Interested in being a presenter at Open Circle Ajijic? 

Open Circle Ajijic typically presents 50 unique topics over 12 months. We are constantly seeking presenters who embrace the Open Circle Mission Statement.  We appreciate your taking the time to prepare and give your presentation. We will work with you to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. We strongly urge all prospective presenters to attend at least one Open Circle gathering before committing to speak here.

Open Circle is interested in a wide range of presenter subjects, including those dealing with intellectual, cultural, physical, and spiritual content. Of interest also are presentations relating to Mexican history, Mexican culture, the environment, the arts, and science. In general, we aim to improve our understanding of ourselves, our community, and our world. Presentations take place “open air” on Sundays from 10:30a-11:45a at the Neill James Patio on the Lake Chapala Society campus in downtown Ajijic.

A typical presentation will last up to 40-45 minutes, with a moderated 10-15 minute Q&A session to follow your talk. While “reading” from a script is discouraged, many presenters prepare a “targeted” 2,500-word count script for their talks. Audio-visual materials can be incorporated, bearing in mind the following:

Audio: we have full sound capabilities to broadcast to the audience any music or recorded voice enhancements to your presentation. This can be coordinated the day of your presentation.

Video: our start time (10:30a) and bright sunny mornings preclude the use of standard projection of most images and/or PowerPoint slides. Discuss your needs with the Open Circle Coordinators to explore other options. 

Display Materials: we have limited space behind the presenter podium for posters and banners. A flip chart can be made available with advance notice.

Presentations are in English, however, Open Circle Ajijic is exploring simultaneous translation options as a way to expand our audience, community engagement, and range of presenters. If English is not your primary language, we encourage you to connect with the Coordinators to explore accommodations.

To request an opportunity to speak at Open Circle, please submit a brief description of what you want to talk about and your qualifications to do so using this website. Your proposal will be evaluated by our Open Circle Ajijic Coordinators. If your talk conforms to the Open Circle Ajijic Mission Statement [see below], you will be contacted to offer you a slot on our calendar. The waiting period can be (in some cases) months, however, we also need to occasionally fill vacant slots with shorter waiting times. 

If you have more information for our audience than you can squeeze into your talk, we encourage you to obtain permission to place that information on a Neill James Patio table on the day of your event. Postings can include announcements of events, where to obtain more information on the topic, where merchandise can be acquired, where donations can be made, and sign-up sheets for those interested in staying in touch with the presenter. In addition, you may pass out learning aids pertaining to the presentation before the program, though such handouts must not contain direct sales solicitation or advertising. Open Circle discourages presenters from selling, soliciting, or engaging in merchandising on LCS grounds on the day of your presentation. Business cards may be distributed to interested individuals following your presentation.