Information for ContentEd 2026 panellists and panel discussion chairs

Use this page for a standalone panel, whether you’re contributing or chairing. If your panel is the live discussion within a themed conversation, start with themed conversation speakers information instead.

What to do and when

Before preparing: confirm whether the panel is live or being recorded in advance, your role and the agreed duration. Most panels are being delivered live, but one or two will be pre-recorded to accommodate varying timezones of panellists.

Ahead of the session or recording: agree the focus, questions, running order and any audience involvement with the chair and other participants.

On the day: use your own joining instructions and arrive at the time in your briefing. Follow any separately agreed materials or recording deadlines.

Prepare together

As a useful starting point, agree the main questions the panel should explore and the different perspectives each person can bring. Share a few examples or issues you would like to discuss, and flag anything you cannot discuss publicly.

A panel contribution does not require a presentation or slide deck. It is expected to be conversational and discussion-led, not presentation-style.

Advice for participants

  • Listen and respond to the conversation rather than working through a scripted talk.

  • Keep contributions focused, explain unfamiliar terms and leave room for others.

  • Avoid talking over one another, especially as some delegates will be using captions and this can become confusing.

Advice for chairs

  • Before the session, check names and pronunciation, agree a simple running order and clarify who will handle audience questions or any technical tasks.

  • Prepare opening questions and a few follow-ups that invite different perspectives.

  • Introduce the topic and participants, explain how the discussion will work and keep track of time.

  • Invite quieter participants in, balance contributions and summarise useful points as the conversation develops.

  • End the session on time out of respect for other sessions and speakers.

  • Close with a short summary and any agreed next steps or resources.

Involving the audience

Where audience questions are part of the agreed format, explain that people can add comments or questions in the chat or the question and answer box. You will need to monitor these to respond to questions and incorporate them into the discussion if relevant. Read or summarise questions aloud and provide enough context for people who cannot see the chat.