SOA Session Formats
Classic Style (Panel/ Lecture)
This style typically has between 1 and 4 presenters and a moderator that leads the session. Limited audience participation.
Collaboration Station (Case study/ Workshop)
Hands-on session that should promote interaction among participants through memorable activities. Think workshop or case study where attendees can work together in small groups to solve problems or brainstorm new ideas.
Interview
Turn your session into an informal expert interview/ conversation. Invite an expert or two on the topic and let your moderator interview the guest(s). Gather attendees’ questions prior to the session and weave these into the conversation. Think podcast style with one to two people having an interesting conversation.
The Show Down (Game show)
Rather than simply asking an audience a series of questions and then sharing the results in a poll, turn the session into a game. Speakers can compete on stage where they must guess the results of the audience poll before they’re revealed, just like the popular game show Family Feud! Moderator would serve as the game show host. Presenters can then add content by expanding on the questions after the results are shown. This should be a mix of a game with an insightful presentation.
Speakers Corner (Debate)
Two individuals or teams take opposing sides of a clearly specified issue. One way to add engagement, would be to start the session by polling the audience about their opinion on a given topic. Two speakers then debate, for and against. Afterwards, the audience is polled again and the winner of the debate is the speaker who influenced the most attendees to change their votes.
Ask the Experts (Ask me anything, open forum)
Ask the speakers anything! This session is entirely audience driven. The panelists should be from a variety of backgrounds that can speak knowledgably on an overarching topic. The audience will then drive the session by asking the presenters various questions on the spot.
Other
Any format style that isn’t mentioned above. Creativity is encouraged!