Guidelines for Plenary and Concurrent Session Moderators and Panelists
General Information
Moderators
Panelists
General Information
Format
Plenary and concurrent session panels have a moderator and three to four panelists. Since panels are intended to be a discussion, we recommend moderators provide background information on the issue and present prepared questions at the opening of the session.
Audience
The audience will include academics and practitioners with diverse backgrounds, experience, and knowledge. Because of this diversity, it will be helpful to define any legal and technical terms and acronyms.
Session Time
Plenary and concurrent sessions will be an hour and a half long. Panelists will have about 10 minutes each to respond to the moderater's questions. After all panelists have spoken, the moderator will open the discussion to audience, leaving about half the session for question and answer.
Abstracts
Moderators and panelists are encouraged to submit an abstract of their current work. Abstracts must be received by Friday, May 22. For more information, review the Workshop Abstract Guidelines.
Powerpoints
Powerpoint presentations will be allowed in plenary sessions only. Instructions on how to submit presentations will be sent directly to plenary session panelists.
Moderators
Role
Moderators play a central role in the workshop’s goal of creating an atmosphere where researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from wide-ranging backgrounds can exchange ideas in a positive, constructive environment.
Moderators have three critical responsibilities:
• Formulate panel questions. Submit three to four questions directly to session panelists by June 15.
• Keep the session on time and on track. Provide a very brief introduction to panelists and introduce the topic. Be prepared to politely, but firmly, interrupt panelists or audience members speaking at length.
• Facilitate discussion. Ensure the question and comment period runs smoothly, allowing as many questions to be asked and addressed as possible.
Questions
Moderators will develop questions that help guide the discussion and provide a framework for the session. Give careful thought in designing questions, taking into account the unique perspectives and experiences panel members bring to the issue.
Panelists
Role
Panelists,who are invited to sit on workshop panels because of their diverse experience on a session topic, play a large role in the workshop's success. Sessions often address broad, mulit-faceted topics and moderator questions will frame the discussion, so please consider the questions carefully. Session moderators will send questions in advance to help panelists plan their remarks.
Questions
Each moderator develops three to four questions, which will be sent to panel members by June 15. Feel free to contact session moderators to discuss the questions or suggest alternatives.