How do you typically prepare to moderate an Ortus event?
Development begins two weeks prior when I establish my vision and mission for the event. For example, a vision might be to create an exceptional experience so that each guest enjoys the moment and forges meaningful connections. As laughter and conversations fill the air, I see a sense of camaraderie blossoming just as I had planned. My strategy to ensure that newfound bonds prove unbreakable long after the event concluded is realized. Guests and sponsors unite
through a shared experience, staying in touch and nurturing a vibrant, flourishing community. In this shared journey, an event becomes the foundation of enduring relationships.
An example of a mission is to ensure that every guest engages in a meaningful conversation with the sponsor’s liaisons upon entering and departing the event. This process begins with reviewing LinkedIn profiles, blog posts, and news articles featuring the liaisons and the guests. By identifying commonalities that serve as conversation starters, I can create personalized introductions. Understanding the sponsor’s contributions and vision enhances these interactions and enriches the overall experience for all attendees.
Developing the backgrounder on the event sponsor is one of my favorite activities. Diving into the sponsor’s storied presence in the marketplace, their competitive differentiators, and the industry trends they are advancing reveals a compelling narrative of innovation and leadership that continues to shape the future of their sector.
This background is helpful during the event because it allows me to meet the audience where they are in their perspectives, especially with complex topics like technology solutions. Additionally, I can tap into experts I’ve identified and invite them to contribute their insights and experiences. Guiding conversations in this manner can cultivate more robust interaction, leading to more ‘aha’ moments shared among guests.
To ensure a cohesive and engaging discussion, I revisit the Ortus Club Moderator’s Guide created for the event. It contains foundational topics for discussion, which I will enhance by developing supplementary and probing questions designed to connect the dots among the guests’ insights.
I prepare for virtual events in the same manner as in-person events, with the addition of several customizable approaches:
- Open-ended icebreaker questions to kick off the event.
- Topical polls.
- Recognition of ‘aha moments.’
- Disseminating practical suggestions and reframing throughout the session.
In addition to these approaches, reframing is an essential tool. By nature of the technology, virtual meetings are less conversational and more question-and-answer. Occasionally, a guest provides a lengthy, complex answer with tangential stories. As moderators, we can reframe the answers with clarity and understanding. I provide periodic recaps of what I have learned throughout the meeting, facilitating greater understanding by the broad group and more profound engagement.
Finally, with the Playbook ready, it’s time for the dry run. The Ortus Club creates a dry run with the sponsor, event producers, and moderator. It’s a wonderful opportunity to refine alignment and ensure a memorable event while establishing measures for success.
What tips and tricks would you recommend for those aspiring to become moderators?
- Arrive Early and Connect:
Arrive early to align with the production team and reconnect with event sponsor liaisons.
- Prepare Equipment:
Set up my digital tablet with the Ortus Club Moderator’s Guide and Playbook for quick reference.
- Seating Arrangements:
Sketch a seating diagram, including first and last names, and leave space for notes.
- Audio Testing:
Test voice volume to ensure it counteracts ambient noise, echoes, and any staff rustling, allowing guests to relax, listen, and enjoy.
- Guest Welcome:
Warmly welcome each guest upon arrival, emphasizing their vital role in the success of the evening.
- Engagement with Guests:
Engage in brief exchanges with arriving guests to gain insights into their perspectives and experiences on the topics to be covered.
- Encourage Feedback:
Encourage feedback from guests and sponsor liaisons, who often generously share what motivated them during the event.
- Facilitate Connections:
Facilitate introductions between guests and sponsors to foster meaningful interactions.
Could you share some memorable moments from your moderating experiences?
Memorable moments for me are about serving with excellence. Midway through lively discourse on a foundational topic, a guest began a lengthy pitch to sell their product, disrupting the conversation’s flow and purpose. The situation presented an excellent opportunity to show the value of having a moderator guide group conversation. I gave the guest grace and allowed them to express their points, then smoothly steered the conversation back to the main discussion, ensuring everyone in the room felt comfortable and included. Moderators regulate the emotions in the room. Afterwards, attendees and sponsors showed appreciation for the ‘moment.’ Another great moment during a virtual meeting was when the sponsor’s liaisons were pleasantly surprised by my deep research of their company and services. I effectively connected guests’ insightful questions about the value of the sponsor’s solutions, enriching the high-energy, discovery–filled conversation.
In what ways has moderating contributed to your growth as a leader in your field?
Moderators are diplomats. If your career depends on diplomacy, moderating for The Ortus Club is a tremendous opportunity to hone your skills. Moderating offers the opportunity to observe and learn from the dynamics of subject matter experts within a group setting. Additionally, guests actively champion my role, knowing we can create an exponentially beneficial experience. Further, I often manage cross-functional teams at cross-purposes and negotiate with industry competitors to create strategic technology and marketing alliances. In my role as a marketing leader, I encounter new dynamics every day. Moderating The Ortus Club events broadens my ability to be ever-ready for the next memorable moment.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of moderating?
My interests are full circle. Reflecting on this topic, I see that the life I have created is fully synergistic. An outstanding work-life balance. Active training with dressage horses enhances my skills as a moderator. Through clear and consistent communication with the horse, I cultivate the ability to guide and maintain engagement.
Building trust and respect with my equine partner mirrors the rapport that fosters collaboration among meeting participants. Moreover, honing emotional agility enables me to navigate diverse personalities and steer conversations toward productive outcomes. As in dressage, where guidance and adaptability are paramount, these skills equip me to facilitate meetings with finesse, ensuring each participant’s voice is heard and valued.
I am also re-reading the profound insights Isaac Asimov shared through his seminal works on artificial intelligence and physics; it is a journey back to the core. From the age of 11, I embarked on a literary adventure with ‘The Foundation.’ From there, I voraciously consumed 33 of Asimov’s captivating novels before my 21st birthday. This early immersion ignited my passion for the possibilities of AI and launched the course of my studies and a career in marketing AI and wireless technologies. It is a journey that continues to inspire me every day. Finally, travelling worldwide and engaging with new people and cultures on a new terrain further enhances the diplomacy I bring to every Ortus Club event. My interests, training, and skills are balanced.
What advice would you offer to aspiring moderators?
- Create a Sense of Belonging:
Foster a community where guests feel they belong. This is crucial for facilitating meaningful discussions. When people feel comfortable and included, they are more likely to engage and contribute. - Distinguish Between Moderation and Project Management:
Understand the differences between moderation and project management to help you focus on facilitating discussions and creating an environment for ongoing conversations rather than solely driving tasks to completion. - Maintain Neutrality:
Be neutral, as it allows you to guide discussions without bias effectively. It’s essential to actively listen, encourage participation from all members, and allow everyone to share their opinions. - Empower Others to Contribute:
Encourage quieter members to participate to enrich the conversation and foster a sense of inclusivity. Recognising and celebrating the contributions of others, like a basketball assist, is just as important as scoring points yourself. Reflecting on your skills and experiences as a moderator, such as tracking how many times you’ve assisted others in conversations, can help you recognize your strengths and areas for improvement.
