Rules of Engagement
Chatham House Rules
We are excited to welcome you to this year's exclusive gathering of critical stakeholders in the blockchain infrastructure ecosystem. To foster an environment of open dialogue and uninhibited exchange of ideas, this year's forum will be conducted under Chatham House Rules.
Our forum will operate under Chatham House Rules to encourage open and honest dialogue.
This means participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
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Chatham House Rules are a set of principles designed to provide anonymity to speakers and promote openness in discussions.
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Chatham House Rules are a set of principles designed to provide anonymity to speakers and promote openness in discussions.
Participants are free to use the information received during the meeting.
Neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
The origin of the information must not be explicitly or implicitly identified.
💡 In essence, "What is said in the room can be reported, but not who said it."
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For the Blockchain Infrastructure Forum, this means:
You are encouraged to speak freely and share insights without fear of public attribution.
You may discuss and use the information you learn at the forum in your work and decision-making.
You must not attribute any statement or information to a specific individual or organization, either during the forum or afterwards.
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During the Forum
Engage openly in discussions, knowing your identity is protected.
Respect others' right to anonymity by not pressing for identification of speakers.
Refrain from recording sessions or taking photos that could identify participants.
After the Forum:
Feel free to use insights gained to inform your work and industry discussions.
When sharing information, use phrases like "At a recent blockchain forum, it was mentioned..." instead of identifying speakers or their affiliations.
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Encourages candid discussions on sensitive topics in blockchain infrastructure.
Allows for sharing of cutting-edge ideas without fear of premature public scrutiny.
Promotes trust among participants from various sectors of the blockchain ecosystem.
Facilitates networking while protecting individuals' and organizations' privacy.
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Origin and Etymology
The term "Chatham House Rules" derives from Chatham House, the headquarters of the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, England. Chatham House, located at No. 10 St. James's Square, was given to the Institute in 1923, having previously been the residence of three British Prime Ministers, including William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham.
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Freedom of Information Use:
Participants can freely use the information they receive.
This encourages the sharing of potentially sensitive or cutting-edge information.
It allows for the dissemination of valuable insights beyond the immediate group.
Anonymity of Sources:
The identity and affiliation of speakers must not be revealed.
This protects individuals from potential repercussions for expressing controversial views.
It allows people in sensitive positions to speak more openly than they otherwise might.
Non-Attribution:
The origin of the information must not be specified.
This extends beyond just naming individuals to include any information that could indirectly identify the source.
It requires careful consideration in how information is subsequently used and shared.
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Trust and Integrity: The Rules rely heavily on the integrity of participants. There's an implicit trust that all attendees will respect the confidentiality aspects.
Balancing Openness and Discretion: They represent a carefully crafted balance between the need for open discussion and the need for discretion in sensitive matters.
Facilitating Candor: By providing a safe space for expression, the Rules aim to elicit more honest and forthright discussions.
Chatham House Rules at BIF
In the context of our Blockchain Infrastructure Forum:
Technological Sensitivity: Given the cutting-edge nature of blockchain technology, these Rules can facilitate the sharing of innovations without fear of intellectual property issues.
Regulatory Considerations: They allow for frank discussions about regulatory challenges and potential solutions without attributing statements to specific entities that might be under regulatory scrutiny.
Competitive Dynamics: In a field where multiple entities may be competing, these Rules allow for collaborative discussions that benefit the ecosystem as a whole, while protecting individual competitive advantages.
🙏 A Note on Integrity
The effectiveness of Chatham House Rules relies on the integrity of all participants. We trust each of you to uphold these principles, ensuring the continued success and value of the Blockchain Infrastructure Forum.
Should you have any questions about the application of Chatham House Rules during our forum, please don't hesitate to ask a member of our organizing team.
We look forward to a productive and insightful gathering.
