The world of events is constantly evolving, and so are the types of session that our conference speakers are being asked to deliver. We asked the JLA team to break down the latest trends in session format that we’re seeing across our diverse client base, ranging from new approaches to returning favourites.
Workshops
Over the past few months, JLA has seen a significant increase in requests for workshop-style engagements. Lasting anywhere from a couple of hours, half a day, or even a series of repeat events across a few months, workshops give our clients the opportunity to not only hear our speakers’ valuable insights, but to action them, and start making concrete organisational change. In turn, many speakers are beginning to offer more consultative, tailored and bespoke services, focused on providing an interactive experience and tangible takeaways.
Roundtables / Intimate discussions
Following on from the focus on tailored content, JLA have observed a spike in events with much smaller audience numbers, allowing speakers to tune their sessions to the individual needs of specific groups and teams. Giving our talent the chance to ‘get to know’ attendees allows for direct interaction and collaboration, unlocking the potential for back-and-forth conversation and reaching levels of depth that prove difficult on larger scales.
Virtual Events
The days of COVID may be largely behind us, but virtual events are here to stay. Online sessions are a great way to connect audiences on a much larger scale, particularly useful for larger organisations looking to unite teams spread across the globe through a singular experience. They also broaden the scope for speaker participation, allowing further-flung speakers or those with busier schedules to dial-in to an event without needing to hop on a plane.
The Keynote
There’s no beating the classics. JLA are continuing to see steady interest in 1 hour keynotes, typically consisting of 30-45 minutes of speaking and followed by questions. Keynotes set the tone of an event – whether framing a day at its outset, or solidifying key takeaways as it draws to a close, a great speech can concentrate and amplify the core themes and ideas you want your audience to take away.
Fireside Chats
Last, but by no means least, the fireside chat has maintained steady popularity across JLA’s client base, and for good reason. Replicating the off-the-cuff nature of podcasts, this format brings us right back to the theme of tailored content we began with; whether it’s your CEO in conversation with one of our talent, or two speakers united to reflect on a matter of shared relevance and interest, each combination promises to bring about a discussion entirely unique to your event alone.
If you’re interested in exploring a different approach for your event, do reach out and someone from the JLA team will be happy to chat through some options in more depth.