Group: Conversations

Method: Local Expert Presentations

Description of Method:
A talk, lecture or class offered by an invited guest to the Urban Room, often a local resident or professional who has a specific area of expertise or knowledge. These presentations can be held as on- off events or form part of a series of talks through the Urban Room programme.

Purpose of Method:
Local experts can contribute knowledge, skills and experience on a wide range of issues and aspects of the local built environment, e.g. heritage, social history, archaeology, architecture, local craft & traditions, transport, ecology. A series of such talks can reveal the richness and diversity of an area, giving a greater understanding from which to discuss the future of that place. Inviting local experts into the Urban Room can help to build a sense of community stewardship around the Urban Room which can lead to volunteering and other support. Many people are interested in local issues and many places already have ‘Friends of’ groups that share and campaign around these issues. Inviting these groups to the Urban Room to give talks will support them to share their knowledge and to widen their membership.

Suitable Audience:
Themed presentations from local experts can be very engaging for a wide range of audiences. Inviting local experts from marginalised groups in the community will broaden your audience and open up discussions to include more diverse ideas and experiences.