- 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.