Understanding Panel Discussions

• Panel discussions are excellent for gaining insights and opinions on specific topics.
• They involve panelists and audience members discussing a topic.
• These discussions share expert opinions from important figures in the industry.
• Typically, a panel has 4-5 panelists who answer audience questions for 45-60 minutes.
• A panel moderator hosts the segment, keeps the discussion on track, and engages the audience.
• The moderator should enrich the discussion and involve audience members.
• While audience questions are important, the moderator should also prepare their own questions to gain new perspectives.
• A best practice is to use a slide or two to introduce the topic and panelists.
• Focus on audience and panel engagement rather than extensive presentations.

Types of Panel Discussions

• In-person panels take place physically, with panelists at the front and the audience in front of them.
• Hybrid panels allow the audience to join virtually while panelists meet in person, and the event is live-streamed.
• Virtual panel discussions happen entirely online through video platforms with engagement features like live chats.

Best Practices for Hosting

• Choose an interesting or buzz-worthy topic to attract a larger audience.
• Determine the purpose of the panel discussion (e.g., providing a new perspective or updating on industry innovations).
• Send panelists questions in advance so they can prepare well-informed answers.
• Select panelists with diverse experience levels for a range of perspectives.
• Research potential speakers' previous panels to assess their suitability.
• Provide panelists with information about the intended audience to help them tailor their answers.
• Ensure the moderator is skilled in leadership, uses accessible language, and manages time effectively.
• Facilitate a meeting between the moderator and panelists before the event to foster a comfortable environment.
• Prepare questions and answers in advance.
• The moderator should ask open-ended questions to allow panelists to elaborate and share their expertise.
• Ask questions related to panelists' professional backgrounds to encourage them to share relevant experiences.
• Keep questions concise to allow time for more questions and diverse insights.

Considerations for Venue

• Choose the venue based on the desired atmosphere for the event.
• Select a space that minimizes distractions and allows participants to focus.
• Ensure the venue size is appropriate for the anticipated audience size.
• Time management is crucial for moderators.
• Include time in the agenda for introductions and a Q&A segment.
• Plan how much time each question and answer should take.
• Prepare phrases to redirect the discussion if it goes over time or off-topic.
• Ask panelists if they have preferred cutoff phrases.
• Use live polls and Q&A sessions to engage the audience.
• Place microphones throughout the venue for easy access during Q&A.
• Establish rules for audience questions and emphasize respectful behavior.

Panel Discussion Styles

• Introduce panelists and topics, followed by individual insights and a Q&A session.
• Panelists introduce themselves and share insights, followed by moderator-led and audience Q&A.
• A shorter format focusing on panel members, including a keynote speaker, with no Q&A session.
• Focus is around questions from moderators and the audience.

Audience-Driven Formats

• Collect questions beforehand through apps or surveys and select popular ones.
• Divide the audience into small groups to develop questions. and each group asks the next.
• Solicit questions via social media, meeting cards, or an event app.

Room Setup Options

• Empty chair format
• Musical chair format
• Fishbowl format

Event Themes

• Based on location
• Based on topics
• Based on panel format

Virtual Panel Discussions

• Platforms like Hubilo offer engagement features like gamification, live chats, and polls.
• Analytics help track event performance and audience interaction.

Benefits of Panel Discussions

• Showcases thought leadership.
• Provides an opportunity to delve deep into industry-specific topics.
• Fosters meaningful conversations.
• Showcases the expertise of panel members.
• Positions the hosting company as a leader in the field.

Topic Selection for B2B Tech Panels

• Resonate with target audience.
• Relevant to current industry trends.
• Conduct market research.
• Address audience pain points.
• Align with company expertise.

Qualities of a Good Panelist

• Subject matter expertise
• Proven track record
• Good communication skills
• Diverse perspectives

Promotion Strategies

• Use a multi-channel approach (social media, email, partnerships).
• Create teaser content.
• Leverage panelists' networks.

Audience Engagement Techniques

• Real-time polls
• Q&A sessions
• Social media hashtags
• Chat boxes (for virtual settings)

Technical Aspects for Virtual Panels

• Reliable internet connection
• High-quality audio and video
• Backup plan
• Technical moderator

Accessibility Considerations

• Provide captions for virtual events.
• Ensure wheelchair accessibility for in-person panels.
• Consider sign language interpreters.

Duration

• Typically 45-90 minutes, including Q&A.
• Varies based on topic complexity and audience engagement.

Content Repurposing

• Break down into shorter video clips, blog posts, or infographics.
• Convert into a podcast episode.
• Create a whitepaper summarizing insights.

Success Measurement

• Attendance rate

• Audience engagement (questions, polls)

• Post-event survey feedback

• Social media mentions

• Reach of repurposed content

• Hubilo is a webinar platform designed for marketers.

• Hubilo helps to double your pipeline.

• Hubilo was founded in 2015.

• It offers engagement features, client experience, and custom branding.

• Over 12,000 virtual events and webinars have been created using Hubilo.

• Hubilo has created hundreds of millions of minutes of high-engagement experiences.

• Headquartered in Bengaluru and San Francisco.

• Hubilo has over 200 employees.

• Hubilo enables webinars and virtual events that convert.