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This is a good process for large groups of people who want to share information and insights on topics of mutual interest. Knowledge Cafes can be run with anything from 9 to 900 participants. A space is set up like a cafe with small tables that seat four or five spread around the room randomly. Colourful tablecloths and flowers create an ambiance very different from that of an average meeting or conference. On each table there is paper and marker pens for scribbling, drawing and making notes.

The sponsor of the meeting introduces the topic and the facilitator explains how the process will work. There are usually three rounds of conversation each lasting about 30 minutes. After the initial round of conversation, one person is asked to remain at the table as the "host" for the next round whilst the others go to new tables.

The table host welcomes the new guests and succinctly summarises the previous discussion.  A new round of discussion then starts, linking and connecting ideas that people have brought from their previous tables.

By providing opportunities for people to move in several rounds of conversations, ideas questions and themes begin to link and connect. At the end of the second round common themes start to emerge.

In the last round the table groups sum up on paper flip charts the key points to emerge from the conversations at each table.  These notes are posted on the wall and participants walk round the room reading. This can then lead into prioritising issues, action planning, or the meeting can end at this point. The notes can be typed up as reports of the proceedings, sent to participants and shared with others not at the meeting.