The Power of the Panel

At the beginning of March, I had the privilege of being a panelist at a convention in Australia, and just this past weekend, I joined another panel discussion at a convention in Johannesburg. While the topics of these panels were vastly different, one common thread stood out: the incredible engagement from the audiences at both events.

In a world dominated by back-to-back keynote speakers at conventions, panel discussions offer a refreshing change. They create dynamic spaces where ideas flow freely and empower audiences to participate actively. At both conventions, attendees asked insightful and thought-provoking questions, showcasing the unique ability of panels to foster meaningful dialogue.

Why Panels Stand Out...

• Panels are inherently interactive and offer several distinct advantages:
• They allow multiple perspectives to be shared simultaneously.
• They spark debates and discussions that resonate with diverse audiences.
• They foster real-time engagement, enabling attendees to voice their curiosity directly to experts.

This format is particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced digital age, where attention spans are shrinking dramatically. Research shows that the average human attention span has dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds today—a decline of nearly 25%.

On screens, this is even more pronounced, with people switching tasks every 47 seconds on average.These statistics highlight the importance of creating engaging experiences that capture and sustain attention—something panels excel at through their conversational tone and dynamic exchanges.

What struck me most during these discussions was how engaged the audiences were despite these attention span challenges. Their questions reflected curiosity and critical thinking—a sign that they were fully present and invested in the conversation. This underscores an important point: while attention spans may be shorter overall, audiences have become more discerning about what they choose to focus on. When presented with relevant and interactive content, they are more likely to tune in fully.

As someone passionate about connecting with people and igniting behavior change through neuroscience-based insights, I believe panels should play a larger role at conventions and conferences. They bridge the gap between speakers and audiences, creating moments of shared understanding that linger long after the event concludes.

et’s embrace The Power of the Panel—a format that brings energy, interaction, and lasting impact to any event!