The Karlsruhe Transformation Center for Sustainability and Cultural change (KAT at KIT-ITAS) and the Urban Europe Research Alliance (UERA) invite you to the workshop Designing inclusive and engaging hybrid workshop formats with specific focus on urban transformation moderated by Christine Bell/Centre for Facilitation.

This is a follow up workshop to a workshop held in July 2023 in which we will concretize findings and apply them to specific constellations in the context of urban transformation and research:

• Scientific contexts, e.g. scientific conferences and workshops
• Stakeholder involvement workshops, e.g. formats like to JPI Urban Europe AGORAs, bringing together urban practice and research
• Citizen and local stakeholder participation workshops

The results of the first workshop in July 2023 are documented here: 

• Blog entry
• Scientific documentation

These are a starting point of this workshop but you are cordially invited to take part even if not having been present at the first workshop!

Inclusive participation engaging a diverse range of stakeholders and urban actors in the process is crucial for achieving urban sustainability transformation. Hybrid workshops have the potential to promote inclusiveness and diversity by providing better accessibility and flexibility for participants. With a hybrid format, individuals who may not be able to attend an in-person workshop due to geographic, financial, or other constraints can still participate remotely. This can increase the diversity of participants and perspectives, and promote greater inclusiveness. Additionally, remote participation reduces the CO2 emissions caused by traveling.

However, organizing hybrid workshops comes with challenges. This concerns e.g. balancing the needs of in-person and remote participants. It can be difficult to ensure that all participants feel engaged and included. Another challenge is managing technology and logistics effectively. Hybrid workshops often require the use of multiple tools and platforms, and technical issues can arise that can disrupt the flow of the workshop. It can also be challenging to ensure that all participants have access to the necessary technology and resources. Engaging participants can also be a challenge in hybrid workshop formats. Remote participants may feel disconnected from the group, and it can be difficult to create a sense of community and collaboration and to ensure that all participants have the opportunity to share their ideas and perspectives.

Facilitating hybrid workshops requires a unique set of skills and expertise. Facilitators must be able to manage the dynamics of both in-person and remote participants, navigate technical issues, and create an engaging and inclusive environment for all participants.

This workshop is designed for stakeholders in the field of urban transformation with diverse background (e.g. researchers, professional facilitators, practitioners, public administration,) who are interested in creating effective and engaging workshops that combine both in-person and remote participation. With a particular emphasis on urban transformation, we will explore how hybrid workshops can be used to drive positive change in cities and communities.