Reimagining the Airport as Classroom—Immediacy, Place, and Presence

Abstract

This paper discusses a post-conference experience involving attendees who utilized airport space to debrief through face-to-face (FtF) communication. Their temporary spatial proximity led to an idea generation process of recalling, rethinking, and getting ready for what’s next. Literature about learning spaces, knowledge management, and the affordances and preferences of FtF communication are explored as they relate to using spaces for purposive conversation. The paper highlights a proposed debriefing model of immediacy, place, and presence. This framework allows organizations to leverage unique affordances of FtF communication and geography of the airport, or other similar spaces, to maximize engagement and benefit.