Moderator

I moderate panels for arts and culture events. That includes marketing conferences, family arts conferences, audience development panels, and any event where you have a panel of speakers, a topic that matters, and an audience that wants more than a polite chat.

The job is to introduce the theme, introduce the panellists, ask the questions that get the conversation moving, and open the floor to the audience so they feel part of the event. As a moderator I am happy to play devil’s advocate when the room needs it, to spark a real debate without losing the warmth of the conversation.

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How I prepare and run a panel

Every event is briefed differently, and I work with what you have.

  • I take a full brief on the event, the panellists, the audience and the outcome you want
  • I prepare or review the question set, including challenging questions and follow-ups
  • I meet the panellists in advance where possible, in person or online, so I know who is who and we can iron out any issues
  • I introduce the theme and the panel and set the tone for the discussion
  • I lead the conversation, ask the prepared questions, drop in fresh ones as the conversation flows, and bring the audience in
  • I keep time, particularly when the event has a tight slot in a longer programme

Testimonials

What clients say

Working with Elaine has been incredibly rewarding for our project. As a predominantly white organisation, we called upon Elaine’s lived experience and expertise to recruit African Caribbean participants for Focus Groups this year, and I don’t think we would have been able to run those consultations to time, or as successfully, without her support. Elaine went above and beyond from the get-go, even travelling to Harewood to visit and meet with some of the participants, which I think had a positive contribution to their experience. Plus, she’s a lovely person to be around and work with! Elaine’s dedication and communication throughout is testament to how invested she is in diversifying cultural audiences in a genuine and authentic way, and I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with her and draw upon her expertise for this important work. Don’t hesitate to work with Elaine!

Beth Dawes, Head of Marketing and Audiences. Harewood House, Leeds

Talk to me about your project

Whether you are a venue, a producer, a heritage site, or an arts lover thinking about joining The Arts & Culture Group, I would love to hear from you.

Get in touch

When a moderator is the right fit

This service is a particularly good fit when you have:

  • A marketing or family arts conference panel and need a confident host who knows the sector
  • A public event with a single big topic and a panel of voices on it
  • A community-facing panel where the audience needs to feel part of the conversation
  • A panel where you want some real debate, not just everybody agreeing politely
  • An event where the host needs to look after panellists, time, and audience all at once

What you get when you book me

  • A moderator who genuinely loves and understands Arts and Culture
  • Calm, prepared facilitation that gets the most out of your panellists
  • Honest, well-pitched questions that move the conversation forward
  • A warm, confident presence on stage
  • Tight time management so your programme stays on track

Testimonials

What clients say

We can’t thank you enough.  I’ve got kids with me who have never been to London – let alone a West End Show.  One little girl (whose family said they couldn’t afford the train fare, but we fundraised!)  has had a homemade count down calendar by her bed for the last month. Thank you for all your help organising.  We are so very grateful.

From one of the groups who attended the Hamilton event

Talk to me about your project

Whether you are a venue, a producer, a heritage site, or an arts lover thinking about joining The Arts & Culture Group, I would love to hear from you.

Get in touch