Unconference Space

💡 Who’s the Unconference for?

We’re making space for the doers, disruptors, and dreamers. Whether you’re a youth worker, innovator, researcher, funder, or mental health practitioner the Unconference space at Involve is for you.

❓What's an Unconference Anyway?

Think of it as a collaborative, participant-driven experience. You're not lecturing *at* or being lectured *by* people; you're sparking a conversation *with* them. The agenda is created on the day, by the people who attend.

Forget the “sit-and-listen” format—this is your space.

🚀 You set the agenda
🚀 You decide the topics
🚀 You lead, contribute, challenge, and co-create

This is a dynamic, participant-driven open space where you can dive into the ideas that matter most. Whether you’re there to spark a discussion, ask big questions, support synthesis, or simply absorb and reflect, there’s a place for you.

💭 Not sure what to expect? That’s the beauty of it—just bring your curiosity and an open mind!

What’s it all about?

    • Connection is the starting point for great conversations! Get people to share who they are and what their connection to the kaupapa of your session.

    • Start the Spark: Introduce your topic, share your initial thoughts, or pose a question to get the ball rolling.

    • Guide the Flow: Help keep the conversation on track (loosely!), but don't be afraid to let it wander down interesting paths.

    • Encourage Participation: Draw out quieter voices, and make sure everyone feels welcome to contribute.

    • Share Your Passion: Your enthusiasm is contagious! Let it shine.

  • Remember these – they're key to the unconference experience:

    1.  Whoever comes are the right people: Embrace who's there and make the most of their perspectives.
    2.  Whatever happens is the only thing that could have: Go with the flow and don't stress about a "perfect" outcome.
    3.  When it’s over, it’s over: No need to fill a specific time slot. Let the conversation run its natural course.
    4.  Law of Two Feet: Encourage people to move to another session if they aren't getting value or contributing. It's not rude, it's resourceful!

  • A Diverse Audience: You'll likely have people with varying levels of knowledge and experience, coming from different world views and and with different perspectives.

    Dynamic Discussions: Be prepared for unexpected questions, tangents, and aha! moments.

    Flexibility: Be ready to adapt your "plan" based on the interests of the group.

    No Pressure: This is about sharing and learning together. Relax and have fun!

    ⛳⛳Pro-Tips

    • Come Prepared (But Not Too Prepared): Have a few key points or questions in mind, but don't script everything out.

    • Listen Actively: Pay attention to what others are saying and build on their ideas.

    • Embrace Silence: A little quiet time can encourage deeper reflection.

    • Have Fun! We definitely want you to enjoy the experience!

    😴The Boring Stuff

    • In each room there will be a projector in case you want to go old school with a presentation. There will also be big paper (and writing materials) to help you capture the big ideas. Let us know if you need anything special and we'll see what we can do.

  • Ember Innovations is building the conditions for innovation and system change to boost mental health and wellbeing. 

    The King's Trust works alongside rangatahi aged 18-30 to grow their ability and vision to ‘make a living’ and value their own contribution to a thriving Aotearoa economy for themselves, their whānau, and their communities. 

    Our Shared Purpose

    Ember Innovations and the King's Trust Aotearoa are joining forces to host the Unconference space at Involve.

    Our goal: to create an open space at Involve, using Mana Taiohi as our guide.

We believe mental health is everything and everywhere - woven into every aspect of young people’s lives, their communities, and the systems that shape them. That’s why we don’t need every unconference session to name mental health explicitly. The conversations we’ll have - about identity, belonging, education, housing, justice, creativity, culture - are all sites of mental health innovation. And the format itself is part of the innovation: open, participatory, and grounded in the wisdom of those in the room. This is how we live our purpose - by creating the conditions for change to emerge from where it matters most.