Debates not speeches
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Please introduce yourself to the sound engineers at least 15 minutes before your panel, and ask to meet the session moderator.
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Take a few minutes with the moderator and fellow panelists to agree on key approaches and strategies.
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Format: All sessions are designed as dialogues, with limited time for formal stand-up speeches.
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Start Time: Sessions will begin promptly and be live-streamed as soon as the opening music ends, regardless of how many participants have returned to the hall.
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Introductions: Each panel will open with a brief (3–4 minute) introduction by the moderator, who will then pose an opening question to each panelist in program order.
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Responses: Each panelist will have up to 5 minutes to share key messages in response to the opening question. Please focus on a couple of main points rather than trying to cover everything at once—there will be at least two further opportunities to develop your arguments.
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Second Round: After the first round of responses, the moderator will return to the first speaker with a new set of questions, again allowing up to 5 minutes per panelist.
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Audience Q&A: The moderator will then open the floor, taking 3–4 audience questions at a time before inviting speakers to respond. Audience members will be asked to keep their interventions to under 2 minutes and focus on asking questions rather than making speeches. The moderator will aim to allow for two rounds of Q&A.
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Final Comments: Each panelist will be invited to make closing remarks (maximum 2 minutes each).
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Time Management: Please respect the time limits and cooperate fully with the moderator.
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Closing: Sessions will end on time. Closing music will begin whether or not the discussion has finished.
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Moderation: Moderators are expected to keep the debate constructive and focused, avoiding unnecessary digressions or side issues.