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Hosting a virtual panel - everything you need to know

Oreed

When it comes to hosting a virtual panel, there are a lot of things you need to know about in order to make your panel a success. 

Are you planning to host your next virtual panel but don't know where to start? Don’t worry, we have got you covered. In the past decade or so, globalization has led to the rise of virtual panels. 

The rise of virtual panels is just one example of how globalization is changing the way we communicate and interact with each other. With technology becoming more and more accessible, it's likely that we'll see even more innovative uses of it in the future.

Here’s everything you need to know about hosting a virtual panel. Let’s get started.

What is a Virtual Panel?

woman on video call

A virtual panel is a digital space where people can gather to discuss common interests, share information, or collaborate on projects. They are often used in online communities and forums, as they provide a convenient way for members to communicate with each other without having to meet in person. 

In many cases, the virtual panel discussion is also used as a way to connect people who are geographically dispersed. Being a digital platform that allows a group of people to communicate and collaborate online, it is often used by businesses and organizations to conduct meetings, training sessions, or other events. 

They can be accessed from any location with an internet connection, making them a convenient way to connect with team members or clients who are located in different parts of the world.

It is a group of experts who meet online to discuss a particular issue. They are usually organized by an online platform or service, and they allow people from all over the world to participate in the discussion.

They have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a convenient and cost-effective way for people to connect with experts on a variety of topics. 

  • For example, there are virtual panels that focus on issues such as climate change, education, and healthcare. 

These panels provide a unique opportunity for people to learn about different perspectives on these important issues.

Benefits of a Virtual Panel

video camera recording a stage

As the world increasingly moves online, businesses are following suit and reaping the benefits of a virtual panel discussion. A virtual panel is a group of people who are brought together online to discuss a particular topic or issue. This method of conducting research has a number of advantages over traditional in-person focus groups.

  • For one, it is more cost-effective since there is no need to rent out a physical space or pay for refreshments. It is also more convenient for participants, as they can take part from the comfort of their own homes. This can make it easier to recruit people from all walks of life, as there are no geographical restrictions. 
  • Another benefit is that virtual panels allow for more flexibility in scheduling. This is particularly beneficial if your target audience is located in different time zones. With a virtual panel, you can choose a time that works for everyone without having to worry about coordinating travel plans. 
  • Finally, virtual panels offer a higher level of anonymity than in-person focus groups. This can encourage candour and honest feedback from participants who might feel uncomfortable discussing personal matters in front of others. 

Overall, the benefits of a virtual panel make it an attractive option for businesses looking to conduct research with minimal hassle and maximum insights.

Everything you Need to Know About Hosting a Virtual Panel

If you're thinking about hosting a virtual panel, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

1. Formulate your Panel’s Objectives

When it comes to hosting a virtual panel, the first step is to determine your panel's objectives. 

  • What do you hope to achieve with this panel? 
  • Are you looking to educate your audience on a particular topic? 
  • Or are you hoping to generate discussion and debate around a controversial issue? 

Once you know what your goals are, you can start planning your event. Virtual panels can be a great way to engage with your audience and get them thinking about important issues. But before you jump into planning, it's important to take the time to determine your objectives. 

By taking the time to figure out your goals, you'll be able to create an event that is truly successful.

2. Select the Best Panelists

When it comes to hosting a virtual panel, one of the most important things you can do is select the best panellists for your topic. This may seem like a daunting task, but there are a few key things you can keep in mind that will help you select the best possible panellists for your event. 

  • First, consider what expertise each potential panellist could bring to the table. It's important to have a balance of perspectives on your panel, so try to choose panellists with different backgrounds and areas of expertise. 
  • Second, think about how articulate and engaging each potential panellist is. You want your panellists to be able to hold their own in a discussion and keep the audience engaged. 
  • Finally, consider each potential panellist's ability to connect with your audience. You want your panellists to be relatable and down-to-earth, so look for people who you think would resonate well with your target audience. 

By following these guidelines, you can be sure that you'll end up with a panel event that is truly informative and engaging.

3. Select the Right Moderator

When you're putting together a panel event, one of the most important decisions you'll make is who will moderate the discussion. The moderator sets the tone for the entire conversation, so it's crucial to choose someone who is knowledgeable about your topic and who can keep the discussion flowing. 

There are a few things to consider when selecting a moderator for your virtual panel discussion. 

  • First, think about what type of personality will work well with your panellists and audience. You want someone who is engaging and personable, but who can also keep the discussion on track. 
  • Second, consider what type of knowledge and experience your moderator will need in order to effectively moderate the conversation. Ideally, you want someone who is familiar with both the topic of the panel and the format of a virtual panel discussion. 
  • Finally, make sure to choose a moderator who is comfortable using technology and who is able to troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise during the panel. 

With these factors in mind, take some time to brainstorm potential moderators for your virtual panel. Once you have a few people in mind, reach out to them and see if they're interested in participating. 

If you're having trouble finding someone to moderate your panel, don't hesitate to ask your network for recommendations.

4. Prepare Well in Advance

When you're hosting a virtual panel, there are a few key preparations you should make in order to ensure a successful event. 

  • First, you need to choose the right platform for your panel. There are a variety of options available, so do your research and select the one that will best suit your needs. 
  • Once you've chosen your platform, it's time to start promoting your event. Create a landing page with all the relevant information about your panel, and make sure to share it widely on social media and other online channels. As you get closer to the event date, reach out to potential panellists and confirm their participation. 
  • Finally, on the day of the event, make sure everything is set up and running smoothly before going live. 

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your panel discussions format is a success that will engage and inform your audience.

Host your Virtual Panel with Oreed!

When it comes to hosting your virtual panel, there is no better platform than Oreed.

If you're looking for a comprehensive online event management solution, Oreed is definitely worth checking out. 

With Oreed, 

  • You can easily register attendees online and gather their data on a centralized platform. 
  • Plus, you can accept payment online,
  • And add gamification features to make your event more engaging. 
  • And at the end of the event, you can generate certificates and accreditations. 

So if you're looking for an all-in-one solution for managing your events, Oreed is definitely worth considering.

Oreed's all-in-one event-hosting platform makes hosting a virtual panel a breeze. 

From creating a custom event website to managing registrations and payments, Oreed has everything you need to make your event a massive success. 

With Oreed, you can easily create an event website that is both professional and stylish, and which will help promote your event and attract attendees. Oreed also makes it easy to manage registrations and payments for your event, so you can focus on making your event a success.

Promote lifelong learning through Oreed by experiencing the most powerful all-in-one training and development intelligent platform that streamlines all your organisation's learning, training and development activities in one place.

Final Thoughts

woman recording a live events with a smartphone

It is no secret that Virtual events may take over traditional events in the future. Hopefully, you have now understood all the details when it comes to hosting a panel discussion. 

So what are you waiting for? Partner with Oreed today and make your next panel a massive success.

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