The Law of Two Feet: Empowering Attendees to Choose Their Own Path in Virtual Events

When considering the philosophies of event facilitation and attendee engagement, few concepts are as simple to understand as The Law of Two Feet. Originating from Open Space, the law states that ‘if you find yourself bored, not learning or not contributing, use your mobility to take yourself where your time is better spent’.

 

In physical events this principle is easy to visualize; attendees drift between rooms, join spontaneous discussions, and step out to network when sessions no longer serve them. But with virtual events rising as the norm, event planners are tasked with finding ways to use The Law of Two Feet to help shape virtual experiences that empower attendees to take ownership of their time, attention, and engagement.

What is The Law of Two Feet?

The Law of Two Feet was first introduced by Harrison Owen, the creator of Open Space Technology, as a way to foster organic, participation-driven interactions. At its heart, the principle assumes that:

  • Attendees are intelligent and capable of managing their own engagement
  • The most valuable discussions often happen when people choose what matters most to them
  • Movement keeps energy and creativity flowing

At in-person Open Space events, this might mean attendees leave a breakout session mid discussion to join another that feels more relevant. It’s not considered rude, it’s expected. The event thrives on self-direction, curiosity, and shared responsibility for outcomes.

 

When translated to virtual settings, the Law of Two Feet becomes a metaphor for attendee autonomy. It challenges event planners to design experiences where participants can move fluidly between sessions, connect organically with peers, and shape their own event journey without feeling confined by rigid schedules or passive formats.

Why it Matters for Virtual Events

Virtual events often replicate the format of physical conferences without considering the attendee experience. Back-to-back sessions, linear agendas, and one-way broadcast presentations can quickly lead to disengagement and digital fatigue.

 

By adopting The Law of Two Feet, organizers can shift from a model of control, to one of curation. 

 

Attention as Currency

In digital environments, attention is fleeting. Allowing attendees to choose where to focus respects their autonomy, which in turn increases satisfaction. People are more likely to stay engaged when they feel in control of that engagement.

 

Personalization Drives Retention

Virtual events that cater to different learning styles and interests can lead to stronger takeaways. By giving attendees choice, you enable them to build a path that aligns with their goals as they would in a traditional event, be that learning, networking, or discovery.

 

Engagement Becomes Authentic

When participation is voluntary, engagement is naturally more genuine. People who attend sessions because they want to and not because they feel obligated to are more likely to engage with an interest and energy that benefits both speakers and hosts.

 

Flexibility Reduces Fatigue

Virtual event fatigue can often stem from rigid schedules and unbroken screen time. A flexible, self-directed format gives attendees permission to take in content at their own pace, which can ultimately help them to stay present for more time overall.

Designing for The Law of Two Feet in Virtual Event Planning

Implementing The Law of Two Feet in virtual settings requires more than an open access format. To really integrate the concept event planners should intentionally design with choice, movement, and connection in mind.

 

Create Multiple Pathways of Engagement

Offer an open timetable with a variety of session types. The goal is to allow participants to engage in the ways that best suit their preferences and schedules.

  • Live sessions drive real-time energy and participation
  • Breakouts and roundtables enable smaller more focused discussions
  • On-demand content allows attendees to catch up at their own pace
  • Networking spaces provide informal areas where unstructured conversations take place

Encourage Movement

Use a platform with clear navigation and intuitive design so that attendees can move between sessions with ease.

  • Use dynamic agendas and interactive event maps to allow participants to join different sessions seamlessly
  • Avoid locking attendees into long sessions, instead designing shorter segments with clear transitions
  • Make switching seamless, without repeated logins or disruptive exits

Empower Attendees Through Communication

Set expectations early. Explain that attendees are encouraged to move freely throughout the event. This removes the social or psychological barriers that might make someone feel obligated to remain in a session.

  • Use onboarding materials or opening remarks to introduce the concept
  • Include prompts encouraging attendees to explore other sessions
  • Normalize autonomy as part of event culture

Build in Reflection

Encourage attendees to share what they’ve learned or discovered through the course of their event using integrated engagement features.

  • Virtual discussion boards
  • Post-session polls
  • Collaborative recap discussions and Q&A sessions

Benefits for Event Planners and Attendees

Embracing the Law of Two Feet in virtual event planning offers tangible benefits for both organizers and participants.

 

For Planners

Voluntary participation can often result in increased engagement, which in turn can increase ROI by allowing event planners to analyze their audience more accurately. Data insights into attendee movements and interests also allow event planners to adapt the strategies, and further improve future events.

 

There are also benefits to brand perception. Empowering participants to choose their event path as an event planner shows that you value their time, building trust, reducing fatigue, and keeping them active in the event space for much longer overall.

 

For Attendees

Freedom to choose the path of an event can increase the satisfaction experienced by attending. With attendees able to craft their own journey events become much more personalized, without feeling like they’re trying too hard.

 

Combine this with the theory that interactions that are self-driven are perceived as more meaningful, and virtual events that follow the principle of the Law of Two Feet could result in significantly increased attendee enjoyment.

Conclusion

Though the foundations of The Law of Two Feet are rooted in physical spaces, the philosophy carries over to the digital age. As virtual events continue to evolve, applying the principle allows planners to craft experiences that are flexible, and more engaging as a result.

 

When attendees choose their own path engagement stops being a metric to chase and becomes natural outcome of an empowered audience. By giving people permission to vote with their digital feet, virtual event planners can create environments where connection and innovation flourish.

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