Comments on: Increasing the Value of Conference Moderator’s

by: Pilgrim’s Picks for April 8 - “How to” Edition

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:46:07 +0000

[…] Dan Perry offers his thoughts on what makes a good conference moderator–I’m bookmarking this one! […]

by: Lee Odden

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:12:26 +0000

Excellent post Dan! This is timely as I begin my foray into moderating conferences. This week will be my second time and I completely agree that pre-session coordination is absolutely key.

Something that might come up as more moderators get into the swing of pre-session prep is that not all speakers will cooperate. Many speakers have become accustomed to spitting out a PPT deck the night before and not talking to anyone until audience questions roll in.

Therefore, mods should have some input I think on either speaker selection (I think SMX is doing something like this now) or at least speaker evaluation. Set guidelines for the speakers so they understand pre-session coordination is a condition of speaking.

by: golfboy

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:57:44 +0000

always great stuff Dan!

by: danperry

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:17:23 +0000

Ouch, don’t go there! (Although I am a fan of a good Zinggggg!)

by: Todd Mintz

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:10:08 +0000

What about those actors from your Super Bowl commercials? They’d make good moderators :.)

by: danperry

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:49:11 +0000

Oh my… Roxanne, flattery will get you everywhere.

Thanks for the kind comments!

by: Roxanne Darling

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:39:14 +0000

Dan - this is awesome! It is a rather neglected topic, so you’ve done us *all* a great service. I have been speaking at conferences for 20 years, and there are a number of this seemingly second-tier topics that really become determining factors for the usability and sustainable value if a conference. You’ve inspired me to start organizing my thoughts on some of the other items that I love to see addressed. To be continued!
Aloha, Rox