Panel discussions are among the most popular and well-attended sessions at corporate events, conferences, and conventions. These structured sessions involve getting a group of experts or stakeholders together to present information, exchange ideas in a dynamic format, and interact with the audience through Q&A sessions.
Hosting a panel discussion may seem more complex than putting together single-speaker presentations. But with a skillful moderator, enthusiastic and knowledgeable panelists, and high-quality audio visual technology, your panel discussion will be informative, fun, and interactive.
Want to learn how to host a panel discussion at your next event? Keep reading.
Popular panelists are a great way to draw an audience to your event, especially if you promise them an interactive Q&A session. Because panel discussions involve live back-and-forth conversations, your audience will know that they’re getting more than a scripted presentation, which generates interest and excitement.
While individual speakers can be informative and entertaining, panels can offer a more in-depth and engaging approach to topics. With multiple panelists, you have the opportunity to include presenters from different backgrounds, areas of expertise, and viewpoints. This can encourage healthy debate and allow the audience to hear diverse perspectives.
Because panels are already conducted in a conversational format, audience Q&As can be incorporated seamlessly. This can help engage the audience and make them feel more involved in the discussion. By allowing attendees to ask direct questions, you make the process more memorable and unique. It can also make the discussion feel more personal.
Panel discussions are a great alternative to traditional lecture-style presentations in that they can inform the audience in a more natural and unscripted way. Conversations offer a digestible approach to complex topics, particularly with the help of a skilled moderator to act as a bridge between expert panelists and the audience.
If you’re hoping to get your audience engaged and talking, a panel discussion is an excellent catalyst. Panel presentations facilitate interaction between panelists, a moderator, and the audience, which demonstrates collaboration and teamwork. It encourages attendees to continue the conversation after the discussion is over.
Panel discussions aren’t reserved for large public conventions. They can be adapted to fit into a wide range of themes, industries, and formats (live or virtual events). They can focus on emerging public trends or complex niche subjects. These discussions can be held in small workshop settings or on stage at public trade shows, product launches, or conventions.
Panel discussions should always feel natural and unscripted. But while it’s important to facilitate a free-flowing conversation, you still need to keep the session on schedule to avoid cutting into other agenda items or getting off topic.
Clearly define your chosen topics and designate a specific amount of time for each. Set aside a good portion of the allotted time for the session for audience Q&A. While you may want to give your moderator some flexibility with this schedule, you still need to give them a structure to follow.
The moderator plays one of the most important roles in a panel discussion. Their responsibility is to guide the conversation, facilitate respectful debate, ensure each panelist is given equal opportunity to speak, and redirect the conversation when necessary.
It’s critical that your moderator remains neutral. Expressing bias or getting too involved in the discussion can make them appear more like a panelist themselves than a host. When choosing a moderator, opt for someone with excellent time-management and interpersonal skills and the ability to think on their feet.
The success of a panel discussion depends on the quality of the panel itself. Carefully consider who can provide the most value to your audience. When selecting panelists to invite to your discussion, the combination of people you choose can be just as important as their individual qualifications.
It may be tempting to simply reach out to the most knowledgeable experts in the field. But a panel made up exclusively of technical experts may not offer the most fun or engaging discussion. Try to incorporate a range of subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and engaging speakers who can interact well with each other and your target audience.
Schedule a time to get together in person or virtually with your moderator, the panelists, and your event production company. Make sure everyone understands the goals of the discussion, the basic timeline, key points to cover, rules to follow, and audience expectations.
It’s also important to familiarize the moderator and panelists with the technology they’ll be engaging with during the discussion, which may include microphones, speakers, visual displays, and other AV equipment.
Studies show that people are better at processing information and accurately remembering experiences when they have the opportunity to participate. It also adds an element of fun and spontaneity to your event. In addition to the traditional Q&A session, consider incorporating other interactive elements into your panel discussion session, such as:
If you’re planning a panel discussion at your next corporate event, technology is a key consideration. From microphones and speakers, to visual aids and live streaming, your AV equipment plays an important role in the experience of audience members and panelists alike.
At Catalyst, our mission is to use AV technology to help you tell your story. With dynamic visuals, integrated audio systems, and reliable live-streaming technology, we’ll work with you to take your event to the next level.
Contact us to learn more about our services and tell us about your event.
Panel discussions are among the most popular and well-attended sessions at corporate events, conferences, and conventions. These structured sessions involve getting a group of experts or stakeholders together to present information, exchange ideas in a dynamic format, and interact with the audience through Q&A sessions.
Hosting a panel discussion may seem more complex than putting together single-speaker presentations. But with a skillful moderator, enthusiastic and knowledgeable panelists, and high-quality audio visual technology, your panel discussion will be informative, fun, and interactive.
Want to learn how to host a panel discussion at your next event? Keep reading.
Popular panelists are a great way to draw an audience to your event, especially if you promise them an interactive Q&A session. Because panel discussions involve live back-and-forth conversations, your audience will know that they’re getting more than a scripted presentation, which generates interest and excitement.
While individual speakers can be informative and entertaining, panels can offer a more in-depth and engaging approach to topics. With multiple panelists, you have the opportunity to include presenters from different backgrounds, areas of expertise, and viewpoints. This can encourage healthy debate and allow the audience to hear diverse perspectives.
Because panels are already conducted in a conversational format, audience Q&As can be incorporated seamlessly. This can help engage the audience and make them feel more involved in the discussion. By allowing attendees to ask direct questions, you make the process more memorable and unique. It can also make the discussion feel more personal.
Panel discussions are a great alternative to traditional lecture-style presentations in that they can inform the audience in a more natural and unscripted way. Conversations offer a digestible approach to complex topics, particularly with the help of a skilled moderator to act as a bridge between expert panelists and the audience.
If you’re hoping to get your audience engaged and talking, a panel discussion is an excellent catalyst. Panel presentations facilitate interaction between panelists, a moderator, and the audience, which demonstrates collaboration and teamwork. It encourages attendees to continue the conversation after the discussion is over.
Panel discussions aren’t reserved for large public conventions. They can be adapted to fit into a wide range of themes, industries, and formats (live or virtual events). They can focus on emerging public trends or complex niche subjects. These discussions can be held in small workshop settings or on stage at public trade shows, product launches, or conventions.
Panel discussions should always feel natural and unscripted. But while it’s important to facilitate a free-flowing conversation, you still need to keep the session on schedule to avoid cutting into other agenda items or getting off topic.
Clearly define your chosen topics and designate a specific amount of time for each. Set aside a good portion of the allotted time for the session for audience Q&A. While you may want to give your moderator some flexibility with this schedule, you still need to give them a structure to follow.
The moderator plays one of the most important roles in a panel discussion. Their responsibility is to guide the conversation, facilitate respectful debate, ensure each panelist is given equal opportunity to speak, and redirect the conversation when necessary.
It’s critical that your moderator remains neutral. Expressing bias or getting too involved in the discussion can make them appear more like a panelist themselves than a host. When choosing a moderator, opt for someone with excellent time-management and interpersonal skills and the ability to think on their feet.
The success of a panel discussion depends on the quality of the panel itself. Carefully consider who can provide the most value to your audience. When selecting panelists to invite to your discussion, the combination of people you choose can be just as important as their individual qualifications.
It may be tempting to simply reach out to the most knowledgeable experts in the field. But a panel made up exclusively of technical experts may not offer the most fun or engaging discussion. Try to incorporate a range of subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and engaging speakers who can interact well with each other and your target audience.
Schedule a time to get together in person or virtually with your moderator, the panelists, and your event production company. Make sure everyone understands the goals of the discussion, the basic timeline, key points to cover, rules to follow, and audience expectations.
It’s also important to familiarize the moderator and panelists with the technology they’ll be engaging with during the discussion, which may include microphones, speakers, visual displays, and other AV equipment.
Studies show that people are better at processing information and accurately remembering experiences when they have the opportunity to participate. It also adds an element of fun and spontaneity to your event. In addition to the traditional Q&A session, consider incorporating other interactive elements into your panel discussion session, such as:
If you’re planning a panel discussion at your next corporate event, technology is a key consideration. From microphones and speakers, to visual aids and live streaming, your AV equipment plays an important role in the experience of audience members and panelists alike.
At Catalyst, our mission is to use AV technology to help you tell your story. With dynamic visuals, integrated audio systems, and reliable live-streaming technology, we’ll work with you to take your event to the next level.
Contact us to learn more about our services and tell us about your event.
Are you planning a shareholder meeting, conference, product launch, trade show, or other type of major event? You need to make sure the production value matches the quality of your event’s content. Working with a reliable, proven leader in audio visual event production like Catalyst ensures your event runs smoothly, exceeds the expectations of your audience, and has the impact you want.
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation, learn more about our services, and tell us about your event.