The pac man rule for conferences - to foster better group dynamics

The Pac-Man Rule
The rule is:

When standing as a group of people, always leave room for 1 person to join your group.

More memorably, stand like Pac-Man!


The new person, who has been given permission to join your group, will gather up the courage, and join you! Another important point, the group should now readjust to leave another space for a new person.

Leaving room for new people when standing in a group is a physical way to show an inclusive and welcoming environment. It reduces the feeling of there being cliques, and allows people to integrate themselves into the community.

The Pac-Man Rule at Conferences — Eric Holscher

This is such a pleasant behavior of humanity. While I can mask my introversion, I find these kind of subtle social cues to be quite helpful in participating in an already crowded and busy conference. My introversion has only gotten worse as I've aged and has taken a dramatic effect post pandemic, where I find large gatherings one of those most energy-draining activities to get back into.

A video if you prefer to watch versus read