Knowledge Sharing is about more than just sharing. It is about “working together”, “helping each other”, and also about “being creative”, “innovation”, “participation” and “collaboration”. There are very specific methods, tools and approaches to help tacit knowledge become more tangible. Among these approaches are story-telling, open-space events and chat-shows, for which more information can be found on the “Share Fair” web site.

The FAO Atrium will be turned into a buzzing, interactive and collaborative workspace, a kind of “sandbox” for learning. Online demonstrations will be made within appealing stalls, people will aggregate in coached and facilitated sessions to learn how others have creatively used knowledge sharing techniques to improve the effectiveness and quality of their work, and assess how they themselves can apply what they have learned from others to their own particular areas of work.

Time for networking has also been built into the agenda throughout the Fair, hence poster sessions and coffee breaks, together with a “chill-out” space, will allow people to connect with other people, linking ideas and exchanging opinions in a natural way and relaxed setting. The field and regional offices will be involved via internet, extending the event beyond the confines of Headquarters to the decentralized offices, that have perhaps the greatest need for a free flow of knowledge and information being physically disconnected from Rome.

The bottom line is that, in addition to being useful, knowledge sharing is also fun!  People should expect the “ShareFair’ to be an informative, innovative, inspiring, and enjoyable experience!

There will be a wide variety of opportunities to share experience such as:

Information stall/booth - Information stalls/booths offer an opportunity to get into individual contact with the presenter. During the market periods, the host will permanently attend the market stall. As a visitor, you easily get into contact with the “traders” and other “customers”.

Poster/exhibition board - Posters are self explanatory and typically include both textual and graphic elements that describe the project. Everyone displaying a poster will be present at his / her exhibition board at a certain time during the Fair.

Online Demonstration - Short presentations will include online demonstration or presentation of around 15 minutes each. You will get the chance to gather relevant information within a short period of time and to get into contact with the presenting person and fellow visitors.

Video Demonstration – This will be an opportunity to show video films documenting interesting experiences. The film duration should be between 10 and 20 minutes.

Workshops – Workshops are prepared events with an input by the presenting party, followed by a discussion (or a question – answer period).

Crazy Corner - The crazy corner consists basically of a large pinboard. You may ask questions on which you expect crazy (unexpected and constructive) answers. Additionally, you can contribute crazy answers that may open the minds of people.

Chill-out Corner - is a place to rest with some refreshments and soft chairs to sit. It will be a place to talk and discuss with people you meet.

Chat/Talk Show – An interactive session where people discuss a topic or answer questions from the host and audience.  This will be used as alternative to presentations on similar topics/issues. For example, How to implement a Knowledge Sharing Strategy, what has worked, what were the lessons learned?

Speed Geeking – Like speed dating, this method helps to quickly talk about a number of presentations/topics within a fixed period of time.

Peer Assist - brings together a group of peers to elicit feedback on a problem, project, or activity, and draw lessons from the participants' knowledge and experience.

Open Space - Did something at the fair inspire you to hold a workshop spontaneously? You can advertise your idea and organise sessions. The four principles are:

• Whoever comes is the right person
• Whenever it starts is the right time
• When it's over, it's over
• Whatever happens is supposed to happen