World Café

The World Café is a collaborative dialogue method that allows a large group of participants to exchange ideas on strategic questions. By rotating around the tables, participants accumulate and enrich reflections, fostering creativity and collaboration. This format is ideal for exploring complex topics, generating new ideas, and building a shared vision.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction and instructions

   10 min

   The facilitator welcomes the participants and presents the objectives of the workshop. They explain the process of the World Café: 'You will work in small groups around thematic tables. At each round, you will have the opportunity to discuss and note your ideas. Then, you will change tables to enrich the previous reflections.' It is important to emphasise the collaborative and open spirit of the exercise.

   Tip — Use a visual metaphor, such as a café, to help participants feel comfortable and encourage a relaxed atmosphere.

2. 2

   First round of discussion

   20 min

   Participants gather around the different tables, each dedicated to a specific question or theme. Each table has a host who remains at the same table to facilitate the continuity of discussions. Participants exchange their ideas and note them on sheets of paper. The facilitator reminds them: 'Be creative and feel free to explore new avenues.'

   Tip — Encourage participants to use drawings or diagrams to express their ideas, which can stimulate creativity.

3. 3

   Table change

   5 min

   The facilitator announces the table change: 'It is time to change tables to enrich the discussion with new perspectives. The host at each table will remain in place to summarise the ideas already discussed.' Participants move to a new table, except for the hosts.

   Tip — Provide clear signage to avoid any confusion during the table changes.

4. 4

   Second round of discussion

   20 min

   Participants settle at their new table. The host summarises the previous discussions and invites the newcomers to add their ideas. The facilitator may remind them: 'Build on existing ideas and seek to deepen them.' Discussions continue with renewed momentum.

   Tip — Encourage hosts to ask open-ended questions to stimulate the thinking of new participants.

5. 5

   Summary and sharing

   15 min

   After several rounds, the facilitator asks each host to present a summary of the ideas collected at their table. 'Share the highlights and innovative ideas that have emerged.' This step allows for the emergence of a collective vision on the topics discussed.

   Tip — Use a whiteboard or flip chart to centralise the main ideas from each table, thus facilitating collective visualisation.

6. 6

   Closure

   10 min

   The facilitator thanks the participants for their contributions and summarises the key takeaways from the workshop. 'Thank you all for your active participation and valuable ideas. We now have a solid foundation to move forward.' They invite participants to share their final impressions.

   Tip — Provide a moment for anonymous feedback to gather suggestions for improvement for future sessions.

Variants

• Use digital tools for remote discussions, such as online whiteboards.
• Add an additional round where participants vote on the most promising ideas.
• Offer a free theme to stimulate creativity without constraints.