{
  "id": 16715988,
  "title": "4 steps for running a panel people actually want to attend",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/4-steps-for-running-a-panel-people-actually-want-to-attend",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-27T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91626287/four-steps-for-running-a-panel-people-actually-want-to-attend"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Organizing a panel discussion can be a straightforward task, but it requires careful planning to avoid a dull, chaotic event or one where speakers talk at cross purposes. Follow these steps to ensure a captivating and informative session.\n\n1. **Selecting Speakers**: Begin by choosing panelists who possess diverse expertise and viewpoints. For a topic like \"AI in our company,\" consider inviting individuals who illustrate AI's applications in various company functions. Include one expert who might caution against AI's potential risks. This variety ensures a balanced and thought-provoking discussion.\n\n2. **Preparing the Speakers**: Inform the speakers about their roles, the other panelists, and the key themes they should address. For an event on \"What Makes a Good Leader,\" suggest that each speaker concentrate on a vital leadership attribute, such as charisma or emotional intelligence. Clarify the speaking time limits and the inclusion of a Q&A session, emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to these time constraints to maintain the event's flow.\n\n3. **Moderating the Event**: As moderator, open the panel with a concise introduction outlining the topic's significance and the diverse perspectives it will explore. Introduce each speaker individually when they are about to speak, linking their presentation to the overarching themes to maintain coherence. Avoid introducing all speakers at once, as this can disorient the audience. Ensure the Q&A segment is ample and engaging, prepared with potential questions in advance, especially if the audience's contributions are limited.\n\n4. **Concluding the Event**: Wrap up the panel by summarizing the key takeaways for the audience and reinforcing the central message. Thank everyone for their participation and, if appropriate, provide guidance on how the audience can apply the insights gained from the discussion.",
  "summary": "Suppose you are called upon to organize a panel discussion. The task may look easy. But if you’re not careful, you might end up overseeing a boring multispeaker event or a free-for-all where panelists interrupt each other and talk at cross-purposes. It is up to you to make this format work and create a coherent, engaging session. But how? Follow the steps below and you’ll bring order to the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}