How to Select the Right Format for Your PanelPicker Proposal

Selecting the right format for your SXSW EDU session proposal is essential. The format you select will dictate the flow of the session from the number of speakers allotted to the level of audience participation, and even the way that the room is set up. Before you enter your idea, read through this breakdown of the format options to make sure that your selection aligns with your intention for the session.

The format selection is made in the Title & Characteristics section of the PanelPicker® application. Visit panelpicker.sxsw.com and select "+ Sign in to Create a SXSW EDU Proposal" to enter your idea before the upcoming deadline, extended through Sunday, July 22.

Campfire

1–2 SPEAKERS, 60 MIN
A speaker-led, open conversation that focuses on driving a dialogue with attendees around a particular topic rather than offering a structured presentation.

• Campfire sessions are imagined to be intimate and audience fueled conversations.
• In this session style, the speaker takes on a facilitation role and helps to keep the discussion moving forward by probing the audience, along with offering insight and expertise throughout the course of the session.

Case Study

1–3 SPEAKERS, 60 MIN
A focused presentation highlighting research findings from relevant initiatives and projects, followed by audience Q&A.

• Case study sessions provide an opportunity for the community to better understand and discuss the latest research or initiatives impacting teaching and learning.

Debate

3 SPEAKERS, 60 MIN
A constructive, moderated debate between opposing viewpoints on an impactful topic, followed by audience Q&A.

• Debates are returning for SXSW EDU 2019 after not being included in PanelPicker this past year.
• These sessions are imagined to provide a platform for opposing viewpoints on relevant topics impacting education.
• Balanced topics with reasonable ground for both sides, supported by data and facts are best suited for debates.
• Debates require a third speaker to serve as the moderator for the session.

Future20

1 SPEAKER, 20 MIN
A short solo presentation highlighting new and emerging ideas. Optional audience Q&A.

• Future20 sessions are very popular at SXSW EDU, attendees really enjoy that the content is to-the-point and consumable.
• Future20s are solo talks that allow the speaker to share in-depth information on a specific topic in a short amount of time.
• If you are proposing a Future20, isolate the primary aspect of your topic and get into the specifics, drilling down to what really matters.

Hands On

1–2 SPEAKERS, 30 MIN
An informal, activity-based session that facilitates interactive and creative learning techniques.

• Hands on sessions are very similar to workshop sessions because they too provide tangible takeaways that attendees can take straight back to the classroom.
• Attendees love these sessions because they are short and sweet opportunities to pick up new ideas for their students.

Meet Up

1–2 SPEAKERS, 60 MIN
A speaker-facilitated networking event that encourages communities to connect around similar topics, passions, roles, or interests.

• Meet ups are fairly open ended, compared to some of the other session formats, because the primary goal of these sessions is to connect communities during SXSW EDU.
• These sessions are topic-focused, networking events that can take a variety of forms such as a facilitated networking activity, game, or topic-focused brainstorm.

Panel

2–4 SPEAKERS, 60 MIN
A diverse and dynamic exploration of a particular topic, followed by audience Q&A.

• Panel proposals consistently make up the largest percentage of PanelPicker entries, which means that panels are the most competitive format type.
• If you decide that a Panel is the best fit for your session, pay close attention to the 5 Elements of Diversity (gender, location, opinion, variety, and ethnicity) as it relates to the proposed speakers.
• A strong panel is led by a strong moderator. Be sure to check the moderator box indicating which speaker is going to assume this role during the session.

Talk

1–3 SPEAKERS, 30 MIN
A focused, high-energy presentation centered on breakthroughs and insights, followed by audience Q&A.

• Short form discussions are popular at SXSW EDU because attendees love the opportunity to learn about topics by learning from a focused and intentional presentation.
• For talks with multiple speakers, the 5 Elements of Diversity (gender, location, opinion, variety and ethnicity) are important to consider.

Workshop

1–3 SPEAKERS, 2 HOURS
An in-depth, instructional program with hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways.

• Workshop sessions at SXSW EDU are extremely popular! Attendees value workshops for the advanced and in-depth information that they obtain from attending.
• Workshops are notably longer in length to allow the speakers to really dive deep into the topic at hand, leading to tangible takeaways.
• The best workshops encourage involvement and interaction from everybody.

Visit panelpicker.sxsw.com and select "+ Sign in to Create a SXSW EDU Proposal" to get started today! Download the PanelPicker Guide, a printable PDF, for more tips on submitting in PanelPicker.

SXSW EDU 2018 hands on session – photo by Diego Donamaria.