8 presentation types for a more interactive conference

Don’t just settle for ordinary at your conference. Mix up your conference program with interactive sessions that optimises engagement, learning and networking opportunities. Here’s our top 8:

1. Fireside Chats

Fireside chats are a more intimate take on presentations being presented behind the traditional lectern. A moderator is seated on stage with a guest who is interviewed to allow the conversation to flow naturally. The stage is set informally usually with two armchairs to keep the atmosphere relaxed.  However, while informal, it’s important the moderator is prepared with their own research and with 2-3 questions to kick off the session in the right direction. You can invite audience interaction by allowing questions from the floor or through the use of technology.

       The Fireside Chat is ideal for:

• Speakers who have a great message but aren’t natural presenters
• Getting a different perspective from a popular speaker on the circuit
• Encouraging audience participation

We utilised the fireside chat format for our Autism in Education Conference to assist some of our speakers who were on the spectrum.  While the presenters had a powerful message, they were daunted at the thought of having to present for 20 minutes on stage.  Through the more relaxed format and a thorough briefing prior to their session, presenters felt more comfortable delivering their message resulting in a very compelling session.

2. Campfire Sessions

Campfire sessions are once again a more informal take on the traditional presentation. Its aim is to break down the barriers of the lectern.  While the session starts with a 15-20 minute presentation from a speaker, it then shifts to focusing on gaining key participation from the audience. The presenter turns facilitator allowing attendees to answer questions and provide comments. It allows attendees to drive their own learning, listen to different perspectives and share experiences.

Campfire Session is ideal for: 

• Breaking up the traditional presentation format
• Allowing delegates to drive the agenda
• Encouraging audience participation
• Opening up dialogue between large groups

4. Fishbowl

Fishbowl is another format ideal for creating participation and dialogue amongst groups. Four chairs are placed in a circle in the centre of the room, with other chairs around these chairs for the audience.  Three to four participants sitting in the centre circle are given a topic to discuss for the audience to listen to.  In an open fishbowl scenario, one chair is left empty for a member of the audience to sit down and join the conversation.  Participants can come and go.  At the end of the session, a moderator summarises the whole discussion.

Fish Bowls are ideal for: 

• Encouraging large group dialogue and a flow of ideas
• Opportunities for professional peer to peer connections
• Brainstorming issues and concepts

The Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) introduced fishbowl session in 2018 proving a hit with the delegates.  It allowed attendees to become active participants and learn from one another.  These sessions will continue in future AIEC conferences.

5. Pecha Kucha (or Ignite sessions)

Pecha Kucha is a fast-paced way to expose delegates to a range of topics and ideas in a short time frame. Speakers present up to 20 images discussing each for 20 seconds bringing the whole talk to just under 7 minutes. Images are required to slide automatically with speakers delivering only the pertinent points on the topic in synchronisation with the images.

Pecha Kucha is ideal for: 

• Processing large groups of speakers in a short time frame
• Presenting a broad range of ideas and concepts to delegates

6. Lightning Talks

Lighting talks is another method for processing a large number of presenters and topics. Presenters are provided 5 to 10 minutes to discuss their topic usually within a session with a number of presenters.  As presentations are brief, it requires for the speaker to stick to only the pertinent points and facts of their topics. Here presentations are usually grouped under a particular theme allowing delegates to select the most relevant presentations for them. 

Lightning Talks are ideal for:

• Allowing presenters to present a topic in quick but articulate manner
• Grouping presenters under relevant themes
• Processing a large group of speakers in a short time frame

At the Asia Pacific Autism Conference, lightning talks were used to enable speakers to present their key messages with a few illustrations.  These short and sharp presentations were packed with great take away value for delegates and were perfect for new, inexperienced presenters.

7. Birds of a Feather

Birds of a Feather is more of an informal gathering of people with a common professional link, interest or area of experience. Able to be scheduled in the program or in breaks, groups can gather to discuss set topics or alternatively just network.

Birds of a Feather is ideal for:

• Maximining networking opportunities for delegates
• Catering for the interests of a diverse delegate group
• Allows the session to create more of a conversation where all attendees participate