NARIX Events

NARIX events create an open space, peer-to-peer environment designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, resource sharing, deep discussion, and mutual aid.

What is an Unconference?

NARIX events follow an ‘open space’ or ‘unconference’ model. That means there are no presenters. Everyone who attends can participate however they like. The venue will be divided into different rooms or sections, and each day will be divided into time blocks. There will be an open space board where attendees can post sessions they’d like to host or participate in, or request sessions on topics they’d like to learn more about.

How Does it Work?

During Opening Circle, at the beginning of the event, participants will write out session ideas, whether for which they have experience with or they would like to learn, and place them on the wall. During lunch break after OC, attendees will be encouraged to place a tally mark on the sessions they would like to see,signalling if they have something to share or if they want to learn, and the “Board Daddy” will begin filling in the board for the day, with a mix of session types. Sessions, in general, occupy a 90-minute time block, with 75 minutes allotted for the session and 15 minutes allotted for transitions, and as a buffer for sessions running a little late. Sessions at the end of a period before a meal or evening break may be 1 hour.

Two steering committee members will serve as open space facilitators at any given time during the event. They will be available near the board to answer attendee questions, assist with organizing sessions or connecting people with other attendees, and make logistical changes to accommodate various requests and changing circumstances. Facilitators will move through the event space, giving time reminders at the end of sessions. If a session is running over, facilitators will try to find a way for that session to continue that does not conflict with programming in the next block.

During the transition to a new session, facilitators will announce what sessions will be happening next throughout the venue and post announcements on Discord. A Discord thread will also be created for each session to allow attendees to post notes or continue discussions. 

Types of Sessions:

Open Rope Space

Some portion of the venue is left open at all times for people to lab, play, or do unstructured individual or small group activities.

Skillshare Sessions

Skillshare sessions are sessions devoted to a particular topic but not formally taught by any individual. They may be organized by an individual who has a small thing to share and wants to workshop it with others, or wants to see other participants’ variations of the idea. They may also be organized by individual(s) who want to know more about a thing and would like other people to gather to help share ideas and advice. Anyone may contribute in Skillshare sessions. However, each contributor should be mindful of the time they use and allow space for others to participate.

Discussion Sessions

Discussion sessions are group discussions on any given topic. They may be unstructured/popcorn style or choose to use a formal facilitation/stack management system. The individuals who posted the session should clarify at the beginning of the session how they intended the discussion format to work and what major subtopics they would like to discuss.

Meals:

Meal plan for Denver 2025 TBD

We believe providing community meals fosters spaces for discussion, the formation of relationships, and intimacy during the event. While we do our best to ensure that food allergies and preferences are met, please speak with a food team volunteer if you have any concerns or questions about how to keep yourself safe.

Play Parties:

On Friday and Saturday evenings, open play parties are held in the space for attendees. During the party, two SteerCo members will act as PSM/DMs at all times. While we are a sex positive organization, sexual play may or may not be allowed based on the venue’s rules, which will be shared at the opening circle. Please refer to the venue rules for your specific event for more information, and refer to the Code of Conduct page for a general overview.