Have you ever attended or heard of a World Café? If not, then we'll take you on a journey into a new form of café culture, which makes meetings and events in particular more memorable.

World Café — café culture from America

As is often the case, the trend comes from America and is spreading more and more in Germany. The World Café was developed by American business consultants Juanita Brown and David Isaacs and is a workshop method suitable for groups of 12 to 2,000 participants. The World Café Method is not even new, but was created back in 1995. As is so often the case in life, brilliant ideas arise by chance, and that is also the case with the World Café Method.

Presenters Juanita Brown and David Isaacs hosted a strategic large group dialogue. It was planned to hold the event outdoors, but due to a rain shower, the participants spontaneously gathered around small bar tables in the dry and had a lively conversation about the topic. In doing so, they began scribbling on tablecloths made of flip chart paper — and a new form of group work was born.

The method

The idea of the World Café is to get people talking to each other and thus start a creative process in which different perspectives on and different approaches to a topic are discussed in several table rounds. Through the alternation of discussion rounds, there is an intensive exchange of ideas, perspectives are collected, patterns are discovered and goals and connections are identified. And all of this in a relaxed, relaxed atmosphere that promotes free thought.

How does a World Café session work?

Have you ever wondered why there are usually tables for max. 4 people in a café or bistro? This is no wonder, as this is how a conversation takes place directly with each other. At larger tables with 6 or 8 seats, however, there are usually individual pairs of speakers. Restaurateurs will also confirm that guests spend an average of between 20-30 minutes in a café enjoying a good cup of coffee or tea. And so it is not surprising that these two components were combined to create a World Café Session. Tables for 3-4 (rarely up to max. 6) people are available for the session, all of which are lined with a writeable tablecloth (usually flip chart paper) and colorful pens. As a rule, there are 3 rounds of talks, i.e. after a period of 20-30 minutes, all the others change tables except for one participant and move on to the next. It is important that participants understand how many questions there are, which are discussed at all tables at the same time in the discussion rounds. During individual sessions, participants write, doodle, or paint their thought processes and ideas on tablecloths. After each change, the host greets the new participants at the table and summarizes the findings of the preliminary round.

A good host makes for a relaxed atmosphere

The host at the individual discussion tables is of particular importance. In order not to put pressure on World Café participants and pick out individual people, table hosts should volunteer. The host remains seated at “his” table during all discussion rounds, ensures an open and relaxed atmosphere, greets the participants and summarizes the core ideas and findings of the preliminary round (s) for the newcomers. In addition, he ensures that everyone participates in the table discussion and that all ideas and thoughts are recorded on the tablecloth.

With the right question to success

In order to achieve the desired goal, asking the right question at World Café is crucial. When planning a World Café, special attention should therefore be paid to the issue. It doesn't matter whether just one question or several is to be discussed. Experienced World Café presenters give the following tips:

• If more than one question is to be asked, it is recommended to formulate questions that build on each other but are still selective
• Open questions promote open thoughts and ideas
• The questions should be relevant and arouse interest among participants
  
  

Conclusion of a successful World Café

Like a meeting in a café with friends for a coffee chat, the end is essential to remember the time spent together well. The best ideas should be collected and thoughts recorded, recognizable patterns and joint findings noted down in order to create new work steps for the rest of the event.

The colorful scribbled tablecloths should be set up in a gallery so that every participant can look at the “paintings.” World Café presenters also recommend recording findings on post-its in order to make coherent ideas visible and incorporate them for appropriate planning. A funny idea is also to design an “idea book” or a “World Café” newspaper in order to make the findings available to a larger audience.

From America around the world - World Café worldwide

The World Café methodology has spread all over the world and takes place in international corporations, political organizations, municipalities, cities, associations, etc. It is therefore not surprising that in the digital age there is also a Online community with the aim of networking, exchanging ideas, learning from each other and learning from each other. Those interested in a World Café can find further information at www.theworldcafe.com or on the European side https://www.worldcafe.eu/.

World Café in the hotel on Lake Badersee

Thanks to the unique structure of the conference area at the Hotel am Badersee, it is possible to have a World Café take place in different rooms.

One of the most beautiful locations for a World Café session is certainly the lounge corners of the Bar valley station in the conference atrium. Bistro tables are available here for groups of 15 - 40 people and a cozy café atmosphere ensures that you immediately forget the “business” setting of the event.

In summer or even on warm spring and autumn days, there is the option of an “outdoor café” with bar tables. In doing so, you can let your gaze wander over and over again of the surrounding mountains. A glimpse of the countryside and fresh mountain air is sure to clear your mind and gain new perspectives.

Our MICE team will be happy to advise you on how to design your individual World Café.

ARE THEY ALREADY EXCITED?

Contact our MICE department for further questions and ideas for event planning in our hotel. We are happy to assist you.

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