> On Jun 16, 2020, at 1:51 PM, mike@murchisondrillingschools.com wrote:
> 
> I want more space before each top-level item.  MWE:
> 
> \defineitemgroup[mdshw][levels=2]
>     \setupitemgroup[mdshw][1][n]
>     \setupitemgroup[mdshw][2][a, packed, 1*broad][left=(, right=), stopper=]


Is something like this what you want? (Play with the values [2cm])


\defineitemgroup[mdshw][levels=2]
    \setupitemgroup[mdshw][1][n][before={\blank[2cm]},after={\blank[2cm]},inbetween={\blank[2cm]}]
    \setupitemgroup[mdshw][2][a, packed, 1*broad][left=(, right=), stopper=]


HTH,
John