Change
If done well, panels can be a great way to include different perspectives on the stage. But when they fall, they can be in pain. Here are 20 tips that can help.
One of the biggest mysteries of conference design is why organizations stick to panels when the vast majority of participants don’t like this format. Is it lazy? Stress includes speakers in certain organizations? Think there is a lack of choice?
Or all of the above?
If you are planning a panel, here are 20 tips to make them fun and fresh:
Group member selection skills
- Keep small, no more than three group members.
- Don’t stand out from the research of speakers and hosts. Choose from different perspectives and industry/disciplines to provide group members who can check the topic in their own work. Includes people with opposition views to debate or tension.
- Inclusive, ensuring that group participants reflect diversity in audiences and industries (without terrible “behaviors” of course).
- Avoid using the same speakers as everyone else. Compare plans for the last three years of competitive activities in the same sector. Of course, there will be some exceptions, but make sure not many are.
- Run potential panel members/candidates by your event committee so they can weigh. If you don’t have a formal committee, create an interim committee for feedback.
Content tips
- Never use panels for marketing or public relations, nor are group members allowed to do so. Participants did not want to hear from a company spokesperson.
- Don’t try to cover everything up. A topic should be the focus. The topic should be concentrated and relevant, preferably selected by experts or panels of experts in the subject area.
- Preparation is essential; make sure that group members and moderators answer the phone before the event to discuss content and process. But don’t over-design the conversation, it should feel fresh and active.
Session Plan Tips
- Avoid back-to-back PowerPoint presentations, and there are several issues at the end. Give viewers something they can’t get on YouTube.
- Do a dry slide, making sure that any video is displayed without any problem (especially in embedded cases).
- For improved sound quality and professional delivery, use a Lavalier (Lapel) MIC or headphone for each group member instead of a handheld microphone.
- Avoid narrow stages; group members should not maintain a stable balance at the edge of the stage, nor should they sit on the stage like each other.
- Stylish furniture can change the appearance of the panel, but make sure that the furniture is not uncommon to make it the focus. Also, make sure the chair sits comfortably on it, or this will be the first theme of conversations on every stage.
- If you use a low seat or a table without a modest panel, warn female panel members so that they can plan their outfit accordingly.
- Even if they meet on the phone, try to get on stage time on stage so that speakers and hosts can be gathered on site.
- During the Q&A, a lot of time wasted, waiting for the microphone to travel on the floor. Design a plan based on the number of wireless microphones required, and these staff will act as microphone runners and position it to effectively cover the entire floor. Make sure you have comments or convenient questions to cover any delays.
Tips on stage
- Skip the introduction and go directly to the conversation. Or ask everyone to say who they are and outline their motivations, positions or interesting and relevant facts. Include speaker BIOS in program and conference applications.
- It is important to keep the panel conversation spontaneous, but if a difficult response is required, give the group members an early warning to avoid embarrassing moments.
- Think of the group as a commercial break. Every six to eight minutes, shift gears. Restructure. Add some activities.
- There is always at least one listener trying to dominate the conversation or sell something during the Q&A. Close him or her quickly. Firm but polite.
