Speakers at a live event are at odds over presentation order. How do you navigate this clash of perspectives?

1 Assess Needs

Understanding the speakers' concerns about the presentation order is your first step toward resolution. Engage in one-on-one conversations to identify the reasons behind their preferences. Some may have valid points about content flow or audience engagement that you hadn't considered. Others might be worried about their talk's impact or have personal constraints. By listening attentively, you'll gain insights into their perspectives and can begin to craft a solution that acknowledges their needs while maintaining the integrity of the event's schedule.

2 Open Dialogue

Once you've assessed individual needs, foster an open dialogue among the speakers. Encourage them to express their views and listen to each other, facilitating a collaborative discussion. This can help them understand the broader context of the event and how their presentations fit into the overall narrative. Through this process, speakers often come to appreciate the strengths of different sequencing and may even reach a consensus on their own, which can lead to a more cooperative atmosphere.

4 Offer Alternatives

If consensus is hard to reach, offer alternative solutions. Perhaps there's room for flexibility in other parts of the event schedule that could accommodate the speakers' preferences without compromising the overall experience. You could suggest different formats, such as panel discussions or breakout sessions, which might appeal to speakers while also providing variety for the audience. By demonstrating willingness to explore creative options, you show respect for the speakers' concerns and dedication to the event's success.

5 Leverage Expertise

Sometimes, leveraging the expertise of an experienced event planner or industry expert can help resolve conflicts. These professionals often have insights into what presentation order works best for certain types of content and audiences. They can offer objective opinions that might sway speakers who are holding out for personal reasons. Additionally, being presented with an expert's perspective can make speakers feel heard and valued, as it shows that you're seeking the best outcome for everyone involved.

6 Finalize Order

After considering all factors and discussions, it's time to finalize the presentation order. Make a decision based on what's best for the event and communicate it clearly to all speakers, providing rationale if necessary. Ensure that each speaker understands their place in the lineup and feels confident about their contribution. It's important to be decisive and firm once a decision is made, as lingering uncertainty can lead to further disagreements and disrupt the event planning process.