Such encounters did not encourage easy conversation.

ECONOMIST: Barbara Vernon Bailey

So if you notice that the same people are taking the same seats at every meeting, rearrange the seating to stimulate conversation and encourage new relationships to develop.

FORBES: Want Collaboration? Watch Where You Sit.

And you can still participate: I encourage you to visit Global Pulse 2010 and join me and my colleagues from across the government in this conversation over the next few days.

WHITEHOUSE: Put Your Finger On the Global Pulse