For the first quarter of 2024, these are the top ten trending topics for panel discussions at business events in priority order based on social media mentions and internet activity. These topics reflect current global concerns and interests, particularly in business, technology, and society at large.

Here are seven reasons why these three words are the most powerful words to use in a panel discussion.

In this day and age, you may be alienating a part of your audience. Why do that? There ARE other ways to address your audience AND use more inclusive language!

A panel discussion involves more than a panel moderator and panelists. Consider involving these 10 players in a panel discussion:

Even though you tried to influence the meeting organizers to limit the number of panelists, you might have been unsuccessful. You can't change it. So what do you do when you have too many panelists?

Here's my short list of what to do when you have too many panelists - and can't change the number!

As a panelist in a panel discussion, how do you know you've done a good job? What is the ultimate litmus test of panelist success? Here is something unexpected that you want to achieve.

A few things to consider to personalize your clipboard as a panel moderator for a panel discussion that won't break the bank.

There are some unique instances where the panel moderator should dip their toe into the content to get the conversation on track and back on track. Once a contribution is made, then the moderator should resume the role of facilitator. Here's what you need to know.

Here is my favorite polling platform to use during a panel discussion.

You can also find a more comprehensive list of platforms, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each here.

Yes indeed - you can use AI/ChatGPT to prepare for a panel discussion. In this blog post, I will not only give you some ideas on how to use AI/ChatGPT to help prepare for a panel discussion, but I will also share prompts I have used to get the best results. As you query AI/ChatGPT, keep these things in mind.

During one of my coaching sessions with a panel moderator, my client asked, "Can you plan too much for a panel discussion? Seems like there is a lot to do here!"

Fair question. For a novice panel moderator that is true. As you get more comfortable with the role, there is still a bit of prep work, but not as extensive.

So my answer is this . . .

What can a panel moderator do when a panelist has an on-stage, unexpected crisis? Here is how to handle it with grace and professionalism.

When the stakes are high and you really need to hit a home run, you’ll want to hire a professional panel moderator to do the following . . .

Depending on how badly the organization wants someone to moderate a panel, you may or may not get paid to moderate a panel, but you can get compensated in some way, shape or fashion! Here's what you need to know. 

What do you do if you don't have a clear vision for your panel? What if all you have known is the traditional style panel format, how would you even know what else is possible?

Here are nine factors to consider as you clarify your vision for your panel discussion.

I was chatting with Event Strategist Devon Montgomery Pasha about when to have a panel discussion - and when not to. 

We both agree that panel discussions can be a powerful format for knowledge sharing, attitude shifting, and building connections. However, to create a truly impactful panel discussion, we need to ask some critical questions FIRST.

After you have moderated panel discussions for a while, you realize it is simply a matter of time before some “incident” will occur in the middle of your panel discussion.

Everyone knows that S#!T happens – some of which you have control over (your attitude, the structure and format, your questions), and some simply you do not control (stage or technology malfunctions, external disruptions, or acts of God!)

Meeting Planners International (MPI) has done the work to identify potential issues that could happen in a meeting in their Emergency Action Plan. I don’t think you have to go overboard in your planning, you can put a little thought into how you would respond if such an incident occurred.

Just because your panel discussion is over doesn't mean you can't continue the conversation! Events and media consultant Julius Solaris reminded me how important it is to repurpose your panel discussion content.

As I coach panelists to prepare for an upcoming panel discussion, there are a dozen common misconceptions about panel discussions that I think we need to clarify. To ensure a successful panel discussion, panelists should be aware of these misconceptions and actively work to avoid them. Effective communication, collaboration, and preparation are key to making panel discussions lively and informative.

When you start talking about the vision for the panel discussion and what it might look like, you'll see the implications for your choices for the moderator, panelists, structure, format, and logistics.

Many meeting organizers select a topic, and reach out to a couple of panelists who can talk on the subject. Ask one of them to moderate it and then move on to the next item on the meeting checklist.

Whoa! Not so fast! It IS a fabulous idea to start with a pithy one to three-word "topic" that serves as the major subject of the panel. But don't stop there! Here's how to pick a strong topic, premise, and title for your panel discussion.

It does not happen too often, but you could be the last in line to speak after the other panelists have detailed all of your prepared points. Yes, it is a bit disappointing, but do not despair. Even though your main points have been covered, you still have your own unique examples and a memorable headline to share.

Rather than reiterating what has already been said, try these sentence starters to expand the conversation and provide more insight into the topic.

Professional panel moderator Kristin Arnold interviews strategic leadership advisor Liz Weber on her standout job as a panel moderator on a jam-packed success of a panel discussion at the National Speakers Association conference.

I was recently asked about how to create an inclusive environment during a panel discussion. It's more than being welcoming and friendly.

Here are nine things you can do to proactively create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

Ed Bernacki, Founder of The Idea Factory, shared this unique panel format he calls The Hypothetical Panel Discussion Format. Here is his explanation of the format from his ebook Seven Rules For Designing More Innovative Conferences.