Apr 4, 2024
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There are many occasions when you will want to bring in an expert to share wisdom, best practices, and expertise. As planner and facilitator of the event, you are still responsible for the learning that occurs around the new knowledge shared by the guest speaker. Focus on creating a learning-centered design versus a teaching-centered one. Ask yourself, “what do the learners need to do to learn this content?” rather than “what does the guest speaker need to say to present it?”
Keynote or Guest Speaker
The keynote address is often a big draw for conference participants. This person can sometimes attract participants to the event who would otherwise not attend. If carefully selected, this person’s book, research, public notoriety or reputation can draw a large audience. When a keynote speaker inspires an audience to think and act differently and invites meaningful dialogue and engagement, learning is maximized.
A guest speaker at your event provides outside expertise. We can’t expect a content expert to also be a process expert; it’s a team effort to provide an engaging learning event or session.
Here are two tip sheets, one for ideas on how to best work with a guest speaker and one to give to the guest speaker to help them engage their audience. It may be a new experience for your guest to participate this way; communication around your expectations can lead to a better experience for all.
Panel Discussion
There may also be occasions when there are several speakers on a panel. As designer or planner, you may need to plan the engagement before, during, and after the discussion. Although you may not be providing the content, you still want to ensure that participants engage with the content and each other during the event as well as create a plan for next steps.
Below are tip sheets to give to the moderator and panel members.
How do you ensure participant engagement when you have guest speakers?
Jeanette Romkema is GLP Senior Partner and Co-Owner of GLP. Here are more GLP blogs by Jeanette.
Michael Culliton is a former GLP Partner. Here are other GLP blogs by Michael.
Here are some additional resources for learning-centered conferences:
- Make the Conference Booklet a Learning Tool – a Tip Sheet
- Breakout Sessions – a Tip Sheet
- Field Trips – a Tip Sheet
- A Learning-Centered Conference; Lessons Learned – a GLP Blog
- A Conference to Remember – a GLP Blog
- All’s Well that Ends Well – a GLP Blog
- 3 Tips for Engaging Presentations – a GLP tip sheet
- 6 Tips for Using PowerPoint to Engage People in Dialogue – a GLP tip sheet