Make your panels the hit of the conference
(not the session people “escape” from)
Panels can be the best part of your program—or the most disappointing. If you’ve ever watched a panel drift into rambling, repetition, or “Let me echo what Bob said…,” you already know: the difference is design + skilled moderation.
Kristin Arnold
I’m Kristin Arnold (MBA, CSP, CPAE, CPF|M) and I help meeting organizers, producers, moderators, and panelists create lively, informative, audience-focused conversations that deliver on the promise.
If the stakes are high—a flagship session, executive panel, sponsor showcase, customer panel, or a “this-really-matters” topic—this is where I can help.
What you get when we work together
Clarity
A panel format and flow that makes sense for your event and your audience.
Confidence
Moderators and panelists who know what’s expected and how to deliver.
Energy
Conversation that moves, feels authentic, and keeps the audience leaning in.
Results
A session that delivers value (and hallway buzz).
What you get when we work together
For organizations that want to raise the floor for all moderators fast.
This “nuts and bolts” training focuses on the core facilitation and design skills needed to confidently moderate a panel discussion and can be delivered live (in-person or webinar) and/or as a recorded evergreen webinar for ongoing internal use.
Best for: associations, internal events teams, conferences with multiple tracks and rotating moderators.
For experienced moderators (or high-profile panels) who need next-level skills.
Advanced training can be delivered live and/or recorded and may include topics such as:
the moderator’s role
innovative formats
coaching panelists
using technology
engaging the audience
facilitating the conversation
gracefully intervening
Includes role play using a realistic panel scenario to build skill under pressure.
Best for: executive panels, sponsored panels, high-visibility stage moments, complex topics.
Turn “training” into “this conference’s panels will be better.”
This is a workshop held about two months prior to your conference to help moderators design a specific lively and informative panel discussion for that event. Delivered live (in-person or webinar) and includes planning role play around an upcoming panel scenario.
Best for: annual conferences, big meetings with repeated panel formats, and programs that need consistency.
Coaching that is practical, fast, and laser-focused on your real panel agenda. (All coaching calls are recorded and sent to the participant.)
Choose the coaching style that fits:
One-on-One Coaching
Video review/critique of past performances, skill development, and just-in-time prep for an upcoming panel.
“First Call” Coaching
I join the first call between the moderator and panelists to share best practices, clarify roles, and identify opportunities to engage the audience. I’ll also review promotional materials to ensure the panel will deliver on the promise.
“Pick Your Brain” Coaching
A focused session to review the proposed agenda, troubleshoot challenges, and bounce ideas.
“Office Hours” Group Coaching
A group call for moderators within a specific conference and/or theme.
Best for: moderators who want to level up quickly; events that need consistent quality across multiple sessions.
Panels don’t fail only on stage—they fail in planning.
This training is for the people responsible for planning and logistics, delivered live (in-person or webinar), and can include thematic feedback from your panel video replays plus role play of a typical planning scenario.
Best for: program teams, producers, meeting planners, track chairs.
Bring me on-site to support moderators, panelists, and production in real time.
On-site support can include:
creating the Run of Show for the production team
running the speaker ready room so moderators and panelists are ready to go
serving as liaison between the A/V team and moderator
answering last-minute questions and concerns
listening for “in the moment” events and call-backs that can be integrated into the panel program
Best for: big stages, high-stakes panels, multi-panel conferences, complex production.
Have me moderate your high-stakes panels.
If your session needs tight pacing, strong audience advocacy, and a confident hand that can keep it lively and respectful, this is the simplest path to a great outcome.
Best for: executive panels, customer panels, sponsor panels, controversial topics, and flagship sessions.
Become a Certified Powerful Panel Moderator (currently under development). Contact me for more details.
Behind the scenes: how I prep your team (and why it works)
When we engage at the organizational level, prep work may include:
interviews with meeting sponsors/chairs about what they like/don’t like about panels
conversations with a handful of your moderators
baseline skills assessment of moderators
creating a “success profile” by interviewing successful moderators and/or reviewing video for best practices
critique of video replays of your organization’s panel discussions
This is how we move from “we hope it goes well” to “we designed it to go well.”
