Engaging Session Formats

This year's conference utilized innovative formats that heightened engagement and allow every voice to be heard. These formats tapped into the collective genius within the group so that together participants could discover new and uncharted solutions. 

Conference sessions were presented in one of the following interactive formats:

Pecha Kucha
A rapid fire presentation format that allows big ideas to be shared easily, concisely, and efficiently.

In this format, five discussion leaders shape a compelling dialogue by each presenting 20 slides -- no text, only pictures -- for 20 seconds apiece. When the leaders have concluded their presentations, participants move into smaller groups with the discussion leaders for an in-depth exchange.¹

See an example of a Pecha Kucha session.

IdeaZLab
Participants consider ideas and solutions to core questions or challenges on a specific topic or theme.

These sessions begin with eight discussion leaders offering their ideas on some element of the session's theme. At the conclusion of the presentations, each leader adjourns to a table for ten, to be joined by participants for an intimate exchange.

InsightXchange
A lively exchange between panelists that includes and engages the audience.

A small group of speakers share their opinions on thought-provoking topics, with the audience encouraged -- even expected -- to interact with the panelists and with each other.

FutureLab
These special sessions aim to deepen our understanding of key trends in the nonprofit community and how we can shape those trends.

These sessions focus on key societal trends as they relate to the future of the nonprofit sector. Highly interactive sessions enable small groups to apply different scenarios to issues or challenges.

¹Pecha Kucha is Japanese for the sound of conversation or chit-chat. It was conceived in 2003 by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham as a place for designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. There are many examples of Pecha Kucha in action available on the internet for inspiration, including this one by best-selling author Daniel Pink.