A knowledge cafe typically lasts between one and three hours depending on its format. They can be run for as few as 15 people or as many as 100, possibly more.
Although a basic k-cafe can be run in as little as 1 hour, I also run them with a longer than normal introductory talk on the chosen theme and give a fuller description of the k-cafe; its philosophy and its benefits. These sessions might last for 2 - 3 hours.
You will find more information about k-cafes on other areas of this site. But here is a very brief resume.
A k-cafe is designed to engage people with a subject or theme. I start with a short talk on a theme, maybe as little as ten minutes (though it could be a longer 30-45 minutes talk) and then pose one or two open ended questions for the participants. They then break into groups to discuss the theme and questions and then reconvene as a large group to finish off with a large group discussion. The k-cafe is not about debate or making decisions but about gaining a better mutual understanding of a topic or issue.
Gurteen Knowledge Cafes for members of my community
I run Gurteen Knowledge Cafes publically for members of my community regularly in London and other cities around the world but I also run them in-house for organizations and at conferences for event organizers.
Knowledge Cafes within Organizations
I run knowledge cafes in-house for organizations. This is often as part of an internal conference or workshop - typically where the organization involved is looking to encourage dialogue between cross-functional groups and are working to encourage people to start to think more about collaborating and sharing their knowledge.
I have, for example, run in-house k-cafes for HIHME, NHS and at a Central Banks KM Conference.
Knowledge Cafes at Conferences
I run knowledge cafes at public and private conferences for event organizers. These k-cafes can be designed around a theme pertinent to the conference. You can learn more here.
Knowledge Cafe Workshops
I also run half-day or full-day workshops that teach people how to run their own knowledge cafes.
This works best for 10 to 20 people as we actually practice running the k-cafes.
Alternatively, I can coach individuals in one to one sessions to run knowledge cafes themselves. It makes sense though that they also attend a k-cafe either before or afterward to experience the real thing.
I am an avid networker, coach and educator. I naturally love to help people to 'make their knowledge productive'. If you think I could help, I am more then happy to take the occasional phone call or e-mail or meet for lunch though clearly I charge for more substantial consulting, coaching or other support.
If you would like to talk or learn more about any of my services
then please contact me.
Video: Knowledge Cafe at the Smartlab
This is a pretty comprehensive video taken at one of my Gurteen Knowledge Cafes at the SMARTLab at the University of East London on the 4th October 2006.
I don't suggest you watch it all but listen to the beginning and then fast browse forward through it to capture the essence and the energy of the cafe. I think as you can see it was a fun evening with lots of lively conversation and is typical of one of my knowledge cafes.
Media Information:
Video: Richard Dawkins on The Selfish Gene
A short video of Professor Richard Dawkins talking about his book The Selfish Gene
Media Information:
The Gurteen Knowledge Search Engine is a customised Google search engine that searches over 800 KM related websites and weblogs.
David Gurteen
Giving a talk at the Graduate School of Bangkok University, January 2008.
I help people to share their knowledge; to learn from each other; to innovate and to work together effectively to make a difference!
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