My guest today has been keeping us up to date with the current state of hiring for marketers on a quarterly basis, which has taken us on quite a roller coaster ride. Today we’re going to look at how marketing and communication execs are responding to the latest developments in the world while still needing to get their work done. To take a look at the latest here, I’d like to welcome back to the show Sue Keith, Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. About Sue Keith Sue Keith is Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. With deep expertise in navigating complex labor markets, Sue has a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of marketing roles, hiring trends, and the broader implications of AI and economic uncertainty. RESOURCES Landrum Talent Solutions: https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…
This podcast is full of tips and techniques to help meeting organizers, panel moderators and panelists be absolutely brilliant during panel discussions at meetings, conferences and conventions.
This podcast is full of tips and techniques to help meeting organizers, panel moderators and panelists be absolutely brilliant during panel discussions at meetings, conferences and conventions.
Segment Starters aren't just gimmicks. When used with purpose and finesse, they act as meaningful catalysts for connection, surprise, and depth. They allow your panel to breathe, reset, and build momentum across its duration. Consider integrating 2–4 of these into your next panel agenda and watch how much more energized, engaged, and excited your audience becomes.…
These planning documents aren’t just paperwork—they’re your backstage blueprint to success. Use them strategically, and you’ll transform a good panel into a great one that your audience will talk about long after the session ends.
Even the most riveting panel discussion can become monotonous if it’s just talking heads. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to spice things up visually—without turning your panel into a sideshow. Based on ideas from my book 123 to Add Pizazz to Your Panel Discussion , here are eight creative and effective ways to keep your visual learners engaged.…
Whether you stumbled into panel moderating by accident or are now getting paid to guide conversations on big stages, one thing’s for sure: moderation is a skill that evolves. It’s part art, part science, and part stagecraft. Here’s a deeper look at how you grow as a moderator — and what it takes to climb to the top.…
The concept of a “pre-mortem” was popularized by Gary Klein in a 2007 Harvard Business Review article. The idea? Instead of conducting a post-mortem after everything goes sideways, you get ahead of it — and intentionally plan for what could go wrong before it ever does. And it’s brilliant for panels. How to Run a Pre-Mortem for Your Panel…
When it comes to allocating budget and resources, panel training often gets overlooked. “It’s just a panel,” they say. But you and I both know it’s never just a panel. It’s a performance. It’s a conversation. It’s brand experience, leadership visibility, industry relevance, and audience engagement all wrapped up in 45–60 minutes. So how do you convince leadership or your client to invest in making panels better? Here are a few persuasive talking points to get your decision-makers on board.…
A great panel isn’t about vague concepts; it’s about concrete takeaways. As a moderator , it’s my job to make sure the audience gets value, not just verbiage. So, next time you’re moderating and a panelist offers up a fluff-filled response, don’t let it slide. Push for specifics. Your audience will thank you.…
With a bit of intentionality, you can take a panel from ho-hum to the highlight of the conference! Whether you're the panel organizer, moderator, or panelist, you have the power to create an experience where the audience leans in—engaged, entertained, and excited to be in the room.
This hot seat challenge technique is equal parts thrilling and insightful. Watching panelists think fast and answer under pressure makes for an engaging, can’t-look-away moment. It’s a fun way to inject spontaneity while uncovering unfiltered insights at your next panel discussion.
The Pardon the Interruption format is an electrifying way to energize panel discussions, ensuring they remain compelling, engaging, and, most importantly, fun! If you’re looking for a way to captivate your audience while covering a breadth of topics, this could be the perfect format to try.
Panel moderators have a variety of tools to keep discussions engaging and lively, but not every format is perfect. Two popular options are the Hot Potato and the Lightning Round —each with strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down.
A good question in a panel discussion stimulates meaningful conversation, draws out valuable insights, and engages both the panelists and the audience.
Gamified polling turns passive listeners into active participants by leveraging the natural appeal of games. Done well, it boosts engagement, encourages lively discussion, and fosters community—making your panel the highlight of any event.
The goal is to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere to kick off the audience Q&A. Rewarding the first questioner at the beginning of the Q&A segment of your panel discussion is a great way to inspire great questions for the panelists.
Think back to the last time you attended a concert or sports event. Remember that electric buzz of anticipation as the music started, signaling that something exciting was about to happen? That’s the magic of walk-up music—it sets the stage, stirs up energy, and makes people feel they are part of something special. So, why not bring that spark to your panel discussions? Walk-up music is a simple yet dynamic way to kick things up a notch. Here’s everything you need to know about why, how, and when to use it effectively.…
As a panel moderator , your words carry a lot of weight. The audience is looking to you to set the tone, guide the discussion, and keep things engaging. But sometimes, even the best-intentioned moderators slip up and say things that can derail the panel. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the top things moderators should NEVER say and what to say instead.…
Serving as a panelist is a fantastic way to share your expertise, engage with your industry, and build your visibility. To get there, you’ll need a combination of strategic positioning and proactive networking. Here are some general ideas about how to increase your chances as well as some specifics for the questioner, so you can see how you can implement these ideas!…
The 2024 Panel Report shows that while 70% of organizers say they collect feedback, 60% admit it rarely influences their panel design - if at all. Why does this happen? Why ask if you’re not going to act on it? here are some of the top reasons for this feedback-action gap - and a few ideas to turn it around.…
Panel moderators should ask themselves, "Will anything the panelists prepare make the audience gasp with delight that they didn't know it, surprise that it provided a new insight, or even astonishment that they had not expected or seen it before?" Here is the G.A.S.P. acronym to help you prepare to make your audience GASP.…
The 2024 Panel Report reinforces the notion that audiences demand more engagement and interaction. Panels are no longer a passive "lean back and listen" format. Here's what you need to know to get your audience to lean forward and engage.
Don’t get me wrong; a compelling title is crucial. It grabs attention and draws in the audience. However, it’s important that the content lives up to the expectations set by that title. Otherwise, you risk leaving your audience feeling shortchanged or misled.
Events producer and "Chief Solutions Officer" Tim Woodring shares behind-the-scenes info on how he generates and catalyzes ideas with corporate clients to produce powerful panels. As co-sponsor of the 2024 panel report with Unbridled, he discusses how anyone, any panelist, any moderator, can influence a panel to improve.…
Meetings and events professional Brian Walter shares how to make panel discussions memorable, brilliant, and buzzworthy! He's talking about strategic questions that help panelists divulge the behind-the-scenes details everyone wants to hear.
Sitting properly in a chair during a panel discussion helps you project confidence and earn the audience’s respect. They will lean in and listen to you when you have a poised presence. Here are general tips on how to sit properly in a chair during a panel discussion.
The ideal duration of a panel discussion can vary depending on the goals for the event, the panel in particular, the number of panelists , and the audience's expectations. Here is what to consider.
Handling aggressive behaviors or inappropriate questions during high-tension panel discussions requires a blend of pre-planning, clear guidelines, respectful interventions, and strategic redirection. By adopting these techniques from seasoned moderators and experts, you can maintain a professional and positive atmosphere, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.…