• Attendance is difficult to predict at an open house. Therefore, it is important to advertise in a number of ways that target different sections of the community and select the location carefully.
• It is possible to move the location of the Open House on a regularly scheduled basis.
• Often, the concerns of a small number of people are well articulated at this forum.
• Lower attendance may mean that fewer people are informed. You need to use other methods to reach a wider audience.
• The low-key nature of an open house may also restrict people from asking questions and participating in discussions.
• Public input can be difficult to document, and may only be reported as hearsay.
• Protesters may use the opportunity to disrupt the event.
• Usually more staff intensive than a meeting.
• May not provide the opportunity to be heard that some of the public may expect.