the conference to hear someone else on the list.