Not sure why I never thought of this before, but several of our moderators for the Podcast & Portable Media Expo have started wikis to share ideas and collaborate about what they will cover and discuss during their session - brilliant! It’s a side benefit for having speakers that are used to using web-based tools to help run their business and personal lives.

I’ve always said that at least 80% of the success of a panel rests in the hands of the moderator. Their preparation, or lack thereof, will make all the difference in how the attendees respond to the content.

By hammering out what is the best use of the hour before they even begin, they are making sure the time they have to make an impact on the attendees is not wasted with conversations that go in a million different directions. We’re using message boards to allow attendees to join the conversation, but I think having a wiki that only the panelists themselves can view and contribute to initially works best. Then perhaps after the speakers have had their debate - open it up to the attendees for their input.

From now on, every panel will get a speaker Wiki.