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European Sustainable Energy Week
News blog21 March 2022European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency

What Makes a Successful Policy Conference Session?

Make the most of your application to host a session at this year’s European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Policy Conference by covering these key areas and challenge yourself to make your session as engaging as possible.

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RELEVANCE: HOW ARE YOU CONTRIBUTING TO THE EXISTING CONVERSATION?

The topic you and your organising partners present is naturally at the heart of your proposal. Offering insights that actively engage with the EU’s current energy priorities and this year’s theme of ‘Going green and digital for Europe’s energy transition’ is key. Whether you choose to spotlight organisations working with young people for the European Year of Youth, or explore the REPowerEU plan, make sure you are offering something that adds to the conversation.

A good rule of thumb is to question why this specific discussion should take place at this year’s edition. What is it about the current moment that makes this angle so important?

ORIGINALITY: ARE YOU OFFERING SOMETHING NEW?

Once you are sure that your proposal offers something engaging and relevant to Europe’s renewable energy community, think about what is distinct about your approach. Perhaps you are including or partnering with an organisation doing truly innovative work, or combining a specialist local perspective with a Europe-wide angle.

Ask yourself what your session will offer that will set it apart from other sessions on the same subject. If you can clearly define what makes your content unique, you are on the right track. 

DIVERSITY: THE KEY TO A LIVELY DISCUSSION

As when you evaluate who to partner with, you should also reflect on who you are proposing as speakers: do they represent a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds? Being able to hear different outlooks and experts from distinct areas is crucial. Not only will it ensure more ground is covered but will also allow speakers to engage with one another and have a real debate. Ensuring gender balance and geographical diversity is key, as is selecting speakers from different kinds of organisations and structures.

Even after having selected a diverse range of speakers, you may wish to consider what is striking about each of their perspectives.

THE MODERATOR: BRINGING IDEAS TO LIFE

Alongside selecting an inspiring set of speakers, a skilled and experienced moderator is paramount to ensuring a session that holds its own and flows well for the audience. Creating links between different ideas and summarising what is being discussed is a way to keep the audience’s attention and ensure they take away meaningful insights after the session.

Identifying someone who both knows the subject matter well and is a clear, confident speaker able to engage audiences may be challenging but certainly worth it.

INTERACTIVITY: MEET YOUR AUDIENCE WHERE THEY ARE

Far from being a gimmick, interactivity (especially in the context of a hybrid event) is a valuable tool that will not only help the audience feel more engaged but will also give you a better idea of who is in the room and what their interests and priorities are. Opening your session with a quick poll or brainstorm lets you understand more about who you are speaking to and where their interests lie.

Ask yourself: how can I find out more about my audience and keep them engaged throughout the duration of my session? What would be the ideal moment to introduce these engagement tools?

The deadline for the call for sessions has now passed, and no further applications will be accepted. Applicants can expect to be informed about whether their session has been accepted by mid-May.

 

EUSEW this year is going green and digital for Europe's energy transition. Take a look at the promotional materials and use the content to spread the word!

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