research
r e s e a r c h
Efficiency of certain event formats 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40%
Highly efficient
30%
Efficient
20% Partly efficient
10%
Inefficient
0% Traditional lectures
Panel discussions
most variable, leading to the conclusion that there is no problem with the panel as an event format. The overall experience at a panel dis cussion actually depends on the mo derator and panellists differing from
Training and workshops
one panel to another, therefore the most different experiences in this ty pe of event format.
They are averagely rated as partly efficient (65%), depending on the topic and lecturer.
Traditional lectures remain depriv ed of the highly efficient rating.
Traditional lectures also have the highest percentage of inefficiency rati ng (11%), with the opinion that they are inefficient, obsolete and dull.
Panel discussions Pros J
Cons L
Opportunity to hear different views
Unprepared moderators or lecturers
Active role of the audience, opportunity to ask specific questions and get specific answers from experts
Waste of time due to irrelevant answers to irrelevant questions due to lack of active engagement of a moderator
Skilled moderator directing the course of the discussion
Unskilled moderator unable to direct the discussion constructively without unnecessary digressions
Discussing current problems, opportunity to choose topics
Tendency of certain individuals towards conflicts in communication
Exchange of opinions and information
Lack of active involvement since the time set for questions is insufficient
Participation of several lecturers on the topic concerned
Unsuitable panellists on the topic concerned
Exchange of experience with colleagues doing similar jobs
Self-promoting panellists Poor quality sound system resulting in poor reception of lecturers
Traditional lectures Pros J
Brainstorming
Cons L
Receiving new knowledge and information
Too detailed presentation, boring flow, monotonous
High-quality lecturers and their preparedness
Unfair lecturers when answering questions, giving the responsibility to other institutions rather than the ones they come from
Focus on specific issues
Lack of interactive involvement of participants, not possible to interrupt to ask questions
Level of organization and seriousness
Theoretical means of lecturing without much practical use
The respondents pointed out to some other formats they find very good, as follows: working & sports meetings or educational & recreational meeti ngs, informal gatherings of people of same professions and exchange of opinions (on an occasion), as well as targeted B2B meetings. The conclusion is next: every meeting format has positive, but also negative sides. Some are more popular and efficient than others, but that doesn’t mean that there is only one right solution. Be aware of good and potential bad sides of each format, try to prevent usually failings, know your audience well, so as meeting goals, and you will choose just the right format for your event. Miona Milic
SEE Business Travel & Meetings magazine · September 2014
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